Hello Back Bay Blunderbusses, happy Friday!
In case you hadn’t heard, Newport had some big waves this week. Almost every local news channel, blog, influencer and “waterman” had something to say about the huge sets that drew crowds and flooded some stretches of beach.
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:
Wedge draws crowds all week
Songs in the Canyon hits Costa Mesa
Wooden Boats if you’re into that sort of thing
— Jon Dougher, Publisher, Back Bay Buzz
Wedge Swells Draw Huge Crowds, Flood Beach
Vaya con Dios…
If you’ve been anywhere near Newport Beach over the last 72 hours, you know the Pacific Ocean completely lost its mind.
A historic, decade-class Southern Hemisphere swell slammed the coastline. From Monday through today, June 12th, local spots faced heavy 8-to-10-foot blinders—while The Wedge supercharged that energy into 20-foot-plus mutant peaks detonating directly onto the sand. Pro chargers took to the water as thousands of spectators lined the sand to watch the raw carnage.
The initial monster energy is finally backing down. Expect a cleaner but still active 3-to-5-foot range through the weekend. But don't pack up yet—charts show another reinforcing pulse tracking for next Tuesday, June 16th, threatening to push surf right back up to head-high.
Black Knight Replacement Opening Soon at the Triangle
credit @butchermrjeff (IG)
LJ’s Lounge, brainchild of founder Kenneth “DJ Lil Ken” Jackson, is slated to be open later this month. Seeking to bring a more soulful “supper club” vibe to the space, the venue underwent significant renovation, leaning towards warmer hues and musical decor to achieve the founding teams vision of “elevated comfort food, crafted cocktails and timeless music.” The space will feature a full stage and sound system for live music, open mics and private events.
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“There’s no crying on the Duffy”
Hot Pursuits Workout Series at Fashion Island
Friday, 12 June
Time TBD
InfoImprov Comedy Experience - VEA Newport
Friday June 12th
6:45-8pm
InfoTalent Show - Neat Coffee
Saturday June 13th
5-9pm
InfoWater Workshop - Ticket500
2807 Villa Way, NB
Saturday June 13th
10am
RSVPCompost Giveaway and Shredding Event - OCC
Saturday Jun 13th
8am-12pm
InfoFactory Records Vinyl Pop-Up - Newport Harbor Farmers Market
Saturday June 13th
9am -1pm (Factory Records will be open at 2pm-8pm)
InfoSongs in the Canyon - Canyon Park (Costa Mesa)
June 12-14
InfoWooden Boat Festival - Balboa Yacht Club
Saturday June 13th
InfoCloset Sale - 333 E 17th St Costa Mesa
Sunday June 14th
12-3pm
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
InfoTinys Burgers Grand Opening - South Coast Plaza
It looks weird, count us IN.
Monday June 15th
InfoSummer Concert Series: Kayln & The New Frontier (Country) - VEA Newport
Thursday June 18th
5:30-7:30pm
InfoQyn Coffee Soft Opening - Qyn Coffee (17th St CM)
Friday June 19th
8am-2pm
InfoFather’s Day Car Show - Balboa Bay Resort
Sunday June 21st
11-am-2pm
InfoHouse Party on the Rooftop (at the pier) - Ruby’s Diner
Friday June12th26th
4-10pm
Tickets
WHAT’S GOING ON IN SOUTH OC?
Check out our great partner newsletter:
We’ll take it…
🌊 Water temp = 66º
Suit Rec: Spring suit 3/2
THIS WEEKEND:
Wild Tales in Newport Beach (Register!)
Friday, 12 June
10:00 am - 11:00 am
infoWorld Soccer Watch Party at Hyatt Newport Beach Ampitheater
Friday, 12 June
4:00 pm - 7:30 pm
InfoPaddington Bear Visits Balboa Island Museum
Saturday June 13th
12-2pm
InfoStory Time with Farm Animals: chickens & goats - Hana Field
Fridays at 10:30am and Saturdays at 11am
InfoLilo & Stitch Outdoor Movie at Costa Mesa Downtown Recreation Center
Saturday, 13 June
7:30 pm - 10:00 pm
InfoThe Princess Bride at The Lido Theater Newport Beach ($12.50/ticket)
“You are the Dread Pirate Roberts, admit it…”Saturday, 13 June
7:00 pm - 8:45 pm
Stroller Sculpt Class on the Lido Deck in Newport Beach ($30)
Sunday, 14 June
9:30 am - 10:30 am
Info
Worth The Drive:
Shaved Ice, Lei Making, and Face Painting at Le Port Montessori Aloha Fair in Irvine
Saturday, 13 June
11:00 am - 3:00 pm
Info
Plan Ahead:
🦈 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
RSVPKids Craft Projects at Neat Coffee
Wednesday, 17 June
10:00 am - 12:00 pm
infoWild Wonders Summer Kick Off at Costa Mesa Mesa Verde Library
Wednesday, 17 June
11:00 am - 12:00 pm
InfoSummer Luau - Costa Mesa Aquatic Center
Friday July 17th
5:30-7:30pm
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)
OC Fairgrounds Farmers Market - OC Fairgrounds, (Thursdays 9am-1pm)
🌴 Costa Mesa
Thanks! Please ignore any typos, our editor was vintage hat mogged at the Wedge on Tuesday…
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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