Balboa Loves a Parade

Schools out this week, TV fest kicks off, Discovery Day at OC Fairgrounds

TOGETHER WITH

Hello Back Bay Beaus, happy Friday!

If you are new here, The Back Bay Buzz is dedicated to bringing you just the right amount of news and events for locals of Newport Beach and Costa Mesa. No crime, politics, spam or boring stuff.

And just like that, it was June. We are officially in “the season” here in Costa Mesa and Newport Beach. Grads are home, tourists are setting up camp, and us locals are in need of a cold, stiff drink. Luckily there are quite a few of those around town as local vendors host summer kickoff markets, pop-ups and shows.

Also, did anyone go to the Balboa parade?

In today’s Buzz:

  • Balboa Loves a Parade

  • Newport TV Fest Kicks off

  • Sunny Days Ahead

Jon Dougher, Publisher, Back Bay Buzz

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Balboa Island Parade Honors First Responders and Veterans

Quite the turnout…

Balboa Island came alive yesterday with the 30th Annual Balboa Island Parade, drawing a cheerful crowd of locals, tourists, and everyone in between. This year’s theme paid tribute to local First Responders and Veterans, setting a patriotic tone as the summer season kicks off.

The parade began at 11:00 a.m. and rolled into the afternoon, culminating in a lively afterparty concert featuring the M Street Band. Onlookers lined the sidewalks to cheer on a vibrant procession that included veterans, active-duty first responders, local dignitaries, marching bands, cheer squads, musicians, and a beloved pack of Golden Retrievers, Frenchies, and other local pups.

Despite the strong turnout, the event maintained a relaxed, family-friendly feel. Parade-goers enjoyed open sidewalks and easy access to local businesses—standouts included Huskins’ Spanish latte and a Hippo cookie from Dad’s Donut & Bakery Shop.

The bridge closed to vehicles around 10:30 a.m., prompting many to walk in from nearby neighborhoods or take the auto ferry from the peninsula to avoid Balboa’s notoriously limited parking.

It was a festive, heartfelt day—one that honored those who serve our community and reminded us why Balboa remains one of the most spirited enclaves of Newport Beach.

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THIS WEEK:

  • Symphony of Flavors: A Wine & Dine Experience - Thur Jun 5, 5:30 PM - 9:00 PM - Info

  • Newport Beach TV Fest 🎬️ - Jun 5-8 - Info

UPCOMING:

  • Trivia Night @ Wild Goose Tavern - Every Wednesday 7pm - Directions

  • Maker's Hive Market - The Camp - Saturday, June 7th 11-4 - Info

  • Get Lost on Goose Island - Wild Goose Tavern - Sun 6/8
    Drink Specials, Tiki Themed Cocktails, Pig Roast, Hula Girls, LIMBO(!) - Info

  • Wooden Boat Festival - Balboa Yacht Club - Jun 13-14th - Info

  • Fathers Day @ Malarky’s - Sun 6/15 All Day - Info

  • 3rd Thursdays CDM - Thurs 6/19 5-8pm
    Live music, good eats, community, and those golden-hour strolls that just hit different. 🌙🎶 - Info

  • Fun Run 5k 🏃 - OC Fairgrounds - Aug 10th 8am - Register

  • 🍕 Half-Off Pizzas - Stag Bar - Every Tuesday - Dine-in Only - Info

Monday
62🌡️ 72 I ⛅️ I 8% Rain I 🌬️ ↗️ SSW 11mph

Tuesday
62🌡️ 71 I ⛅️ I 8% Rain I 🌬️ ↗️ WSW 11mph

Wednesday
61🌡️ 68 I ⛅️ I 5% Rain I 🌬️ ↗️ WSW 11mph

Thursday
62🌡️ 70 I ☀️ I 5% Rain I 🌬️ ↗️ WSW 11mph

Friday
63🌡️ 72 I ☀️ I 5% Rain I 🌬️ ➡️ WSW 12mph

🌊 Water temp = 65º
Suit Rec: Summer Suit

📢 🌮 Avilas Newport Beach Kids Zone is Open!
“A fun, beachy space where your little groms can play while you kick back with good food, cold drinks, and uninterrupted adult conversation. Come check it out—because parents deserve a break too.”

This Week:

  • Lunch at the Library + Character Visit at Summer Kick Off at Tustin Library
    Monday, 02 June

    12:00 pm - 1:00 pm
    INFO

  • Discovery Day at Centennial Farm in Costa Mesa

    Monday, 02 June

    9:00 am - 12:00 pm
    INFO

  • Pages & Paws at Costa Mesa Mesa Verde Library
    Tuesday, 03 June

    4:00 pm - 5:00 pm
    Info

  • Mobile Rec Program in Costa Mesa
    Tuesday, 10 June

    11:00 am - 2:00 pm
    Info

  • Wild Tales Storytime, Hike, and Craft in Newport Beach (RSVP!)
    Friday, 06 June

    10:00 am - 11:00 am
    Info

PLAN AHEAD

  • Bluey Meet & Greet at Mess Hall Tustin
    (We know Tustin is not technically “Back Bay” but who doesn’t like Bluey??)
    Saturday, 07 June

    11:00 am - 3:00 pm
    Info

  • Trash Truck Storytime at Costa Mesa Mesa Verde Library
    Tuesday, 10 June

    11:00 am - 12:00 pm
    Info

  • World Play Day Planet Lego Build at the LEGO Store South Coast Plaza (Register!)
    Wednesday, 11 June

    5:00 pm - 7:00 pm
    Info

  • Seaside Kids Concert with Zach Churchill at Lido Marina Village in Newport Beach
    Thursday, 12 June

    10:30 am - 11:15 am
    Info

  • OCME Free Train Rides in Costa Mesa
    Saturday, 21 June

    10:00 am - 3:30 pm
    Info

  • Down to A Science Camp 🌿 🔬- June 23rd-August 22 - Info

  • PlayPie Coming Soon to Irvine - Info

This Week:

🎶 Costa Mesa

  • Dress BluesThe Harp InnThursday, June 5, 2025, 8:00 PMMore Info

  • Capital Dub & The NiceThe WayfarerThursday, June 5, 2025, 8:00 PM – Tickets

  • Watson MoonTiki BarFriday, June 6, 2025, 7:00 PMMore Info

  • Oasus (Oasis Tribute Band)The Harp InnFriday, June 6, 2025, 9:00 PM – 12:30 AMMore Info

🎶 Newport Beach

  • David RosalesLido Marina VillageThurs, June 5th, 2025, 12:00 PM – 3:00 PM 

  • Tony Guerrero & Friends A Tribute to Soul Jazz - Campus JAX - Thurs 7-8:30 - Tickets

🎵 ⏩️ PLAN AHEAD:

  • Phantogram - Time Nightclub - June 7th - 10pm - Tickets

  • Jimmys Buffet - The Hangar (OC FAIR) - July 20th 7:15 - Tickets

  • Fitz and The Tantrums + Aloe Blacc - Pacific Ampitheater - July 25th - 6:30pm - Tickets

  • Ellis Bullard - Wayfarer Fri 7/18 7pm - Info

  • BECK - Pacific Ampitheatre - Wed 7/30 7:30pm - Tickets

Thanks! Please ignore any typos, our editor froze his little fingers on a frozen banana at Dad’s on Sunday.

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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