6 Things to Look Forward to in May
Spring is in full swing, and there’s plenty to look forward to in Newport Beach this season! From the annual Newport Beach Wine & Spirits Festival to holidays like Mother’s Day, Memorial Day and Cinco de Mayo, May is always a month packed with festivities and celebrations. And as the weather begins to warm up, there’s no better time to get out of the house and fill your calendar. Check out our list of six things to look forward to this May!
Newport Beach Wine & Spirits Festival
Date: May 27-29
Spend Memorial Day weekend tasting over 50 labels of spirits, seltzers and wine at the Newport Beach Wine & Spirits Festival. This local, two-day event takes place on the harbor’s edge at the beautiful Balboa Bay Resort. Attendees will enjoy a weekend of sipping, savoring and listening to live music! And if you’re looking for the ultimate festival experience, snag a Wine & Spirits VIP Pass, which includes a ticket to the Daou Winemaker Dinner on Friday, May 27!
Mother’s Day
Date: May 8
On Sunday, May 8, moms around the world will be celebrated for the love they bring into our lives! And if you’re looking for a way to make Mom feel special, Newport Beach is the place to be! Our city by the sea is home to top-notch restaurants, world-class shopping destinations and all sorts of fun outdoor activities. Start with an electric boat ride on the bay, then head to Lido Marina Village or Fashion Island for a Mother’s Day shopping spree! And when Mom’s cravings kick in, treat her to a special seafood dinner at Bluewater Grill, Bayside Restaurant or The Cannery!
Memorial Day
Date: May 30
Nothing beats a Monday when you don’t have to go to work. But the true meaning behind this annual holiday is to honor the military members who have sacrificed their lives for our freedom. So this Memorial Day, we recommend getting outside and appreciating the beautiful country (and city) we live in! Head to the beach for a good old fashion bonfire, or spend your day off camping at Newport Dunes Waterfront Resort & Marina with the family!
Cinco de Mayo
Date: May 5
Newport Beach is no slouch when it comes to authentic Mexican cuisine. Our city is home to a handful of restaurants that serve up a variety of south-of-the-border bites! This Cinco de Mayo, feast on tacos and margaritas at SOL Mexican Cocina, Avila’s El Ranchito, RED O “Taste of Mexico,” Cabo Cantina, GuacAmigos and more! Nothing says Cinco in SoCal like margs on the bay!
Date: May 15
The 27th Annual Balboa Island Artwalk is right around the corner, and if you’ve never experienced this spring event, now is the time! The Balboa Island Artwalk is the premier showcase for talented local artists and features everything from paintings, sculptures and photography to fine jewelry and blown glass. Stroll along the South Bayfront Promenade and enjoy live music as you admire the breathtaking artwork. Admission is free.
Wine & Goats at Newport Beach Vineyards & Winery
Date: May 1 (every first Sunday of the month)
Why drink wine with friends when you can drink wine with goats?! For $85 per person, you can sip vino, snack on lite bites, tour the vineyards and botanical gardens at Newport Beach Vineyards & Winery and feed goats Winnie and Evie! This local event takes place every month, offering a unique winery experience and fun change of scenery!
Written by: Kaylin Waizinger