💃 Newport Beach’s boldest Sunday yet (want in?)

Mid-April in Newport is doing its usual thing: sunny mornings, cool evenings, and a calendar that fills up fast if you’re not paying attention. Right now has a little bit of everything, from boats and beach days to live music and low-key local finds.

There’s even a world record attempt thrown in, which feels very on brand for this place. You could plan it all out, or just follow the mood and see where you end 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 $49. Graduation season only.

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

💃 Attempting a Guinness World Record on Sunday

The Gist: As part of Newport Beach's "120 Years of Welcome" celebration, Visit Newport Beach is organizing an official Guinness World Records attempt for the World's Largest Swing Dance Lesson on Sunday, April 19, starting at 10 a.m. at Peninsula Park Athletic Field next to Balboa Pier. The event features instruction by world-renowned Balboa dancers from Atomic Ballroom, live music by The Jonathan Stout Orchestra featuring Hilary Alexander, food trucks, and giveaways. The current record stands at 391 pairs (782 individuals), and organizers need more than that to break it. No dance experience is required. Solo participants will be matched with a partner on-site. Open to ages 13 and up. Registration is free at visitnewportbeach.com/gwr.

Why It Matters: The Balboa swing style was born on this peninsula in the 1930s at the legendary Rendezvous Ballroom, where Big Band era crowds packed the floor and invented the close-embrace dance that carries the city's name. This record attempt is both a genuine community milestone and a meaningful way to mark Newport Beach's 120th year.

☀️ Good Vibrations Coming To Marine Avenue!

The Gist: It’s time to dust off your beach chairs because the 31st Annual Balboa Island Parade is officially returning on Sunday, May 31 at 11 a.m. This year’s theme is "Good Vibrations on Balboa Island," featuring a lively lineup including the U.S. Marine Band, the USC marching band, and the crowd-favorite Patio Chair Drill Team. If you want to join the fun, online registration for parade entries is open now through May 16.

Why It Matters: This isn't just a march down the street; it's the heartbeat of our island spirit. From the surf bands and miniature horses to the local kids and dogs, it’s a day where we trade the hustle of life for a "beachy groove" and a dance party in front of the fire station.

What’s Next:
May 16: Final deadline to register your float, golf cart, or group online.
May 31: Parade kicks off at the Balboa Island Bridge at 11 a.m., followed immediately by the street party.
June 20: Head over to the Beek Center for the All-Island Pancake Breakfast, where the Parade Judges Awards will be handed out.

🐟 Some salt-air and harbor-side staples

Bear Flag Fish Co. is the definitive Newport institution for those who prefer their ahi served with a side of marina views. Whether you’re at the Lido Village flagship or the Crystal Cove outpost, the vibe is effortlessly coastal and rooted in a deep respect for the catch.

The legendary Bear Flag burrito remains the smart order, though the customizable poke bowls and panko-crusted tacos are equally essential. It’s fresh, honest, and perfectly suited for a post-surf lunch or a slow afternoon watching the boats glide by.

🧘 Morning heat and custom coastal resistance

Ekam Yoga & Pilates has anchored this stretch of PCH for a decade, offering a calm space for vinyasa and precision on custom Project X reformers.

The studio focuses on internal strength and steady alignment, especially during the newly returned weekend morning Drip Mat Pilates sessions. With high ceilings, natural wood floors, and local kombucha on tap, it remains a neighborhood fixture for those seeking quiet ritual over the usual coastal rush.

Mason is a brown and white tabby looking for a gentle pace

At about eighteen months old, this medium sized fellow is observant and shy, having come from a local mobile home park. He thrives in the company of other cats and would excel in a quiet, adult only home or a safe outdoor environment.

Mason is neutered, vaccinated, and requires a $150 adoption fee.

To learn more about this handsome boy,

🛥️ Newport Beach International Boat Show | Lido Marina Village | Newport Beach | 04/16–04/19 | More 
The West Coast's premier in-water boat show runs with over 200 boats on display.

🍫 Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory | The Lido Theater | Newport Beach | 04/17 | More 
Whimsical 1970s classic film screening in a beautifully restored historic cinema.

🌍 Earth Day at the Bay | Peter and Mary Muth Interpretive Center | Newport Beach | 04/18 | More 
Annual celebration of the Back Bay: environmental exhibits, arts and crafts, and more!

🍦 Swim Launch | The GREAT. | Newport Beach | 04/18 | More
Shop new swim arrivals while enjoying complimentary local ice cream.

🚲 Bicycle Rodeo & Safety Fair | Newport Elementary School | Newport Beach | 04/18 | More 
Skill-building courses and safety education for young riders on the peninsula.

🌍 Earth Day Dolphin Excursion | Davey’s Locker | Newport Beach | 04/22 | More
Scenic ocean adventure searching for local marine life to celebrate our blue planet.

🎻 Candlelight Newport Beach: The Best of Hans Zimmer | Hyatt Regency | Newport Beach | 04/18 | More 
Hans Zimmer's most iconic film scores performed live by a string quartet.

🕺 K-Tel All Stars: 70s Soundtrack | Campus JAX | Newport Beach | 04/18 | More 
A recreation of AM radio hits and danceable one-hit wonders.

🌿 Spring Sip & Shop | Bayfront Boutique | Newport Beach | 04/18 | More 
Retail therapy accompanied by seasonal cocktails and new arrivals.

🍀 Family Style Sunday Funk | Muldoon's Irish Pub | Newport Beach | 04/19 | More
Lively courtyard session featuring infectious grooves and classic pub hospitality.

⚓ Harbor Small Vessel Auction | Marina Park | Newport Beach | 04/22 | More
Unique opportunity to bid on local watercraft in a scenic bayfront setting.

🎷 Luca Pino Quintet: Pino Noir | Campus JAX | Newport Beach | 04/23 | More
Sophisticated 1930s Paris swing with elegant arrangements and hot jazz stylings.

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

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