🎬 Newport Beach Film Festival returns for its 27th year

🍿 A big screen takeover next month

The Gist: The 27th annual Newport Beach Film Festival is back October 15 to 22, bringing eight days of screenings, galas, and special events to local venues. Reporter Chelsea Raineri notes that opening night kicks off October 15 with galas at Regal Edwards Big Newport and Fashion Island, followed by Main Stage events October 16 to 18.

Why It Matters: Expecting over 50,000 film lovers, this event turns our neighborhood into a vibrant hub for world premieres and international cinema. Beyond the star power, it brings our community together to celebrate local food, music, design, and family-friendly programming.

🗳️ Historic special election set for Newport Beach

The Gist: Newport Beach is holding its first special election in 44 years on Nov. 3 following a court order. Running alongside the general election, voters will receive a separate ballot to decide on three resident-led initiatives, with city staff estimating costs could hit $1.5 million.

Why It Matters: The measures give us a direct vote on City Council term limits, election methods, and oversight of public meetings and records. It puts significant decisions about local government structure and transparency straight into the hands of the community.

🍜 Velvety broths meet crispy comfort staples

Just off West Coast Highway, Kokiyo offers a coastal stop when craving comfortable, scratch-made Asian street fare. The star of the table is their signature ramen, anchored by a rich, velvety broth subtly elevated with cashew milk. Pair your bowl with their surprisingly crisp fried portobello mushrooms, garlic chili tenders, or pan-fried gyoza.

Open late into the evening, it is a sleek, satisfying spot for a casual dinner after a day by the water.

🔑 Your round the clock wellness spot

Graviti Fitness fits whatever schedule your week throws at you.

Members use a personal keycode for round the clock access to equipment, recovery tools, a sauna, and a cold plunge. Certified trainers deliver personalized workouts, injury prevention programs, and manual therapy for both athletes and seniors. You can isolate glutes on the Smith machine with curtsy lunges, train upper body strength on gymnastic rings, or mix up a fresh lemon strawberry refresher after training.