Hello Back Bay Benizens, happy Friday!
We were happy to find out that Birdie’s Bodega will be debuting their first standalone shop on PCH and Tustin later this year. Newport Heights is noticeably lacking in bodegas (and sidewalks. And streetlights), so a grab-and-go that isn’t the grease-fire scented 7-Eleven on Irvine is highly welcome.
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:
CDM hosts a scenic 5k and Funwalk
TV Fest hits NB
Mahjong at the Library
— Jon Dougher, Publisher, Back Bay Buzz
CDM Hosts 45th Annual Scenic 5k & Fun Walk
Our editor will be funwalking…
The 45th Annual Corona del Mar Scenic 5K and 2-Mile Fun Walk takes place this Saturday, June 6, 2026, along the oceanfront bluffs of Corona del Mar State Beach. Hosted by the local Chamber of Commerce, this iconic community tradition draws over 2,500 participants for a morning of ocean views, healthy competition, and local camaraderie. The event kicks off with registration at 6:00 AM, followed by staggered 5K waves for men and women starting at 7:55 AM, a 2-Mile Walk and Youth Run at 8:45 AM, and a 1K Dolphin Dash for the youngest runners at 9:00 AM.
Every participant receives a commemorative t-shirt, chip timing, and access to the event's famous complimentary breakfast row, where popular local restaurants serve up fresh morning eats. Beyond the finish line, the bluffs transform into a lively vendor fair featuring dozens of local businesses, live entertainment, and an awards ceremony. Spectators and participants should plan for early arrival to secure free parking at the state beach lot, and residents should note that local road closures along the course will remain in effect from 7:00 AM until noon on race day.
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“There’s no crying on the Duffy”
NB TV Fest - Various Theaters
June 4th Through 7th
TicketsShopbop NB Pop-up at The Shore
June 4th-7th
10am-6pm
InfoEnjoy the Spritz Garden - 21 Oceanfront
Saturdays and Sundays - June - Aug
12-4
InfoCosta Mesa Sewing Bee - 2044 Continental Ave, Costa Mesa
Saturday June 6th
9am-12pm
InfoDog Days at the Farm ($5) - Hana Field CM
Saturday June 6th
10am-4pm
InfoMahjong at the Library at Costa Mesa Mesa Verde Library
Sunday, 07 June
1:30 pm - 4:00 pm
UPCOMING:
Newport Needlepoint Club Meetup - Newport Needlepoint
“2026 is the year for Grandma hobbies”
Tuesdays 6-8pm
InfoTrivia Night - Bootlegger’s Brewery
Tuesdays 7-9pm
DirectionsFree Yoga Class - Seed Peoples Market
Wednesdays @ 10am
InfoShell Watercolor Workshop - Laguna Embroidery
Thursday June 11th
3-6pm
InfoDIY Craft Club - The Lab
Thursday June 11th
5-7pm
InfoHot Pursuits Workout Series at Fashion Island
Friday, 12 June
Time TBD
InfoImprov Comedy Experience - VEA Newport
Friday June 12th
6:45-8pm
InfoTalent Show - Neat Coffee
Satruday June 13th
5-9pm
InfoCompost Giveaway and Shredding Event - OCC
Saturday Jun 13th
8am-12pm
InfoSongs in the Canyon - Canyon Park (Costa Mesa)
June 12-14
InfoWooden Boat Festival - Balboa Yacht Club
Saturday June 13th
InfoSummer Concert Series: Kayln & The New Frontier (Country) - VEA Newport
Thursday June 18th
5:30-7:30pm
InfoFather’s Day Car Show - Balboa Bay Resort
Sunday June 21st
11-am-2pm
InfoHouse Party on the Rooftop (at the pier) - Ruby’s Diner
Friday June12th26th
4-10pm
Tickets
WHAT’S GOING ON IN SOUTH OC?
Check out our great partner newsletter:
🌊 Water temp = 63º
Suit Rec: Spring suit/Full suit 3/2
THIS WEEKEND:
Wild Tales in Newport Beach (Register!)
Friday, 05 June
10:00 am - 11:00 am
InfoPolice Officer Storytime at Newport Beach Central Library
Saturday, 06 June
10:30 am - 11:30 am
Info“Galaxy” (Star Wars) Day at the OC Zoo
Saturday, 06 June
10:00 am - 2:00 pm
InfoBarnes and Noble Storytime at Fashion Island Newport Beach
Saturday, 06 June
11:30 am
Surf Club (Family Beach Day) Playdate for Littles in Newport Beach
Sunday, 07 June
12:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Info
Worth The Drive:
Studio Arts Festival in Irvine
Saturday, 06 June
9:00 am - 5:00 pm
Polynesian Dancing and Matsumoto Shave Ice at Tanaka Farms
Sunday, 07 June
11:00 am - 6:00 pm
Plan Ahead:
🦈 Sharks After Dark - The Ocean Institute Dana Point
Second Fridays June-August
5:30-8:30pm
$0 for 0-18 month, $14 kids, $18 adults
InfoCritter investigations - Upper Newport Bay
3rd Wednesday of each month
10-11am
InfoStem Workshop - Carters x Kiwi Co. (Tustin Market Place)
Second Saturday of Every Month
10am -12pm
RSVPMovie 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)
🌴 Costa Mesa
Thanks! Please ignore any typos, our editor asked if he could pass for James Franco at the NB TV Fest and was not happy with our response.
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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