🎬 Big screens, small-town heart: Film Fest returns

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If Newport Beach had a soundtrack, it’d be clinking mugs, barking pups, and a few rolling film reels. The Film Festival is almost here, and the whole city seems to buzz with a mix of creativity and comfort.

Whether you’re trying a new café, catching a flick, or just walking the bay, it’s all part of what makes living here feel special.

🌴 Big Plates, Small-Town Beach Vibes

Step off Marine Avenue and into Wilma’s Patio, where pancakes are stacked as high as the beach umbrellas outside and Crab Benedict feels like a local rite of passage.

The family’s been feeding islanders here for decades, with their kitchen turning out everything from prime rib sliders to Belgian waffles. It’s the kind of spot where the coffee keeps coming, kids get their own menu, and no one leaves hungry. Learn more here.

🎥 Wanna Create Cool Content for Newport Beach?

The Newport Scoop is looking for a local content creator to help us spotlight people, places, and stories that make our city great.

• Video, photo, or written content: your style, your voice

• Collaborate with local businesses + interesting folks

• Grow your presence while helping grow ours

👉 Apply now to be part of Newport Beach’ go-to local media brand! Click here.

🌊 Coffee, surfboards, and sun-soaked shelves

Daydream Surf feels like Newport’s community living room. Housed in a wide-open warehouse on 16th Street, it’s where locals stop for a lavender latte and a chat before checking the waves.

The surf club wall holds rotating boards from master shapers, ready for test rides, while shelves mix vintage clothing, ceramics, and design-minded goods. It’s part café, part surf lab, part hangout, and always buzzing with familiar faces. Learn more here.

🎬 Newport Beach Film Festival Returns Oct. 16–23

The Gist: The 26th annual Newport Beach Film Festival is rolling out the red carpet with more than 100 feature films and 250 shorts from 32 countries. Opening night kicks off Oct. 16 with Richard Linklater’s Blue Moon, while Guillermo del Toro’s Frankenstein will close the festival on Oct. 23. Special events include a fashion and film showcase with Fashion Island and a book signing with the hosts of Podcrushed.

Why it matters: This beloved festival brings Hollywood and global cinema straight to Orange County. Read more here.

🐾 Paws and Blessings Filled St. James Church

The Gist: St. James Episcopal Church in Newport Beach was a lively scene Sunday morning as more than 120 pets (from energetic pups to curious guinea pigs!) lined up for their annual Blessing of the Animals. Rev. Canon Cindy Voorhees offered prayers and tiny St. Francis medals, honoring the patron saint of animals and the environment.

Why It Matters: The cherished tradition has become a joyful reminder of the bond between people and their pets, and the simple goodness of gathering as a community to give thanks for them. Read more here.

🏰 California Residents Score Big Savings at Disneyland

The Gist: California residents can snag a 3-Day Park Hopper Ticket for just $249, that’s over 50% off regular prices! The special ticket lets guests enjoy both Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure on any three days from January 1 to May 21, 2026, even nonconsecutive ones.

Why It Matters: It’s a rare chance for locals to experience Disneyland’s 70th Celebration, Lunar New Year festivities, and Food & Wine Festival at half the cost. Tickets go on sale December 3, with park reservations required for each visit. Read more here.

Magnum is a 2-year-old Pit Bull Terrier mix with a warm heart. 

With a copper-and-white coat and at 66 pounds, this adorable guy is calm, gentle, and walks beautifully on a leash. Still new to the shelter, Magnum has already charmed everyone with his sweet, easygoing nature.

He’s neutered, vaccinated, and microchipped, ready to join a loving home. Adoption fee and details available through the shelter.

To learn more about this handsome boy, click HERE.

🎃 Fall Into Health | Natural Healing Center | Newport | 10/11 | More
Wellness fair featuring holistic experts, free checks, demos, and giveaways for the family.

🎸 The Totally 70s Show | Campus JAX | Newport | 10/11 | More
Step back in time with The K-Tel All Stars for a high-energy tribute to the biggest hits!

🎉 Oktoberfest on the Coast | The Whaler | Newport | 10/11 | More
Games, music, and all-you-can-drink German beer make this celebration unmissable.

💎 Jewelry Experience | Roller Rabbit, Lido Marina | Newport | 10/11 | More
Lasting memories with jewelry, charms, and signature pieces from Truly Blessed Jewels.

🐦 Learn from Birds: World Migratory Bird Day Sunset Walk | Upper Newport Bay Nature Preserve | Newport | 10/12 | More
Enjoy a guided sunset bird walk celebrating migration with hands-on learning.

🎤 805 Social Club: The History of Pop | Marina Park | Newport | 10/12 | More
Travel through time with the 805 Social Club as they perform the greatest pop songs!

🍂 Fall Faire & Pumpkin Patch | Environmental Nature Center | Newport | 10/12 | More
A zero-waste autumn festival with nature crafts, live shows, SavorOC eats, and pumpkins!

🎥 NBFF Opening Night: “Blue Moon” Premiere & Party | Big Newport Theater | Newport | 10/16 | More
Kick off the festival with the heartfelt drama Blue Moon followed by a star-studded gala.

If you want to read any of our previous issues, check them out HERE on our website.