🌊 Where to Watch Fireworks in Newport + Costa Mesa

Hello Back Bayliens, Happy Monday.

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. We comb through newspapers, blogs, social media google alerts and business journals for the best and latest so you don’t have to.

A short week ahead as we dive headfirst into the shallow end of July. A bit light events-wise as we assume folks are holding out for the big weekend, but plenty of events have been added to the “Plan Ahead” section for July 4th, which should be hot and sunny as God intended.

In today’s Buzz:

• New Interim Police Chief named in CM

• Rye Goods Begins Dinner Service

• Where to watch Fireworks this 4th of July

— Jon Dougher, Publisher, Back Bay Buzz

New Interim Police Chief Named In Costa Mesa

Deputy Chief Joyce LaPointe has been appointed Interim Police Chief following the retirement of Chief Ron Lawrence on June 27. A 27-year veteran of the department and the first woman to serve as deputy chief, LaPointe has risen through the ranks since starting as a patrol officer in 1997. Known for her professionalism, community ties, and innovative leadership, LaPointe says she’s honored to lead the department in the city she also calls home.

Rye Goods Teases Dinner Service at New Location

Rye Goods has opened a new Costa Mesa location that blends elements of its previous shops into one expanded concept. Founded by Sarah Lezama in a Tustin garage in 2017, the bakery evolved from wholesale to retail during the pandemic, opening storefronts in Lido, Tustin, and Laguna Beach.

The new space features a full bakery, coffee and tea bar, deli case, and soon, evening wine bar and dinner service. The evolving menu—led by chefs Johnny Rojas and Lindsay Jones—focuses on ethically sourced, seasonal ingredients, with dishes like eggs Provence, house-made pasta, and vegetarian curries. While Rye Goods remains largely vegetarian, Lezama is exploring the idea of responsibly sourced meat.

Despite the growth, the mission remains the same: serve thoughtful, nourishing food for the community. As Lezama puts it, “Bread is still king.”

Where to Watch Fireworks this week:

Independence Day Fest at OC Fairgrounds (July 3rd)

Bring your own picnic, lawn chairs and blanket and create a memorable day as we celebrate our nation’s independence! Food and drinks will be available for purchase. Free admission and Parking.

Thursday, July 3rd 5pm-11pm (gates open 4pm) Fireworks at 9:30pm
More Info

4th of July Fireworks at Newport Dunes

If you are wondering where to watch fireworks on July 4th, look no further. Newport Dunes will host featuring beachfront grill and bar, Moe B’s Munchies opens at 9 a.m. and the food trucks and full bars open at noon. The inflatable water park and water sports rentals can be reserved online ahead of time. The Class will play live country, ’80s, Motown, classic rock, and oldies. Note, if you are paddling out from Northstar to view the show from the Back Bay, be sure you have your USCG approved signal light on board.

Newport Fireworks Cruise

Ok so this fireworks show is not in Newport but the cruise starts in Newport and travels up the coast to Alamitos bay in Long Beach to watch the impressive show at 9pm. Bring a blanky. Book here.

Trying to keep it Safe & Sane?

Nothing wrong with some family friendly fun.
Here’s a list of all the TNT Fireworks stands in NB+CM

Random Question for our Readers:

🎉 VIP SHOUTOUTS

Big thank you to readers Nicole and Kiersti for 5 referrals! We have some exclusive merch heading your way 😊 

THIS WEEK:

• Neat at Night - Neat Coffee
  Burgers by AhbA, Mama Mia will be showing at dusk (BYO lawn chair)
  Monday June 30th 6pm
  Info

• Salty Bear x AHBA - Salty Bear Brewing (Wednesdays)
  $1 off beer with burger purchase, double wagyu smash (that was my nickname in high school)
  Every Wednesday
  Info

• Patriotic Brass on the Lido Deck - Lido Village
  Thursday July 3rd 12-3pm
  Info

UPCOMING:

• Bike Parade & Community Fest - Newport Peninsula
  Friday July 4th
  Info

• Red, White and Brew - Helmsman Alehouse
  Come for the Star Spangled Shooter, stay for the Pop Rocks shot
  July 4th, All Day
  Info

• Old Glory Boat Parade - American Legion Yacht Club
  Friday July 4th 1pm
  Info

• Tunes at the Dunes - Newport Dunes
  Live Music, Food Trucks, Fireworks (July 4th) - Fri July 3rd - Sun July 6th
  Info

• Love Island Watch Party - Helmsman Alehouse
  Hosted by Newps Social (“the first social club for females in their 20s”)
  Thur July 10th 6-8pm
  Info

• Western Movie Night - The Swanner House (SJC)
  Not exactly local but sounds fun for a day trip:
  Line Dancing, Movie, Hat Bar, Tattoo lounge
  Friday July 11th 6pm
  Info

• Sake & Tapas - Hi-Time Wine Cellars
  “Join us for an evening of curated Sake and Tapas pairings by world-famous artisanal sake producer, Tedorigawa.
  Wednesday July 16th Seatings 5pm and 7pm
  Info
  

• OC Fair Begins - OC Fairgrounds
  July 18th-Aug 17th
  Info

• Meals on Wheels Pickleball Bash Tournament - The Tennis & Pickleball Club
  Proceeds will support Meals on Wheels Orange County’s nutrition, socialization, and wrap-around services - Sat July 19th 1-4pm
  Info

• Native Newport Classic Annual Volleyball Tourny - Newport Beach (tower TBD)
  Sat July 26th
  Info

• Sterling Silver Ring Making Workshop - Methra (Costa Mesa)
  Sat July 26th - Info

• Calling All Artists 🎨 : Apply to Costa Mesa’s annual juried art exhibition - Deadline: July 28th - Info

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

Monday
62🌡️ 74 I 🌤️ I 7% Rain I 🌬️ ↗️ WSW 11mph

Tuesday
62🌡️ 73 I 🌤️ I 7% Rain I 🌬️ ↗️ WSW 11mph

Wednesday
62🌡️ 73 I 🌤️ I 6% Rain I 🌬️ ↗️ SW 11mph

Thursday
64🌡️ 71 I 🌤️ I 6% Rain I 🌬️ ↗️ SSW 10mph

Friday
64🌡️ 73 I 🌤️ I 6% Rain I 🌬️ ↗️ SSW 10mph

🌊 Water temp = 69º
Suit Rec: Shorty

THIS WEEK:

• Neat at Night - Neat Coffee
  Burgers by AhbA, Mama Mia will be showing at dusk (BYO lawn chair)
  Monday June 30th 6pm
  Info

• Pages & Paws at Costa Mesa Mesa Verde Library
  Tuesday, 01 July

  4:00 pm - 5:00 pm
  Info

• Books and Babies at Mariners Library Newport Beach
  Tuesday, 01 July

  10:30 am - 11:30 am
  Info

• Toy Train Thursdays at Balboa Branch Library in Newport Beach
  Thursday, 03 July

  10:30 am - 11:30 am
  Info
  

• Bike Parade and Fourth of July Celebration in Newport Beach
  Friday, 04 July

  9:00 am - 11:30 am
  info

PLAN AHEAD:

• Kids Paddle Camp - Pirate Coast Paddle Board Rentals
  Campers will learn the basics of stand up paddle boarding, learn new skills and participate in water activities.
  July 14-18th
  Sign Up

• Barnes and Noble Storytime at Fashion Island
  Saturday, 19 July

  11:30 am - 12:00 pm
  Info

THIS WEEK:

🎶 Live Music in Costa Mesa – June 30 – July 4 2025

• Surrounded By Strangers – The Wayfarer – Monday, June 30, 7:30 PM – 10:30 PM

• Open Mic Night with Chris Cruz – The Wayfarer – Wednesday, July 2, 7:00 PM – 10:00 PM

• Sega Genecide – The Wayfarer – Thursday, July 3, 8:00 PM (second show Friday, July 4, evening)

• The Barstow Boyz – The Harp Inn – Thursday, July 3, 9:00 PM – 12:30 AM

• Too Bad So Sad – Tiki Bar – Thursday, July 3, 7:00 PM

• Cowboys and Poodles – The Campsite (The CAMP) – Thursday, July 3, 7:00 PM – close

🎶 Live Music in Newport Beach – June 30 – July 4 2025

• JAX SongStage Singer-Songwriter Showcase (In Deep Duo, Mark Wood, Alan Duncan, Bobbo Byrnes) – Campus JAX – Tuesday, July 1, 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM

• Patriotic Brass Quintet – Lido Marina Village (Lido Deck) – Thursday, July 3, 12:00 PM – 3:00 PM

• Tony Guerrero & Friends: Tunes & Tales – Campus JAX – Thursday, July 3, 7:00 PM – 8:30 PM

🎵 ⏩️ PLAN AHEAD:

• 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 sprained his wrist practicing his cornhole toss technique, he is not very athletic.

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