Hello Back Bay Beach Balls, happy Friday!
We would like to inform you that we broke down and tried Flecha for Taco Tuesday. The food was very ok. The wall art was very not ok. Our Danish waiter was a gem, and the Marky Margs were decent despite the rubber duckies. Don’t ask. We have no idea.
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:
Native Newport Classic is back at 38th St
Lobster Fest
Wine and Disco Boogie, anyone?
— Jon Dougher, Publisher, Back Bay Buzz
3rd Annual Native Newport Classic Returns
The unofficial kickoff for Local’s Summer is about to tee off. This Saturday, August 22nd, marks the third annual Native Newport Classic. Founded by local Compass realtor Ben Pinel (of the MWA team), the event was born out of a desire to create a genuine community connection at the beach. What started as a fun gathering has quickly grown into a highly anticipated local tradition.
This year's tournament is doubling down on the sport itself. While past years featured side games (cornhole, definitely-not-beer pong) and a "Mr. Native Newport" contest, the 2026 iteration is purely focused on the elevated volleyball talent. The invitational lineup features 16 teams split into two brackets: a "party" division for all skill levels (costumes encouraged) and a highly competitive division boasting actual professional players. Sponsors this year include local partners like Marquis Energy Drink, Wren Wellness Club, and Newport Apparel. Proceeds will go to the Ben Carlson Foundation.
While team registration is officially closed, spectating is completely free and highly encouraged.
When: Saturday, August 22nd, from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM.
Where: 38th Street (between towers 36 & 40)
What to bring: Beach chairs, umbrellas, and your standard beach-day setup to watch the action across the two courts.
The fun also doesn't stop at the beach. After the final serve, head over to The Alley from 3:30 PM to 5:30 PM for the official post-tournament happy hour, featuring discounted bites and drinks for registered players. We hope to see you all on the sand!
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“There’s no crying on the Duffy”
Native Newport Invitational Volleyball Tourny - 38th Street
Saturday August 22nd
9am
InfoHibiscus & Plumeria Show & Sale - Sherman Library & Gardens
Saturday, August 22nd
10:30am-4:00pm
Lobster Fest - 5 Crowns
Now through August 30th
InfoWedge Movie Night - Helmsman Alehouse
Saturday August 22nd
6pm
InfoDisco Boogie Night - Semi Tropic Wines
Saturday August 22nd
6:30-10pm
InfoCosta Mesa Speedway: Knobby Night Invitational - OC Fair & Event Center
Saturday, August 22nd
6:00pm-10:00pm
Summer Social & Floral Pop-Up - Lido Marina Village
Saturday, August 22nd
12:00pm-2:00pm
UPCOMING:
Fourth Fridays Vintage Market - Lido Marina Village
Friday, August 28th
12:00pm-5:00pm
End of Summer Market - Neat Coffee
Burgers, Vintage, Vinyl, Florals
Saturday August 29th
11-3pm
InfoShinrin-yoku Sunset Outdoor Sound Bath - Sherman Library & Gardens
Thursday, September 10th
7:00pm-8:00pm
Friends of OASIS Cars and Coffee - OASIS Senior Citizen Center
Saturday, September 12th
8:00am-10:30am
Maker Faire OC - OC Fair & Event Center
Saturday, September 12th
10:00am-5:00pm
Sand Sports Super Show - OC Fair & Event Center
Friday, September 18th
4:00pm-10:00pm
Annual Estuary Coastal Cleanup Day - Peter and Mary Muth Interpretive Center
Saturday, September 19th
9:00am-12:00pm
64th Annual Sandcastle Contest - Corona Del Mar State Beach Park
Sunday, September 27th
8:00am-12:00pm
🍷 Environmental Nature Center Wine Walk - Environmental Nature Center
Sunday, September 27th
4:00pm-7:00pm
WHAT’S GOING ON IN SOUTH OC?
Check out our great partner newsletter:
The humidity will continue until morale improves…
🌊 Water temp = 70º
Suit Rec: Spring suit 3/2
THIS WEEKEND:
Pottery Barn Kids Storytime - SCP
Friday, 21 August
11:00 am - 11:30 am
InfoMovie in the Park: The Bad Guys 2 - Cliff Drive Park
Friday, August 21st
7:00pm-9:00pm
Bitty Bins Playdate - Neat Coffee
Saturday August 22nd
9-11am
InfoTouch Tank Open Hours at OCC Aquarium ($5)
Saturday, 22 August
2:00 pm - 3:00 pm
InfoTouch-a-Truck - Irvine Great Park
Saturday, August 22nd
2pm
Info
Upcoming:
🦈 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
RSVP
Plan Ahead
Newport Beach Movie in the Park: Hoppers - Bayview Park
Friday, September 18th
6:00pm-8:00pm
64th Annual Sandcastle Contest - Corona Del Mar State Beach Park
Sunday, September 27th
8:00am-12:00pm
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 has melted into a puddle and is on his way out to sea.
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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