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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:
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(!) - InfoWooden 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. 🌙🎶 - InfoFun 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 June12:00 pm - 1:00 pm
INFODiscovery Day at Centennial Farm in Costa Mesa
Monday, 02 June
9:00 am - 12:00 pm
INFOPages & Paws at Costa Mesa Mesa Verde Library
Tuesday, 03 June4:00 pm - 5:00 pm
InfoMobile Rec Program in Costa Mesa
Tuesday, 10 June11:00 am - 2:00 pm
InfoWild Tales Storytime, Hike, and Craft in Newport Beach (RSVP!)
Friday, 06 June10:00 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 June11:00 am - 3:00 pm
InfoTrash Truck Storytime at Costa Mesa Mesa Verde Library
Tuesday, 10 June11:00 am - 12:00 pm
InfoWorld Play Day Planet Lego Build at the LEGO Store South Coast Plaza (Register!)
Wednesday, 11 June5:00 pm - 7:00 pm
InfoSeaside Kids Concert with Zach Churchill at Lido Marina Village in Newport Beach
Thursday, 12 June10:30 am - 11:15 am
InfoOCME Free Train Rides in Costa Mesa
Saturday, 21 June10:00 am - 3:30 pm
Info

This Week:
🎶 Costa Mesa
Dress Blues – The Harp Inn – Thursday, June 5, 2025, 8:00 PM – More Info
Capital Dub & The Nice – The Wayfarer – Thursday, June 5, 2025, 8:00 PM – Tickets
Watson Moon – Tiki Bar – Friday, June 6, 2025, 7:00 PM – More Info
Oasus (Oasis Tribute Band) – The Harp Inn – Friday, June 6, 2025, 9:00 PM – 12:30 AM – More Info
🎶 Newport Beach
David Rosales – Lido Marina Village – Thurs, 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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