🚋 Ditch the parking hunt: the big red trolleys are back

Lately it feels like every corner of Newport Beach has something going on. One minute it’s a new build breaking ground, the next it’s a small shop quietly doing something creative and unexpected.

That mix is what makes this place fun to keep up with. This week we’re leaning into both sides, big-picture changes and the kind of local finds you only hear about from a friend. Glad you’re here for it.

🚋 New Red Trolleys around the Peninsula

The Gist: The City of Newport Beach launched its free open-air trolley service for the summer, running Saturdays and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. through September 7. The fleet of four red trolleys stops at 22 locations along the peninsula, with an extra trolley added on major holidays like Memorial Day, Independence Day, and Labor Day. Neighbors can score free parking at the Avon Street lot by entering the code TROLLEY26 at the kiosk or via the ParkMobile app, and riders can even bring along beach gear, luggage, or surfboards up to six feet long.

Why It Matters: By honoring the look of the city's historic 1906 Red Cars, the route effortlessly blends a piece of local heritage with a practical, scenic way to support our peninsula businesses and beaches.

🌊 A Hometown Legend Returns to Newport Harbor High

The Gist: Newport Harbor High School alumnus Greg MacGillivray is returning to his old stomping grounds for a special Ocean Film Night on Saturday, May 30. Starting at 4:30 p.m., neighbors can enjoy live music from the band HONK and grab some tacos before the 6:00 p.m. theater screening of his stunning documentaries, Dolphins and Humpback Whales. The evening wraps up with a live Q&A featuring MacGillivray and marine experts like Dr. Alissa Deming to talk about the ocean wonders right off our coast.

Why It Matters: This is a beautiful celebration of a local legacy, bringing an Academy Award-nominated filmmaker right back to where his journey began in 1963. Grab your seats for this Saturday, May 30. To secure tickets and find more details ahead of time:

🥩 Elegant waterfront steaks with zero pretense

Louie’s by the Bay pairs 180-degree harbor views with a modern Italian steakhouse vibe. There is something deeply restorative about dinner on the water, especially when it includes a properly seared prime filet and a chilled glass of Sangiovese.

The space honors the welcoming spirit of local legend Louis Zamperini, translating to flawless service that treats everyone like regulars. Settle in by the patio fire pits, order the standout eggplant parmesan and handmade pastas, watch the boats slide across the bay and enjoy golden hour.

📝 Beautifully inked notes and hand-poured aromas.

Morning light hits the shelves just right at Sugar Paper, where the salt air mixes with the crisp scent of fresh stationery.

This boutique focuses on tangible, hand-lined envelopes and monogrammed journals, each piece feeling substantial and intentional. Regulars stop in for thick notebooks and soy-based candles, while the team helps arrange custom cards without any rush or pressure.

It is a quiet sanctuary for finding a thoughtful graduation present or a proper teacher gift, where the quality shows in every single detail.

🦊 Meet Foxy, a three-year-old Cardigan Welsh Corgi mix

Weighing in on the smaller side with a beautiful tan coat, this independent lady brings plenty of classic Corgi charm and a watchful presence to the household. She does well around older kids and other dogs, though she prefers a home without cats.

Currently staying at our local shelter, her adoption fee is seventy-five dollars.

To learn more about this beautiful girl,

📖 Little Seedlings Story Time | Sherman Library & Gardens | Newport Beach | 05/29 | More 
Charming morning nature book sharing for preschool children!

🎬 Movies on the Beach | Newport Dunes Waterfront Resort | Newport Beach | 05/29-05/30 | More 
Family-friendly screenings under the stars with soft sand and cool ocean breezes.

🛶 Discover Upper Newport Bay Kayak Tour | Aquatic Center | Newport Beach | 05/30 | More 
Serene naturalist-led paddle thru protected wetlands with diverse migrating birds.

🐳 Celebrating Our Oceans Film Festival | Newport Harbor High School Theater | Newport Beach | 05/30 | More 
Marine documentaries, live music, fresh tacos, and an insightful director Q&A panel.

🏝️ 31st Balboa Island Parade | Marine Avenue | Balboa Island | 05/31 | More
Marching bands, decorated golf carts, and a Beach Boys tribute after-party. Free.

🎙️ TEDx Youth Event | The Lido Theater | Newport Beach | 05/31 | More 
Inspiring evening showcase: brilliant young minds navigating a changing world.

🎤 Andrea Miller Album Release | Campus JAX | Newport Beach | 05/28 | More 
World-class ensemble backing vocal standards for an intimate record release party.

🎷 Newport Beach Jazz Festival | Hyatt Regency | Newport Beach | 05/29-05/31 | More 
Smooth, soulful grooves and vibrant R&B tracks drift across a scenic bayfront lawn.

🍷 Annual Summer Soirée | Environmental Nature Center | Newport Beach | 05/30 | More 
Chef-prepared dinner, auction, and starlit music supporting environmental education.

🎨 Live Custom Illustrations | Sugar Paper | Newport Beach | 05/31 | More 
Talented live illustrator creating hand-drawn portraits inside a charming boutique.

⛵ Summer Send Regatta | Balboa Yacht Club | Newport Beach | 05/31 | More Harbor sailboat races paired with live music, drinks, trophies, and camaraderie.

🍿 Newport Beach TV Fest | Lido Theatre | Newport Beach | 06/04-06/07 | More 
Premier television celebration: Hollywood episodic previews, star panels, and awards.

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

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