Hello Back Baybes, happy Friday!

An extreme heat advisory was put in place this week for southern California, with many inland cities exceeding 100°. Newport and Costa Mesa kept it classy at a demure 79°, with rumors of second summer swirling through the humid coastal air. Maybe our editor will come out of hibernation early.

To the 100ish new readers since our last send—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:

• Accessible walking path at the Wedge

• Live Harp at The Lab

• Intl Waffle Day at Capy’s

• Summer Concert @ VEA

— Jon Dougher, Publisher, Back Bay Buzz

Access Coming Soon at The Wedge

Big news for one of Newport’s most iconic surf spots: the California Coastal Commission has unanimously approved plans to extend a concrete pathway and add a viewing pad at the Wedge, making the beach more accessible for wheelchairs, walkers, and strollers. The new 200-foot path and 10-foot viewing area will connect to the existing walkway at Channel Road, giving everyone a chance to watch the world-famous waves without battling through sand. The project also improves access for first responders.

The city expects to award a contract in November, with construction beginning as early as 2026. While the price tag is still TBD, the design has been carefully adjusted to avoid disrupting dune habitats. For longtime locals like Bob Yant—who has used a power wheelchair since a diving accident at Balboa more than 40 years ago—the pathway will be life-changing. “Extension of the sidewalk to allow viewing the Wedge surfing area would be a great improvement in the quality of life for me and many others,” he told commissioners. Equal access to one of Newport’s most legendary views is officially on its way.

Blackmarket Bakery Closes After 12 Years At The Camp

Beloved local favorite Blackmarket Bakery has closed its Costa Mesa and Oceanside locations, owner and executive pastry chef Rachel Klemek announced last week. In a heartfelt note to customers, Klemek thanked the community for more than a decade of support at The Camp, where the bakery opened in 2013 and quickly became known for its rustic breads, indulgent pastries, and the signature Black Widow Tart.

“It is with a sad heart that I have to announce our bakeries in Costa Mesa and Oceanside have unfortunately closed,” she wrote, adding that the North Park shop remains open. Reflecting on the Costa Mesa years, Klemek said she was “grateful for the amazing customers, great neighbors and dedicated staff who made our 12-plus years there so delightful.” While locals will miss the sourdough, Dutch crunch, and caramel-laced sweets, the bakery’s spirit lives on in San Diego.

• Fourth Fridays Vintage Market on the Lido Deck
  Fri Aug 22
  12-5pm
  Info

• Chiara the Solar Harpist - The Lab
  Fri Aug 22 4-6pm
  Info

• Vincent James Pop-up - SHOPPE NB
  3404 Via Oporto #101, NB
  Sat Aug 23
  11-3pm
  Info

• Waffle Eating Contest - Cappy’s Cafe (NB)
  Sunday Aug 24th 8am
  Info

• Summer Concert Series: Coriander - Vea Newport Beach
  Sun Aug 24th 4-6pm
  Tickets

UPCOMING:

• REDO Vintage Market - OC Fairgrounds
  Sep 12-13th
  Info

• Pacific Wine and Food Classic - Newport Dunes

  Sat Sep 20th 1pm-5pm

  Tickets

• Art in the Park - Newport Beach Civic Center Green
  Live Music, Artwork, Sculpture, food & wine pavilion, kids activity
  Sat Sep 20th 10-5pm
  Info

• Sparks & S’mores - Urban Workshop Costa Mesa
  free s’mores, blacksmithing
  Monday Sep 22nd
  6pm-9pm
  RSVP

• Newport Beach Volleyball Invitational - NB
  October 7-11
  Info

Want to know what’s going on in South OC?

Check out these great newsletters:

FRIDAY
69🌡️ 79 I 🌤️ I 5% Rain I 🌬️ ↗️ SSW 9mph

SATURDAY
69🌡️ 79 I 🌤️ I 5% Rain I 🌬️ ↗️ SSW 9mph

SUNDAY
69🌡️ 79 I 🌤️ I 5% Rain I 🌬️ ↗️ SSW 9mph

🌊 Water temp = 70º
Suit Rec: Shorty

THIS WEEKEND:

• Tooth Fairy Celebration at Pretend City ($22 per person)
  Friday, 22 August

  11:00 am - 11:45 am
  Info

• Play and Learn at Costa Mesa Donald Dungan Library
  Saturday, 23 August

  10:30 am - 11:00 am
  Info

• Corona Del Mar Family Storytime
  Saturday, 23 August

  10:30 am - 11:00 am
  Info

• Aquatic Community Day at Back Bay Science Center in Newport Beach
  Sunday, 24 August

  10:00 am - 2:00 pm
  Info

• Public Tour of Orange County Museum of Art 
  Sunday, 24 August

  1:00 pm - 1:30 pm
  Info

• $6 Movie Day at Triangle Square Starlight Cinemas (Costa Mesa)
  Sundays (before 6pm) August 24th
  Info

 Farmers Markets🥬🥕:

Costa Mesa - SOCO (Saturdays 9-2)

Corona Del Mar - PCH & Marguerite (Saturdays 9-1)

Newport Beach - Newport Pier (Sunday 9-1)

FAMILY PLAN AHEAD:

• $5 Movies at AMC - AMC Tustin, Irvine
  “Get a steal of a deal on tickets to some of your favorite past animated films every week with Summer Movie Camp, now through 8/13”
  Info

• Midnight Market Halloween Boutique at Rogers Gardens
  Friday Aug 29th- Daily after that

  9:00 am - 6:00 pm

  2301 San Joaquin Hills Rd, Corona Del Mar, CA 92625, USA
  Info

Bands in Town(s):

🎵 ⏩️ PLAN AHEAD:

• Swift Nation - Bad Guy Billie - Pacific Ampitheatre - Sat Aug 16th - TIckets

• ZZ TOP - FOGHAT - Pacific Ampitheatre - Sat Aug 30th - Tickets

• Mickey Avalon (yes That Mickey Avalon)- Wayfarer
  Sat October 18th

Thanks! Please ignore any typos, our editor fell asleep looking for a Weekend Agenda GIF after searching all day.

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!