Hello Back Bayliens, and happy Monday. We sincerely hope none of you were the one’s posting any “May the Fourth Be With You” instagram posts yesterday. We assured our potential advertisers that our readership has good taste. Lots of events coming up, there is still time to plan for mom next weekend, or any special person in your life, for that matter. Also, prep your boat and totes because we are getting a brief respite from the May Gray next weekend. It’s gonna be hawwwt.

In today’s Buzz:

• Marathon Winners

• No Vittles for you

• The sign you’ve been waiting for

— Jon Dougher, Publisher, Back Bay Buzz

OC Marathon Draws Record Crowd and Global Runners

Over 13,000 runners hit the pavement on Sunday for the 21st annual OC Marathon, with participants choosing between the full marathon, half marathon, and SoCal’s largest nighttime 5K. Runners came from 47 states and 27 countries, with scenic stretches through Corona del Mar and ocean views along the way.

24yo Xavier Smith (Lake Forest) and Stephanie Mundt (Tempe, AZ) took first place in the full marathon, while Ellie Stevens (Las Vegas) and Kristoffer Mugrage (Colorado) won the half. The event also welcomed 150+ running clubs, 30 official charities, and raised millions since its inception.

Whether racing for a cause, fitness, or fun, everyone crossed the same finish line at the OC Fairgrounds—fatigued but triumphant.

Black Knight Vittles & Hooch to Close by End of Summer 2025

After over a decade as a go-to spot for cocktails, comfort food, and late-night bites at Costa Mesa’s Triangle Square, Black Knight Vittles & Hooch has announced it will close by the end of summer 2025. The exact closing date remains unconfirmed.

Originally opened in 2013 as part of a dual concept with Olive Branch Wood Fired Pizza, Black Knight quickly became known for its laid-back lounge vibe, hearty fare, and rotating food and drink specials.

Fans still have time to visit before the final call.

Newport Beach Tests Sleek New Park Signs — Locals Weigh In

If you’ve strolled down Cliff Drive recently, you may have noticed a sleek new sign at John Wayne Park, the go-to weekday date spot to enjoy Pizza Bakery and sunset views. It's part of a city pilot program—along with Spyglass Reservoir Park—to test modern replacements for the aging wooden signs many residents love.

The city cites upkeep and environmental concerns with maintaining and repainting wood, but not everyone is sold on the new look. One local Facebook group said “it looks like a strip mall in Irvine! No character.” Whether these signs become the new city standard remains to be seen.

Got an opinion? Click here to let the city know.

THIS WEEK:

• Cinco De Mayo Celebration - Riverstreet (SJC) - Mon 5/5 6pm-8pm

• Disney’s Aladdin - Seagerstrom - May 7-12 - Tickets

• Trivia night - Crackshack - Thu 5/8 6:30pm - Info

UPCOMING:

• Cinco De Mayo Event - Playa Mesa - Monday 5/5 - Info

• MOTHERS DAY WEEKEND FLORAL POP UPS - The Lab - 11am - Info

• Mother's Day Marketplace - Lido Village - Sat 5/10 10-4pm - Info

• 30th Annual Balboa Island Artwalk - Balboa Island - Sun 5/18 - 9am-5pm - Info

• Newport Beach Wine & Spirits Festival - Balboa Bay Resort - Fri 5/23 - Sun 5/25 - 1-5pm - Info

• Beach Cleanup - Tower 71, Newport Beach - 8-12pm - Info

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

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

Monday

59🌡️ 64 I ⛅️ I 5% Rain I 🌬️ ⬆️S 12mph

Tuesday

59🌡️ 65 I ☁️ I 14% Rain I 🌬️ ⬆️S 10mph

Wednesday

58🌡️ 67 I ⛅️ I 21% Rain I 🌬️ ↗️SW 12mph

Thursday

59🌡️ 72 I ⛅️ I 21% Rain I 🌬️ ➡️W 10mph

🌊 Water temp = 61º

This Week:

• Little Lido Kids Club: Music Class with Zach Churchill - Lido Deck, Lido Village - Thu 5/8 10:30-11:15am

• Mother's Day Paint & Plant with Art.Sensory.Play in Irvine ($20 per child) - Tue 5/6 10:30-11:30 - Info

• Taiko Drumming at Costa Mesa Mesa Verde Library - Mesa Verde Library - Wed 5/7 - 3:30-4:30pm - Info

PLAN AHEAD:

• Bike Skills Workshop w/ Bike Course & Free Helmets in Costa Mesa - Sat 5/10 10am-2pm - Info

• Newport Dunes Outdoor Movies (Free Except for Parking) - Sat 5/10 7pm - Info

• Root & Rise Mother's Day Yoga at Segerstrom for the Arts - Sunday 5/11 10am-11am - Info

• Kids' Entrepreneur Day in Woodbridge Irvine - Sat 5/17 10am-4pm - Info

• Field of Honor at Castaways Park Newport Beach - Sat 5/16-5/26 - Info

• UPDATED LOCATION: Touch A Truck - Peninsula Park Newport Beach - Sat May 17th 9am - 12pm (consider going early to avoid the crowds/parking) - Info

Monday

•  Los Principales, Los Mysteriosos, Bone-Aires and Tequila, Tequila - The Wayfarer - 8:00 PM - Tickets

Tuesday

• Singer-Songwriter Showcase - Campus JAX - 6pm - Tickets

Wednesday

• Open Mic Night with Chris Cruz - Wayfarer - 7pm - Tickets

•  Live Jazz by Chromasique - Mesa Lounge (The Camp) - 7:30pm - Info

Thursday

• Will Worden - The Wayfarer - Thursday, May 8, 2025, 8:00 PM - Tickets

• Matt Johnson's New Jet Set - Campus JAX - 7pm - Tickets

• Simon Says, (Paul Simon Tribute) - The Harp Inn - 7pm - Info

Plan Ahead:

• Pure Unadulterated Funk - Tiki Bar - Fri 5/9 7pm - Tickets

• It Was Never a Phase (Emo Tribute Fest) - Newport Beach Peninsula - Sat 5/10 - Info

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

Thanks! Please ignore any typos, our editor was detained after trying to cross Jamboree without a police escort yesterday.

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!