Hello Back Bay Begonias, happy Friday!
Memorial Day is upon almost upon us, the summer is just around the corner. Many leave town to travel to less frequented climes, and even more out-of-towners descend on Newport and Costa Mesa to enjoy the season and turn Newport Blvd into a parking lot.
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:
Lawn bowling is here to stay
There is Something in the water
Balboa Art Walk This Weekend
— Jon Dougher, Publisher, Back Bay Buzz
Lawn Bowling Finds New Fans in Newport
Looking for a sport that combines the strategy of chess with the social vibes of a garden party? On May 9th, The Newport Harbor Lawn Bowling Club welcomed over 100 newcomers to its sunshine-filled open house to prove that this historic sport is anything but "boring."
Club President Julie Buchanan, who joined to spend more time with her husband, highlights that the game is a hidden gem for all ages—offering everything from high-stakes tournament play to therapeutic mobility benefits. Whether you’re looking to sharpen your mental focus or enjoy some co-ed competition where "technical ability beats brute strength," the club offers a welcoming community and a literal breath of fresh air.
Want to give it a spin? The club is famous for its "easy to learn, hard to master" appeal. Visit their greens at San Joaquin Hills Road and Crown Drive to see why locals (and international pros alike) are hooked on this quintessential Newport Beach pastime.
Concerning Bacteria Levels Found Near The Dunes
Attention Back Bay visitors and swimmers: A 🟡 Yellow rating has been issued for the north side of Newport Dunes, specifically near the pedestrian bridge.
According to the Orange County Health Care Agency, recent weekly water samples show that bacteria levels currently exceed state health standards. While the beach remains open, contact with the water may cause illness.
What you need to know:
The Risk: Elevated bacteria levels in ocean and bay water can lead to gastrointestinal issues, skin rashes, or ear and throat infections.
Precautions: It is recommended to avoid swimming or body-contact water sports in the affected area until levels return to normal.
Monitoring: The Environmental Health Water Quality Program samples this location weekly to ensure public safety.
For the most up-to-date status on Newport Beach water quality, you can visit OCBeachInfo.com or call the Ocean and Bay Posting and Closure hotline at (714) 433-6400. Stay safe and stay informed!
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“There’s no crying on the Duffy”
Check Out B&Ps New Lido “Yacht Club” - Lido Village
“Nice beach umbrella, it looks expensive”
InfoField of Honor at Castaways Park Newport Beach
Saturday, 16 May - Monday May 26th
InfoLate Edition Flea Market - The Lab
Sat May 16th
10am-3pm
InfoTote Bag Workshop ($200) - Flow Space (Costa Mesa)
Guided tote bag sewing class. All materials and sewing machines provided
Saturday May 16th
12-4pm
Sign UpPark Habitat Restoration Days in Costa Mesa
Saturday, 16 May
9:00 am - 10:00 am
InfoBalboa Island Art Walk - Balboa Island
Sunday May 16th
9am-5pm
Info
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
InfoNewport Beach Wine Festival - Balboa Bay Club
Friday May 22-24
InfoRedneck Rodeo - Newport Dunes
Friday May 22
InfoMemorial Day BBQ - Pendry
Monday May 25th
11am-6pm
InfoSpring Warehouse Sales + Makers Mart - Moongoat Coffee x Pixel Perf
Sunday May 31
10-3pm
Info31st Annual Balboa Island Parade - Balboa Island
Sunday May 31st
InfoCompost Giveaway and Shredding Event - OCC
Saturday Jun 13th
8am-12pm
InfoSongs in the Canyon - Canyon Park (Costa Mesa)
June 12-14
Info
Worth the Drive:
WHAT’S GOING ON IN SOUTH OC?
Check out our great partner newsletter:
…beats 6 7, am i right?
🌊 Water temp = 61º
Suit Rec: Spring suit/Full suit 3/2
THIS WEEKEND:
Little Seedlings Storytime at Sherman Library and Gardens in Corona Del Mar
Friday, 15 May
10:00 am - 10:30 am
Field of Honor at Castaways Park Newport Beach
Saturday, 16 May - Monday May 26th
InfoFree Safe Splash Bash in Costa Mesa
Saturday, 16 May
2:00 pm - 4:00 pm
InfoPark Habitat Restoration Days in Costa Mesa
Saturday, 16 May
9:00 am - 10:00 am
InfoBeckman Arts and Science Family Festival - Segerstrom Center for the Arts
Saturday May 16th
11:30am-2:30pm
Info
Plan Ahead:
Worth The Drive:
Hula Lessons + Moana Visit - Riverstreet Marketplace (SJC)
Tuesday May 19th
10:30am-11:30am
Info
Critter 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
RSVPSensory Play Soft Opening - Kid CanDo Studio (Balboa Funzone)
Saturday May 30th
10:30am-1pm
InfoKid’s Master Gardener Program - CDM Farmer’s Market
Saturday May 30
InfoMovie 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)
🌴 Costa Mesa
Thanks! Please ignore any typos, our editor swallowed some bay water after falling off his paddleboard.
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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