Hello Back Bay Beaus, happy June!

The first weekend of the Summer did not disappoint with parades, art shows, farmers markets, and Brunch Clubs. We are trying to stay on top of all of the upcoming events, concerts, shows and openings, if you have a scoop you want us to mention, please give us a shout at [email protected] (or just reply to this email).

To our new readers—welcome! The Back Bay Buzz delivers just the right amount of news and events for locals in Newport Beach and Costa Mesa. No crime, no politics, no spam—just the good stuff. We scan newspapers, blogs, social media, business journals, and Google alerts so you don’t have to.

In today’s Buzz:

  • Balboas’s 31st Annual Parade

  • Love Island Screening

  • $1 Movies at Regal

Jon Dougher, Publisher, Back Bay Buzz

Balboa Loves a Parade

Balboa Island came alive yesterday with the 31st Annual Balboa Island Parade, drawing a cheerful crowd of locals, tourists, and everyone in between. This year’s theme was “Good Vibrations on Balboa Island”, setting a positive tone as the summer season kicks off.

The parade began at 11:00 a.m. and rolled into the afternoon, culminating in a lively afterparty concert featuring a Beach Boys tribute band. Onlookers lined the sidewalks to cheer on a vibrant procession that included veterans, active-duty first responders, local dignitaries, marching bands, cheer squads, musicians, and a beloved pack of Golden Retrievers, Frenchies, and other local pups.

Despite the strong turnout, the event maintained a relaxed, family-friendly feel. Parade-goers enjoyed open sidewalks and easy access to local businesses—standouts included Huskins’ Shaken latte (they have inexplicably nixed their Spanish latte, which is tragic) and a Hippo cookie from Dad’s Donut & Bakery Shop.

The bridge closed to vehicles around 10:45 a.m., prompting many to walk in from nearby neighborhoods or take the auto ferry from the peninsula to avoid Balboa’s almost non-existent parking.

It was a festive, heartfelt day—one that honored those who serve our community and reminded us why Balboa remains one of the most spirited enclaves of Newport Beach.

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UPCOMING:

  • Newport Needlepoint Club Meetup - Newport Needlepoint
    “2026 is the year for Grandma hobbies”
    Tuesdays 6-8pm
    Info

  • Trivia Night - Bootlegger’s Brewery
    Tuesdays 7-9pm
    Directions

  • Free Yoga Class - Seed Peoples Market
    Wednesdays @ 10am
    Info

  • Love Island Screening - Helmsman Alehouse
    Tuesday June 2nd
    6pm
    Info

  • DIY Craft Club - The Lab
    Thursday June 11th
    5-7pm
    Info

  • Improv Comedy Experience - VEA Newport
    Friday June 12th
    6:45-8pm
    Info

  • Talent Show - Neat Coffee
    Satruday June 13th
    5-9pm
    Info

  • Compost Giveaway and Shredding Event - OCC
    Saturday Jun 13th
    8am-12pm
    Info

  • Songs in the Canyon - Canyon Park (Costa Mesa)
    June 12-14
    Info

  • Summer Concert Series: Kayln & The New Frontier (Country) - VEA Newport
    Thursday June 18th
    5:30-7:30pm
    Info

  • House Party on the Rooftop (at the pier) - Ruby’s Diner
    Friday June 12th 26th
    4-10pm
    Tickets


WHAT’S GOING ON IN SOUTH OC?

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Ideal conditions for a mid-week ceremonial matcha run…

🌊 Water temp = 65º
Suit Rec: Spring suit/Full suit 3/2

THIS WEEK:

  • $1 Summer Movies at Regal

    Monday, 01 June

    11:00 am - 1:00 pm
    Info

  • Pages and Paws at Costa Mesa Mesa Verde Library

    Tuesday, 02 June

    4:00 pm - 5:00 pm
    Info

  • Barnes and Noble Storytime at Fashion Island Newport Beach

    Wednesday, 03 June

    11:30 am - 12:00 pm
    Info

  • Baby Band at Costa Mesa Donald Dungan Library

    Thursday, 04 June

    10:30 am - 11:30 am
    Info


Plan Ahead:

  • 🦈 Sharks After Dark - The Ocean Instiute Dana Point

    Second Fridays June-August

    5:30-8:30pm
    $0 for 0-18 month, $14 kids, $18 adults
    Info

  • Critter investigations - Upper Newport Bay
    3rd Wednesday of each month
    10-11am
    Info

  • Stem Workshop - Carters x Kiwi Co. (Tustin Market Place)
    Second Saturday of Every Month
    10am -12pm
    RSVP

  • “Galaxy” (Star Wars) Day at the OC Zoo

    Saturday, 06 June

    10:00 am - 2:00 pm
    Info

  • Police Officer Storytime at Newport Beach Central Library

    Saturday, 06 June

    10:30 am - 11:30 am
    Info

  • Movie Mondays: The Parent Trap - Segerstrom Center
    Monday July 6th
    Info


Farmers Markets 🥬🥕:

Newport Pier Farmer’s Market

Costa Mesa - SOCO (Saturdays 9-2)

Corona Del Mar - PCH & Marguerite (Saturdays 9-1)

Newport Beach - Newport Pier (Sundays 9-1)

Newport Harbor - Dover Dr & 16th St (Saturdays 9am-1pm)

Mesa Verde - 1525 Mesa Verde Dr E, Costa Mesa (Sundays 10-2pm)

OC Fairgrounds Farmers Market - OC Fairgrounds, (Thursdays 9am-1pm)

Thanks! Please ignore any typos, our editor barely made it off Balboa island alive.

PS: Feel free to let me know any feedback or inside scoops you have for the newsletter. Just reply to this email, I read every one. Thanks!

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