Hello Back Bay Bumper Boats, happy Monday.

We’re just going to say it: that was too much rain. If you, like T. Swift, are wondering if we are out of the woods, the answer is no. Rain will continue most of this week and continue to decimate the mental health of anyone unlucky enough to have to drive more than 10 miles on a freeway. By the way, we finally broke down and bought an umbrella. Don’t tell our NorCal friends.

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:

• The rain will continue until morale improves

• New Newport Coffee Co Location Underway

• Christmas Tree Lightings around town

• Kids Free Hot Cocoa at In-n-Out

— Jon Dougher, Publisher, Back Bay Buzz

Newport Coffee Co Will Replace Side Street Cafe Location

The writing is on the wall at the old Side Street Cafe location on Newport Blvd as Newport Coffee Co finishes construction on it’s second location. Founded in 2014 “by peninsula locals, born and bread [sic] on the sands of Newport Beach”, the company launched it’s first location steps from Newport Beach Pier, tucked cozily between Jane’s Corndogs and Charlie’s Chili. “In addition to serving great coffee, we offer freshly baked pastries, loose-leaf teas, scrumptious gelato and healthy options including Acai and Pitaya bowls served with fresh fruit and a variety of enticing items in our grab-and-go, organic drinks and unique snacks.” While many locals will dearly miss the homestyle cooking of Side Street Cafe and it’s cash-only ethos, Newport Coffee Co’s second location will mark a welcome addition to Costa Mesa’s indy coffee scene. On a related note, will we ever see the opening of Lion’s Park Cafe?

THIS WEEK:

• Shucked (National Tour) – Segerstrom Hall, Costa Mesa
  Tue Nov 18, 2025, 7:30 PM; Wed Nov 19, 2025, 7:30 PM
  Info

• Pacific Symphony: Shelley Conducts Carmen & Daphnis et Chloé – Renée & Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall, Costa Mesa
  Thu Nov 20 & Fri Nov 21, 2025, 8:00 PM
  Info

• Movie Night on the Lawn: The Holiday - Pasea HB
  Thurs Nov 20th
  5-8:30pm
  Info

• Tree Lighting - South Coast Plaza
  Thurs Nov 20th
  7pm
  Info

• SEGA Genecide (21+) – The Wayfarer, Costa Mesa
  Fri Nov 21, 2025, 10:00 PM
  Info

• Comedy Night – The Harp Inn, Costa Mesa
  Mon Nov 17, 2025, 8:00–10:00 PM
  Info

UPCOMING:

• Aromatic Candle Bundling Workshop - The Lab
  Sunday Nov 23rd
  10:30am-1:30pm
  Info

• Artisan Marketplace - Environmental Nature Center (Newport)
  eco-friendly, handmade, one-of-a-kind creations
  Sun Dec 7
  11am-4pm
  Info

• Awakened Lifestyle Expo - Norma Hertzog Community Center
  Sun Dec 7th
  9:30am-9pm
  Info

• All CHOC Guilds Holiday Tree Luncheon - The Westin South Coast Plaza
  Sun Dec 7th
  10am
  Info

• Newport Beach Boat Parade Guide
  Click Here for the Guide
  Register your boat here

WHAT’S GOING ON IN SOUTH OC?

Check out our great partner newsletter:

🌊 Water temp = 65º
Suit Rec: Spring suit

THIS WEEK:

• OCMA Art and Play– Orange County Museum of Art (Costa Mesa)
  Wed Nov 19, 2025, 11:00 AM–1:00 PM.
  Info

• VEA Newport Beach Holiday Tree Lighting (FREE) – VEA Newport Beach
  Thu Nov 20, 2025, 5:30–7:30 PM
  Info

• Movie Night on the Lawn: The Holiday - Pasea HB
  Thurs Nov 20th
  5-8:30pm
  Info

• Holiday Train and Carousel Opens - South Coast Plaza
  Fri Nov 21st

• Nights of Coastal Lights (Opening Night) – Fashion Island, Newport Beach
  Fri Nov 21, 2025, shows every 30 minutes 5:30–8:00 PM
  Info
  

FAMILY PLAN AHEAD:

• Dream Glow Fest at Wild Rivers Waterpark ($25-$36)

  Nov 14th - Dec 31st

  4:30 pm - 9:00 pm
  Info

• Fire & Lights Festival - Newport Dunes
  Friday Nov 28th
  Info
  

• Snoopy House - Costa Mesa City Hall
  Fri Dec 12-19th
  5:30-8:30pm
  Info

• Holiday Hootenanny - Salty Bear Brewing
  With Little Folk Club Sing-a-long
  Sat Dec 13th
  4-6pm
  Info

Thanks! Please ignore any typos, our editor learned this week that Lusso’s with socks are not an adequate substitute for actual rain boots.

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!