NEWPORT BEACH FILM FESTIVAL
Celebrated as one of the leading lifestyle film festivals in the United States, the annual Newport Beach Film Festival (NBFF) attracts 58,000 film and food fans to over 100 feature films, 30 short film programs, and a dozen public parties featuring more than 60 culinary partners with their finest tastings. For 23 years, the Newport Beach Film Festival has strived to connect the Orange County audience with the best in independent and international films.
When: A week long event in October. Dates vary.
NEWPORT BEACH CHRISTMAS BOAT PARADE
Home to the West Coast’s largest recreational harbor, Newport Beach pays homage to its iconic boating culture through a fleet of wonderfully decorated yachts, boats, kayaks and canoes motoring along a 14-mile course. For five nights in December, experience the parade in a wide variety of fun-filled ways, from a family friendly event on the sand, by boat or shore. Homes along the Christmas boat parade route participate in a decorating contest called the Ring of Lights where each house features its own extravagantly themed decorations. From lights on every façade to roof-top animated scenes and dancing Christmas trees, the Ring of Lights has become as celebrated as the boat parade itself. Visitors can view homes by walking around Newport Beach waterfront neighborhoods such as Balboa Island and Balboa Village or view by boat charter or boat rental.
When: Wednesday through Sunday in December. Dates Vary.
ART IN THE PARK
Visit with over 100 artists and artisans on the Newport Beach Civic Center Green. Meet the artists, learn more about their work and buy directly from them. Arts Orange County builds appreciation of, participation in, and support for the arts and arts education throughout Orange County.
When: Occurs every October. Dates vary.
BALCOA CRAFT BEER FESTIVAL
Orange Coast magazine and the Balboa Village Merchant Association presents the annual Balboa Craft Beer Festival! The Balboa Beerfest is back in action. Come enjoy the fun on Balboa Blvd. & Palms Parking lot for unlimited tastings from varieties of beer and seltzer vendors along with food, music and more.
When: Occurs yearly in November. Dates Vary.
THE BALBOA FUN ZONE
The Balboa Fun Zone is one of Southern California’s oldest and last great coastal amusement areas and a popular family-friendly attraction for visitors to Newport Beach. Visitors can enjoy rides on the waterfront Ferris Wheel, play games in the arcade or tour the nautical museum while enjoying their favorite beach treats. Balboa Newport Beach is also a popular place to rent bikes, harbor cruises, whale watching or take off for a day trip to nearby Catalina Island on the Catalina Flyer.
DUFFY BOAT RENTAL
Enjoy cruising Newport Harbor with up to ten friends in a Duffy Boat. You’re the captain in these unique, easy-to-operate boats. Each boat has a canopy top, window enclosure and CD player with MP3 player hook up. Perfect for special occasions. Tie up and eat at restaurants along Newport Harbor or bring your own food and beverages.