🏃 2 miles of surf and sand (and 1,500 brave local kids)

The end of July is here, which means the season is starting to feel a little too short. Luckily, there’s still plenty happening around town, from pool parties and beach movies to live jazz and concerts on the grass.

We’re also celebrating the Junior Lifeguards who continue one of Newport’s best summer traditions. Consider this your reminder to squeeze a little more fun out of the season while you can.

🏊 1,500 Junior Lifeguards take on the Monster Mile

The Gist: Roughly 1,500 Newport Beach Junior Lifeguards took on the annual Monster Mile on July 23, a one-mile ocean swim and one-mile beach run under the theme "Salute to American Heroes." Athletes ranged from nine-year-olds to nearly-graduating high schoolers, all pushing through Newport's summer surf together.

Why It Matters: The Junior Lifeguards program has been the launchpad for hundreds of local water careers and lifelong beach kids. Watching them cover two miles on foot and in the ocean is one of the best summer traditions the city has.

📚 Newport-Mesa's roadmap through 2031 is official

The Gist: The Newport-Mesa Unified School District board unanimously approved its 2026-2031 strategic plan on July 21, setting a five-year roadmap organized around four pillars: student success and engagement, communication and family partnership, sense of belonging and well-being, and stewardship of resources. The plan was shaped by roughly 18 months of input from families, teachers, students, and community members.

Why It Matters: With school starting in about four weeks, this is the blueprint that will guide everything from classroom investments to student support programs across the district's schools until 2031.

🍷 Trust in the pasta, trust in the pour

Modo Mio anchors the promenade since 2005, serving Northern Italian classics that feel made for warm evenings. Handmade pastas lead the way: from linguine Vongole brimming with Manila clams to seafood-stacked Cartoccio and rich short rib ragout over pappardelle.

Late nights call for a table on the breezy patio with a cold cocktail, finishing with citrus sorbet served inside a frozen orange or lemon.

⛵ Time to trade land for open water

Newport Sea Base has been turning local youth into sailors, rowers, and marine scientists since 1937. Summer may be winding down, but it is not too late to catch big energy along the Mariner's Mile waterfront.

Run by the Orange County Council of the Boy Scouts, programs like paddling and rowing are open to all youth. Weekday and weekend classes continue into fall, plus leaders gather August 15 for planning.

Meet King, a 2-year-old medium-sized Pit Bull Terrier mix

Sporting a warm chestnut coat, this house-trained companion brings plenty of playful energy and a real eagerness to learn. He is recommended for households with kids over 12.

To learn more about this handsome boy,

🌊 Splash Bash | Newport Harbor High School Pool | 07/31 | More 
Recreational swimming, giant inflatables, and upbeat summer music.

🎨 Just Plein Fun 2026 | Huse Skelly Gallery | 08/03-08/07 | More 
Live painting competition featuring ten acclaimed artists across Balboa Island.

🎨 Adventurous Artists | Sherman Library & Gardens | 08/04 | More 
Exploring watercolors, mixed media, and sculpting inspired by nature.

📚 Teen Summer Reading Book Club | NB Central Library | 08/05 | More 
Literary discussion and games centered around seasonal reading favorites.

🌸 Hummingbird Summer | Roger's Gardens | Daily until Fall | More 
Bright display garden filled with native flora and vibrant hummingbird activity.

🎸 James Kelly Band at Summer Concert Series | Peninsula Park | 07/31 | More
Upbeat classic rock and soulful tunes right along the harbor waterfront.

🥂 Sip N' Dink Wine and Pickleball Tournament | Tennis & Pickleball Club at Newport Beach | 08/01 | More
Ten winery teams, a grand tasting, and proceeds for Miracles for Kids. Ticketed.

🎷 Live on the Lawn: Daniel Rotem Quintet | Fashion Island Neiman Marcus Lawn | 08/01 | More
Contemporary LA jazz on the lawn from 4 to 7 p.m. Free.

🤘 Bangers: A Tribute to British Rock | Campus JAX | 08/02 | More
Stones, Beatles, Kinks, and Zeppelin, with a 60s-style costume change.

📖 It's a Wrap...Party! | Newport Beach Central Library | 08/04 | More 
Book recommendations, prize drawings, and literary fun.

🎷 Tony Guerrero & Friends | Campus JAX | 08/06 | More 
Warm organ grooves and classic soul jazz in an intimate venue.

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