Hello Back Bay Bubs, Happy Friday!

Well, did we survive the rain? At least we will get a chance to wear some layers and once again toss it in our East Coast friends faces. Looks like it will warm up slightly just as Ski Week comes to a close. Expect a light weekend events-wise, after Dry Jan its turning into a bit of a Wet Feb.

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:

• 9 foot Waves Possible in Newport

• DUI/CDL Checkpoint Costa Mesa

• Repticon at the Fairgrounds

— Jon Dougher, Publisher, Back Bay Buzz

9 Foot Waves Possible in Newport

A High Surf Advisory is in effect along the Orange County coast through Friday night as a southern California winter storm rolls through, bringing stronger winds, rain and rough ocean conditions. Locals should expect dangerous (tasty?) surf with 5–9-foot waves and strong rip currents Thursday and Friday, especially at exposed breaks around Newport Beach and spots like The Wedge — even seasoned surfers are being warned to be extra cautious or stay out of the water entirely. Wet, breezy conditions and gusty offshore winds are tied to a larger storm system affecting much of the state this week, including heavy mountain snow and landslides inland.

The wind is causing havoc across the county: two guests at Disneyland were lightly injured when a tree toppled onto them on a patio during strong storm-related gusts earlier this week; they were treated and released, and park crews removed the tree.

Bottom line for beachgoers here: skip the surf this week, watch for changing conditions, and secure loose outdoor items.

PSA:

DUI/CDL Checkpoint Costa Mesa

Heads up, Costa Mesa — CMPD will be running a DUI and CDL checkpoint this Friday, Feb. 20, from 8 p.m. to 2 a.m. somewhere within city limits. These checkpoints are funded by the California Office of Traffic Safety, and by law the department has to give the public advance notice. Exact spots aren’t usually announced ahead of time, but in the past they’ve often been set up along busy corridors like Newport Boulevard (near 17th or 19th), 17th Street between Tustin and Newport, Harbor Boulevard, and parts of Bristol Street. If you’re heading out Friday night, plan ahead, drive safe, and don’t risk it.

• Repticon at OC Fair and Event Center

  Saturday, 21-22nd February

  9:00 am - 4:00 pm
  Info

• Park Habitat Restoration Days in Costa Mesa

  Saturday, 21 February

  9:00 am - 10:00 am
  Info

• Beach Cleanup & Community Science - The Wedge (Newport Beach)
  Saturday Feb 21st
  8am-12pm
  Info

• Grab a Bagel - Super Good Bagel (512 31st St, Newport Beach)
  Sat-Sun Popup
  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

• Fall Into Books Fest Tickets Go on Sale - Hilton Costa Mesa
  Monday Feb 23rd (Event is Nov 12-14 2026)
  Info

• Raising Canes Grand Opening - Newport Blvd Location
  February 24th

• Intro to Mahjong - Shop Prairie (Newport)
  Thursday Feb 26th
  5:30-8pm
  Info

• Emo Nite Speed Dating - Ruin Bar (Costa Mesa)
  Ages 30-44yo
  Thursday Feb 26th
  6:30pm-9pm
  Info

• Latte Art Throwdown Showdown - Day Dream Surfshop
  Friday Feb 27th
  6pm
  Info

• Beach & River Cleanup in Newport Beach

  Saturday Feb 28th

  9:00 am - 11:30 am
  Info

• Back Bay Cleanup and Maintenance - Upper Newport Bay
  Saturday Feb 28th
  9am-11am
  Info

• ABBA Tribute Live - Lido Theater
  Sunday March 8th
  Info

• Live Music, Free Yoga On the Green - The Camp
  Saturday Mar 14th
  10am-4pm
  Info
  

• Overland Expo 2026 - OC Fairgrounds
  March 14-15, Sat 9-5, Sun 9-4
  Info

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

WHAT’S GOING ON IN SOUTH OC?

Check out our great partner newsletter:

🌊 Water temp = 61º
Suit Rec: Spring suit/Full suit 3/2, maybe booties

Trigger Warning: Planned protests of Raising Canes grand opening on February 24th (Newport Blvd) may use graphic imagery and simulated violence. This may cause distress in young children. Please be aware as you plan your family outings.
More Info

THIS WEEKEND:

• Little Seedlings Storytime at Sherman Library and Gardens in Corona Del Mar

  Friday, 20 February

  10:00 am - 10:30 am
  info

• Repticon at OC Fair and Event Center

  Saturday, 21-22nd February

  9:00 am - 4:00 pm
  Info

• Park Habitat Restoration Days in Costa Mesa

  Saturday, 21 February

  9:00 am - 10:00 am
  Info

• Family Storytime - Corona Del Mar Branch Library

  Saturday, 21 February

  10:30 am - 11:00 am
  Info

• K-Pop DJs and Drone Display at Lunar New Year Market at Woodbury Town Center in Irvine

  Sunday, 22 February

  4:00 pm - 7:00 pm
  Info

Worth The Drive:

• Tell a Fairy Tale Day - River St Kids Club (SJC)
  Tuesday Feb 24th
  10:30am-11:30am
  Info

• Monarch Butterfly Habitat Workdays - Lantern Bay Park (Dana Point)
  Saturday Feb 28th
  9am-12pm
  Info

• Tiny Tots, Little Sprouts at the Ocean Institute - Dana Point
  Spring Session March 2nd-April 23rd
  Info

• Festival of Whales - Dana Point
  Saturday March 7th-8th
  10am-4pm
  Info

Plan Ahead:

• FREE Mermaid Storytime at Once Upon and Island (Registration Required)

  Wednesday, 25 February

  10:30 am - 11:00 am
  RSVP

• Beach & River Cleanup in Newport Beach

  Saturday, 28 February

  9:00 am - 11:30 am
  Info

• Lunar New Year Celebration at Fashion Island

  Saturday, 28 February

  12:00 pm - 3:00 pm
  Info

• Upper Newport Bay Habitat Stewards

  Saturday, 28 February

  9:00 am - 11:00 am
  Info

• Toddler Tea Party with a Princess ($37) - Once Upon an Island (Balboa Island)

  Monday, 02 March

  10:30 am - 11:30 am
  Info

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

• OC Uke Fest - Campus Jax
  Sunday Mar 22nd
  Info
  

Thanks! Please ignore any typos, our editor finally bought an umbrella and was immediately airborne yesterday…

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!