Hello Back Bay Bichon Frises, happy Monday.

Did anyone buy us a yacht at NBIBS? If not no biggie, our editor will just have to break the champagne against his kayak (Bay Buzzer II). A world record was awarded for an unlikely feat over the weekend and we like to think we helped. If you attended the World Record Swing Dance event at our recommendation, please let us know.

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

Newport Beach just swung its way into the history books. On Sunday, April 19, 2026, the city officially shattered the Guinness World Record for the Largest Swing Dance Lesson, bringing the title home to the very place where the Balboa Swing was born. Under the sunny skies of Peninsula Park, an incredible 1,158 dancers—or 579 couples—moved in perfect synchronization for 30 minutes, easily surpassing the previous record of 391 couples held by the United Kingdom since 2018.

The record attempt was a centerpiece of the city’s "120 Years of Welcome" anniversary campaign, paying a rhythmic tribute to Newport’s storied Big Band era. Led by the experts at Atomic Ballroom, instructors Tise Chao and Jeremy Otth guided the massive crowd through the intricate footwork of the Balboa, a style originally invented on the Balboa Peninsula in the 1930s to navigate the packed floors of the legendary Rendezvous Ballroom. With the brassy sounds of The Jonathan Stout Orchestra featuring Hilary Alexander providing the soundtrack, the event wasn't just a technical victory—it was a vibrant celebration of local heritage and a reminder that, even after 120 years, Newport Beach still knows how to find its groove.

The sports bar scene in Costa Mesa is undergoing a bit of a shake-up as the Buffalo Wild Wings at 1835 Harbor Blvd officially closed its doors earlier this month. The closure marks the end of a seven-year run for the franchise at the Costa Mesa Courtyards, where it famously replaced the long-standing Mimi’s Cafe back in 2019. While the "B-Dubs" signage has already been hauled away, the departure has sparked plenty of local chatter about the high turnover at this high-traffic corner.

As for what’s next, the rumor mill is spinning fast. While official lease agreements haven't been finalized for the standalone building, local @scuttlebutt suggests a Chili’s Grill & Bar ( 👀 ) might be eyeing the space to bring its own brand of casual dining back to the neighborhood. Others are holding out hope for a return to the site's roots with a more traditional cafe or a local sports bar. For now, the prime real estate remains a blank canvas, waiting for its next chapter in the heart of Costa Mesa’s retail district.

🌊 Water temp = 65º
Suit Rec: Spring suit/Full suit 3/2

Thanks! Please ignore any typos, our editor had the “very spicy” pad kee mao at Hanuman and now can’t feel his face.

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