Trader Joes (Kind of) Confirms 2nd Store in Costa Mesa

Hello Back Bay Buzzers, happy Monday.

What a great weekend. We hope you got your fill of DJ sunset sessions, wine, jazz and motown on the green. Quiet week this week events-wise, we think everyone is still reeling that August is already breathing down our sun-kissed necks. Trader Joes is still being mum about their new location, but teased their second location in true TJs style. Also, Dumplings.

To the 150ish 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:

• Trader Joes Confirms 2nd store

• Dumpling Spot opening this month in NB

• Billy Bonkers Magic Show (confirmed: not “Baby Billy”)

• BECK at the Fairgrounds

— Jon Dougher, Publisher, Back Bay Buzz

Trader Joes (Kind of) Confirms 2nd Store in CM

We told you it was coming—and now it’s official. Trader Joe’s has confirmed they’re opening a second Costa Mesa store, though they’re still tight-lipped on the exact location. Locals suspect it’s headed for the former 99 Cents Only Store at 2180 Harbor Blvd, where a “national specialty grocer” has quietly leased 18,000 square feet. The parking lot? Already stirring debate. The vibes? Pure speculation and cookie butter dreams. No opening date yet, but the second TJ’s is no longer just a rumor—it’s real.

Dumplings Coming to the Beach

Mimi Garden, the beloved Chinese dumpling spot with locations in Rancho Santa Margarita and Lake Forest, is expanding to Newport Beach. Taking over the former Gina’s Pizza space at 3142 W. Balboa Blvd., the new outpost is set to open this month. Expect a full lineup of favorites—hot and sour soup, steamed dumplings, noodles, wontons, pan-fried specialties, and more.

🎉 VIP Shoutouts:

Huge thank you to our VIPs Marley G., Belinda W., Nicole F. and Carol for hitting 2 or more referrals to the newsletter. You Rock!

THIS WEEK:

• Costa Mesa Concerts in the Park Finale - Fairview Park
  Featuring the Pacific Symphony
  Tuesday July 29th 5pm
  Info

UPCOMING:

• Single Social - Wild Goose Tavern
  Thurs Aug 7th 7-10pm
  Info

• Summer Garden Party - Sherman Gardens
  Sat Aug 9th 4-7pm
  Info

• Summer Back to School Send-off - Halecrest Park, Costa Mesa
  “Obstacle course, bounce house, Magic Steps Music, Princess characters, balloon art, more…”
  Sun Aug 10th
  Info
  

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

• Fight Night - Wild Goose Tavern
  Sat Aug 16th Main Card: 7pm
  Info

• Play Mesa 8th Anniversary
  Live Mariachi, free taco bar, swag+goodies
  Sat Aug 23rd 2-5pm
  Info

• Bar Tinto Opens at WIP Goods
  “Expect fresh Mexico City inspired flavors, a well curated music selection, and a fun ever-changing lineup of natural wines. See you after dark”
  Thursday, Aug 31
  Info

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

• Pacific Wine and Food Classic - Newport Dunes
  Sat Sep 20th 1pm-5pm
  Tickets

Monday
64🌡️ 72 I 🌤️ I 15% Rain I 🌬️ ↗️ SW 10mph

Tuesday
64🌡️ 74 I 🌤️ I 12% Rain I 🌬️ ↗️ SW 10mph

Wednesday
65🌡️ 75 I 🌤️ I 7% Rain I 🌬️ ↗️ SW 10mph

Thursday
64🌡️ 75 I 🌤️ I 6% Rain I 🌬️ ↗️ SW 9mph

Friday
64🌡️ 75 I 🌤️ I 6% Rain I 🌬️ ↗️ SSW 19mph

🌊 Water temp = 66º
Suit Rec: Summer suit

THIS WEEK:

• Hello Kitty Cafe Special Character Meet & Greet in Irvine
  Tuesday, 29 July

  10:00 am - 2:00 pm
  Info

• Summer Family Bingo at Newport Beach Central Library
  Tuesday, 29 July

  11:00 am - 12:00 pm
  Info

• Billy Bonkers: Magic Show at Costa Mesa Donald Dungan Library
  Tuesday, 29 July

  1:00 pm - 2:00 pm
  Info

• Aquarium Open Hours at Orange Coast College
  Wednesday, 30 July

  11:00 am - 2:30 pm
  Info

• Kids Club Craft at IKEA Costa Mesa
  Wednesday, 30 July

  5:00 pm - 7:00 pm
  info

• Newport Beach Preschool Storytime at Central Library
  Thursday, 31 July

  10:30 am - 11:00 am
  Info

• Corona Del Mar Songs and Stories
  Friday, 01 August

  10:30 am - 11:00 am
  Info
  

Farmers Markets🥬🥕:

Costa Mesa - SOCO (Saturdays 9-2)

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

Newport Beach - Balboa Pier (Sunday 9-1)

FAMILY PLAN AHEAD:

• Summer Back to School Send-off - Halecrest Park, Costa Mesa
  “Obstacle course, bounce house, Magic Steps Music, Princess characters, balloon art, more…”
  Sun Aug 10th
  Info
  

THIS WEEK:

🎶 Costa Mesa – July 28–August 1, 2025

• Comedy Night – The Harp Inn – Monday, July 28, 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM

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

• SuperDelux – The Harp Inn – Friday, August 1, 8:30 PM

• Golf Alpha Bravo – The Wayfarer – Friday, July 25, 7:00 PM (counts if including late week)

• SEGA Genecide – The Wayfarer – Friday, July 25, 10:00 PM (also late week overlap)

🎶 Newport Beach – July 28–August 1, 2025

• Sam Morrison, Majo Insuasti, Jose Cabrera, Kenny Kato (Singer‑Songwriter Showcase) – Campus JAX – Tuesday, July 29, 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM

• Jukebox Wednesday (requests night with Mark Wood & Friends) – Campus JAX – Wednesday, July 30, 5:30 PM – 8:30 PM

• Andrea Miller (Jazz Night at JAX) – Campus JAX – Thursday, July 31, 7:00 PM – 8:30 PM

🎵 ⏩️ PLAN AHEAD:

• Oliver Anthony - Pacific Amphitheatre
  Fri August 1 Doors 6:30pm - Tickets

• Ludacris, Ying Yang Twins - Pacific Amphitheatre
  Thurs August 7th Doors 6:30pm - Tickets

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

Thanks! Please ignore any typos, our editor tried to do a U-turn on Balboa blvd 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!