🏄‍♂️ An "OC Sweep" at the Huntington Beach Pier

You can feel summer getting closer now. The kind of days where a quick walk turns into staying out until sunset, and suddenly dinner plans happen on a patio somewhere near the water.

This week leans right into that. Live music, beach cleanups, local markets, and a few standout events that are worth putting on the calendar before they fill up.

The Graduation Gift They Will Replay Forever: A Custom Song Written for Your Senior

Graduation only happens once, and it deserves something more than a gift card. Songs for Your Story takes your senior's name, memories, and inside jokes and crafts them into a fully custom, professionally produced song. Play it at the party, drop it behind the slideshow, or just send it to them on the big day. Give them something nobody else will think to give.

Country, pop, hip-hop, ballads. You pick the style. They handle everything else.

Before you decide, go to songsforyourstory.com/graduation and hit play on any song. Just 30 seconds. You will be blown away.

Starting at $79. Graduation season only.

Thank you to our sponsors who help keep this newsletter free for the community. 🙏

🏄‍♂️ Local Talent Sweeps the Podium at Huntington Beach

The Gist: Newport Beach local Parker Cohn and Huntington’s Bailey Turner claimed historic first-time victories this past Sunday, April 26, at the Vans Jack's Surfboards Pro. Competing in tough conditions at the Huntington Beach Pier, 17-year-old Turner secured her maiden win with a late 5.63 wave score, while Cohn outlasted a massive field of 128 surfers to defeat Levi Slawson. Both athletes now lead the North America rankings to kick off the 2026/2027 season.

Why It Matters: This "OC Sweep" is a massive win for our local surf scene, proving our neighbors are the ones to beat on the world stage. Seeing Parker celebrate with his family and local crew after years of hard work shows the heart behind the sport. It’s a proud moment for Newport and HB to see our own athletes sitting at the top of the leaderboard.

What’s Next: The North America QS season continues at the Super Girl Surf Festival in Oceanside from August 21–23, 2026.

🪖 1,776 Flags to Fly Over Castaways Park

The Gist: The Exchange Club of Newport Harbor returns to Castaways Park from May 16 to May 26 for the 17th Annual Field of Honor. A display of 1,776 American flags will line the pathways at 16th Street and Dover Drive to honor veterans and first responders. Residents can dedicate individual flags, which may be taken home after the event concludes on Memorial Day.

Why It Matters: By supporting the display, neighbors help fund vital local causes, including youth charities and programs that provide direct aid to service members and their families. Two ceremonies will be held at the field at noon: Armed Forces Day on May 17 and Memorial Day on May 26.

🌮 Street tacos and weekend market vibes

Avila’s El Ranchito is the heartbeat of the Peninsula, balancing a 50-year legacy with fresh coastal energy. This Saturday, May 2, they’re hosting a Mother’s Day Mercado from 11am to 3pm featuring local vendors and drink specials.

If you miss the market, head over on Tuesday for $10 street tacos and margaritas to celebrate Cinco de Mayo. Between the DJ sets and Mamá Avila’s famous chicken soup, it’s the neighborhood's favorite place to gather.

Pro tip: The first 50 guests at Saturday’s Mercado get a free gift, arrive early to grab a spot on the patio!

🌿 A botanical wonderland of seasonal festivals

Roger's Gardens is a dream for anyone with a green thumb or an eye for decor. The calendar is currently packed with celebrations, starting with Peppermania which runs through May 3 and features a massive collection of over 100 pepper varieties.

For those who prefer blossoms, the Rose Festival begins May 1 and showcases an impressive selection of California roses. Wander while browsing the curated Mother’s Day floral collections or finding native plants to support local pollinators!

One of the coolest pieces of history on the property is the original Disneyland bandstand, which now sits right in the heart of the garden landscape.

Meet Apollo, a five-year-old Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever mix

A traveler at heart, Apollo is weighing a manageable 24 pounds. This clever fellow has mastered his basic commands and enjoys the quiet rhythm of trail walks and car rides.

He bonds deeply once settled and currently thrives alongside another dog in his foster home. Due to his natural prey drive, he requires a cat-free household. With a $350 adoption fee, Apollo is vetted, healthy, and ready for a patient partner.

To learn more about this handsome boy,

🌹 Rose Festival & Mother’s Day Celebration | Roger’s Gardens | Corona del Mar | 05/01-05/10 | More 
Stroll through thousands of roses and enjoy expert gardening tips and contests.

🏁 Hoag OC Marathon Running Festival | OC Fair & Event Center | Costa Mesa | 05/02-05/03 | More 
Vibrant spectating, live music, and a coastal finish line party for all ages.

🎈 LSPACE’s Little L Collection | Fashion Island | Newport Beach | 05/02 | More 
Sweet treats, balloon artistry, and coloring contests celebrate a new collection.

📸 Mother’s Day Portrait Studio | Anthropologie | Newport Beach | 05/02 | More Professional family photos, bouquet building, and exclusive giveaways on the lawn.

🧘 The Sunday Scene: Stroller Sculpt | Lido Marina | Newport Beach | 05/03 | More 
Revitalizing waterside workout followed by connection and fresh ocean air.

🎾 May NAVIGATE: Pickleball | The Tennis Club | Newport Beach | 05/01 | More
Sun-drenched afternoon of friendly competition and networking on the local courts.

🧶 Chainstitch Event at Sugar Paper | Lido Marina | Newport Beach | 05/02 | More 
Custom personalized embroidery for fabric pouches in a waterside boutique.

🧘 Hot Pursuit: Athleta Yoga Class | Fashion Island | Newport Beach | 05/02 | More
Rejuvenating outdoor flow on the lush lawn during a premium fitness series.

🚤 Silver Seas Yachts Demo | 301 Shipyard Way | Newport Beach | 05/02 | More 
Exclusive on-the-water sea trials and guided tours of world-class yachts!

⚓ Gilligan’s Island Party Band | Campus JAX | Newport Beach | 05/02 | More 
A "three-hour tour" of Yacht Rock hits and nostalgic castaway antics.

🌈 Indigo Ball 2026 | Hyatt Regency | Newport Beach | 05/02 | More 
A premier gala celebrating 55 years of LGBTQ Center OC's life-changing work.

🌮 Cinco de Mayo Fiesta | Taco Rosa - Newport Hills Event Popup | Newport Beach | 05/05 | More 
Authentic barbacoa taco stand, tequila tastings, and upbeat urban pop live music.

🍷 Duckhorn 50th Anniversary Wine Dinner | Rusty Pelican | Newport Beach | 05/07 | More 
A five-course pairing celebrating five decades of premier Napa Valley winemaking.

Thanks for reading Our Newsletter! We’ll have more updates for you next week!

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