Hello Back Bay Bungalows, happy Friday!

This is peak season, full stop. The OC Fair runs through August 16 at the fairgrounds, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. weeknights and until midnight on Fridays and Saturdays. The boardwalks are packed, parking is at a premium, and the whole Back Bay corridor has that unmistakable electric feeling of a summer that still has a few weeks left to burn.

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:

— Jon Dougher, Publisher, Back Bay Buzz

This weekend at Pacific Amphitheatre, the lineup is genuinely stacked across all three nights:

Friday, July 31 — Karl Denson's Tiny Universe joins Nile Rodgers and Chictakes the Pacific Amphitheatre stage at 7:30 p.m. The beloved saxophonist and touring member of the Rolling Stones brings his jazz-funk-rock ensemble for what's always a high-energy, groove-heavy night. An underrated pick for the weekend.

Saturday, August 1 — The Fab Four bring their acclaimed Beatles tribute to Pacific Amphitheatre at 8 p.m. This isn't a random cover band — The Fab Four are widely regarded as the best Beatles tribute act in the world, with meticulous period-accurate instruments, costumes, and vocal arrangements. A genuinely fun family night out. Tickets

Sunday, August 2 — Nelly headlines Pacific Amphitheatre at 7:30 p.m. The early 2000s hip-hop icon brings his hits in what will almost certainly be a high-energy, crowd-pleasing summer show with plenty of nostalgia fuel.

All concert tickets include same-day OC Fair admission, so arrive early and make a full evening of it. Fair After Dark runs every night at the Plaza Stage — Friday is a DJ dance party with DJ Narada (8:30 p.m.), Saturday is swing night (8:30 p.m.), and Sunday is Latin Night (7:30 p.m.), all free with admission.

New for 2026, the Art of the Pour offers paid cocktail and beer tasting experiences for guests 21+ — available this Friday July 31 and Sunday August 2. The OC Wine Society also hosts wine seminars at The Courtyard every Saturday and Sunday.

Last call at Fashion Island's Jazz Series — Saturday is the finale.
The Live on the Lawn Summer Jazz Series at Fashion Island wraps up its season this Saturday August 1 featuring Daniel Rotem— the final evening of free outdoor jazz on the Neiman Marcus–Bloomingdale's Lawn that's run every Saturday since June 13. Don't miss the sendoff.

🌊 Water temp = 72º
Suit Rec: Spring suit 3/2

Thanks! Please ignore any typos, our editor has sweated through 3 shirts a day for 2 weeks.

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