Hello Back Bay Bandolinos, happy Friday!
That’s a nice thoroughfare you have there, it would be a shame if something were to block it entirely. But that is exactly what is happening this weekend as the most annoyingly healthy people you know lace up their Hokas for the OC marathon.
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:
OC Marathon info and maps
Merch Pop-up
Makers Hive Market
— Jon Dougher, Publisher, Back Bay Buzz
Marathon Begins at Fashion Island and Ends Any Chance of Parking
The Hoag OC Marathon Running Festival is taking over the streets this weekend, bringing thousands of athletes and spectators to the coastal route. The event kicks off on Saturday, May 2nd, with the Kids Run the OC in the morning and a sunset 5K at 5:30 PM. The main events follow on Sunday morning, May 3rd, with the full marathon starting at 5:30 AM and the half marathon at 6:30 AM.
Both Sunday races begin near Fashion Island in Newport Beach and wind through the scenic neighborhoods of Corona del Mar and the Back Bay before heading toward the finish line at the OC Fair and Event Center in Costa Mesa. While all race distances are currently sold out, the public is still welcome at the two-day Health and Fitness Expo on Friday and Saturday, as well as the Celebrate OC Finish Line Festival on Sunday. If you are planning to be out and about on Sunday morning, be prepared for significant road closures throughout Newport Beach, Santa Ana, and Costa Mesa until the early afternoon.
♥ Know someone would appreciate the newsletter?
✨ Share the love, score some merch ✨
2 referrals = VIP Shoutout in the newsletter
5 Referrals = Back Bay Buzz exclusive Mug or Tote
“There’s no crying on the Duffy”
Lifestyle and Fitness Expo - OC Fair
Friday May 1
3-7pm
InfoMat Pilates on the Green - The Shore at Lido Village
Friday May 1
8am-5pm
InfoCasa Caia Merch Pop-up - The Lab
Saturday May 2
11am-3pm
InfoMakers Hive Market - The Camp
Saturday May 2
11am-4pm
InfoBusiness & Pleasure Picnic Pop-up - The Shore
Sunday May 3
9am-4pm
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
InfoCinco De Mayo Taco Tuesday - Playa Mesa
Tuesday May 5th
InfoDaydream Makers Market - Daydream Surf Shop
Saturday May 9th
InfoLive Music for Mothers Day - The Lab
Sunday May 10
1-3pm
InfoMother’s Day Brunch - Habana (The Lab)
Sunday May 10th
InfoMahjong Beginner Lessons - Zinqué
Monday May 11th
7-10pm
InfoLate Edition Flea Market - The Lab
Sat May 16th
10am-3pm
InfoSpring Warehouse Sales + Makers Mart - Moongoat Coffee x Pixel Perf
Sunday May 31
10-3pm
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:
Easy Breezy Beautiful Cloud Cover…
🌊 Water temp = 65º
Suit Rec: Spring suit/Full suit 3/2
THIS WEEKEND:
Star Wars Episode I - The Lido Theater
Friday May 1
7pm-9pm
InfoStar Wars Episode II
Saturday May 2
7-9pm
Open Aquarium Hours at Orange Coast College
Saturday, 02 May
12:30 pm - 4:30 pm
InfoBarnes and Noble Storytime at Fashion Island
Saturday, 02 May
11:30 am - 12:00 pm
InfoAquatic Community Day at Back Bay Science Center in Newport Beach
Sunday, 26 April
10:00 am - 2:00 pm
Info
Plan Ahead:
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
RSVPCiclo Irvine Community Bike Ride
Saturday, 02 May
11:00 am - 4:00 pm
InfoBeckman 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)
🌴 Costa Mesa
Thanks! Please ignore any typos, our editor is at war in the comments section with all of The Whaler haters…
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!
SPONSOR THE NEWSLETTER!
Our readers are savvy, engaged, locals.
Email [email protected] to explore our sponsorship options.
