Hello Back Bay Buoys, happy Friday!

Did anyone score any vintage Fendi at the All Island Garage Sale? We don’t have a Back Bay Buzz yacht (yet), but this weekend we can pretend to be able to afford one as NBIBS (Newport Beach International Boat Show) launches on the well-heeled transient docks near Lido Village.

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:

  • International Boat Show

  • Stagecoach Prep

  • Record Store Day

  • Swing Dance World Record

Jon Dougher, Publisher, Back Bay Buzz

Newport International Boat Show Launches

The Newport Beach International Boat Show is a high-energy celebration of the coastal lifestyle starting Thursday April 16th and ending April 19th, right in the heart of Lido Marina Village. Since its start in 1971, this event has transformed into a premier showcase where over 200 vessels—from sleek sport boats to massive luxury yachts—line the docks against the backdrop of the Pacific. While the brokerage deals are the main event, the vibe is both aspirational and accessible (lol), drawing a crowd that loves the water as much as the social buzz of the boardwalk.

There is plenty to do even if you aren’t quite ready to buy a flagship. You can get hands-on with the "Start Sailing NOW Workshop" to find your sea legs with professional captains, or wander the land-based displays featuring a stunning collection of exotic supercars, timeless classics, and rugged adventure-ready rides. Between the live music and the curated social lounges, it is the perfect place to grab a drink, soak in the Newport energy, and experience the best of the harbor without needing a billionaire's budget.

Swing Dance World Record This Weekend

WHAT
World’s Largest Swing Dance Lesson Provided by Atomic Ballroom!
Learn the Balboa Swing, invented in Newport Beach during the Big Band era.

WHERE
Peninsula Park Athletic Field (next to Balboa Pier in Newport Beach, CA)
100 Main St, Newport Beach, CA 92661

WHEN
Sunday, April 19

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

9:30 – 11:00 am | Gates open. Check-In Time & Live Music
Please arrive early to allow time for check-in and parking.

11:15 – 11:45 am | The official Guinness World Record Attempt (30 minutes)

11:45 – 12:30 pm | Judges’ Deliberation & Live Music by The Jonathan Stout Orchestra Featuring Hilary Alexander

All participants will be entered into a raffle; winners will be announced during this time.

11:45 – 1:30 pm l TK Burgers, Tacomiendo, and Hobo Co. Pizza food trucks will be available in Parking Lot B, along with a display of vintage cars.

Water stations will be available on site, but bringing your own water is encouraged.

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“There’s no crying on the Duffy”

  • Pilates Pop-Up ($20)- The Lab
    Friday Apr 17th
    10am-11am
    Info

  • Original Willy Wonka at The Lido Theater Newport Beach ($12.50/ticket)

    Friday, 17 April

    7:00 pm - 8:45 pm
    Info

  • Big Boat Show (NBIBS) - Lido Village
    April 16th-19th
    Info

  • Tiny Home Fest at OC Fair and Event Center in Costa Mesa

    Saturday and Sunday, Apr 18th-19th

    10:00 am - 5:00 pm
    Info

  • One Less Lonely Girl Themed Workout Class - CAZ Newport
    Wear purple…
    Saturday Apr 18th
    12:30-3pm
    Info

  • Get Stagecoach Ready - landers Suppply House
    Hat and Boot Branding, Bolo Ties and Belts
    Saturday Apr 18th 12-5pm
    Info

  • Record Store Day - Various Locations
    Saturday Apr 18th
    Check out all locations in The Back Bay Map Room


  • Free Swing Dance Lesson (Guinness World Record) - Peninsula Park
    Sunday Apr 19th
    10-12:30pm
    Info

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

  • Baby Goat Yoga - Tanaka Farms
    Saturdays 10am (Hana Field)
    Info

  • Margarita Monday Singles Mixer - Zinqué
    Monday April 20th (blaze it)
    7pm-9:30pm
    Info

  • Spring Candle Workshop - SemiTropic Wines
    Wed Apr 22nd
    6-9pm
    Info

  • Dog Adoption - Hi-Time Wine Cellars
    Saturday Apr 25th
    10-2pm
    Info

  • AirIWater Porsche Lifestyle Event - OC Fairgrounds
    Saturday Apr 25th
    9am-3pm
    Tickets

  • Daydream Makers Market - Daydream Surf Shop
    Saturday May 9th
    Info

  • Spring Warehouse Sales + Makers Mart - Moongoat Coffee x Pixel Perf
    Sunday May 31
    10-3pm
    Info

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

Worth the Drive:

  • Mother’s Day Market - Dana Point
    Saturday May 9th
    10-4pm
    Info

  • Trolley Hop Honkey Tonk - Dana Point
    Sunday May 24th
    12-5pm
    Info

  • Adventure Van Expo - San Juan Capistrano
    Sat-Sun May 30-31st
    10am-3pm
    Tickets

WHAT’S GOING ON IN SOUTH OC?

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Perfect Yacht-buying weather…

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

THIS WEEKEND:

  • Corona Del Mar Songs and Stories at the Library

    Friday, 24 April

    10:30 am - 11:00 am
    Info

  • Little Seedlings Storytime at Sherman Gardens in Corona Del Mar

    Friday, 17 April

    10:00 am - 10:30 am
    Info

  • Original Willy Wonka at The Lido Theater Newport Beach ($12.50/ticket)

    Friday, 17 April

    7:00 pm - 8:45 pm
    Info

  • Free Pancake Breakfast, Family Activities, and Guided Hike in Irvine

    Saturday, 18 April

    9:00 am - 11:00 am
    Info

  • Earth Day at the Bay in Newport Beach

    Saturday, 18 April

    10:00 am - 4:00 pm
    Info

  • Barnes and Noble Storytime at Fashion Island

    Saturday, 18 April

    11:30 am - 12:00 pm
    Info

Plan Ahead:

  • 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

  • Bricks and Minifigs Two Year Anniversary Event - Bricks and Minifigs (CM)
    Spin the prize wheel, raffle drawing, exclusive deals, gifts and more
    Saturday Apr 11th-12th
    Info

  • Mothing Night - Fairview Park
    Much ado about mothing…
    Friday Apr 24th
    After Dark
    Info

  • Earth Day Fest - Costa Mesa City Hall
    Saturday Apr 26th
    10am-2pm
    Info

  • Beckman Arts and Science Family Festival - Segerstrom Center for the Arts
    Saturday May 16th
    11:30am-2:30pm
    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)

Thanks! Please ignore any typos, our editor is busy coming up with yacht names (Buzz Me In, Buoys n Gulls, Seńor Buzzington, Prixe Fixe, Better Than You II…)

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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