All Aboard! The Newport Beach Wooden Boat Festival Is Back
Calling all seafarers! The Newport Beach Wooden Boat Festival is back at the Balboa Yacht Club on June 13, 2026! Get ready to be dazzled by over 30 stunning wooden vessels of all sizes, alongside a showcase of master artisans and craftsmen at work. From stepping aboard meticulously restored wooden powerboats and sailboats to meeting the talented craftsmen behind them, guests can immerse themselves in the rich stories and timeless artistry that make these vessels so special. Expect live entertainment, harborfront views and even the chance to cruise the water yourself with gondola rides available throughout the day. Here’s a sneak preview of what this year’s event has in store.
On-the-Water Activities
This year’s Newport Beach Wooden Boat Festival invites attendees to experience life on the water firsthand with a lineup of maritime activities. Guests can step aboard the Spirit of Dana Point, a traditionally crafted replica of an 18th-century privateer schooner, where they’ll get an up-close look at a fully operational tall ship complete with raised sails, working lines and a crew ready to share traditional sailing techniques and stories from the age of sail. Beyond the schooner, festivalgoers can wander through an impressive collection of both large and small wooden boats, from elegant cruising vessels to classic runabouts and preserved sailing crafts that celebrate the artistry and heritage of life at sea. For those looking to take in Newport Harbor from the water, gondola rides will also be available throughout the day, offering a scenic and relaxing cruise past waterfront homes, docks and historic boats
On-Land Activities
Beyond the boats, this iconic Newport Beach event will feature plenty of shoreside experiences for guests of all ages to enjoy. Attendees can browse maritime-inspired art and exhibits from local craftsmen and vendors, listen to live music throughout the day and soak in the festive waterfront atmosphere with BBQ bites and drinks in hand.
Families can explore interactive youth activities like toy boat building, coloring stations and knot-tying demonstrations, while boating enthusiasts can attend special speaker presentations and docent-led tours that dive deeper into the history and craftsmanship behind these historic wooden vessels. Guests can also participate in the festival’s silent auction featuring unique experiences, artwork and vacation packages, making the event just as lively on land as it is on the water.
Ticket Information
- General Admission Tickets: $10 each
- Children’s Admission (Under 12): Free
- Gondola Rides: Available for purchase at the event.
Tickets can be purchased online and at the gate. Don’t miss out on this unique celebration of nautical beauty and craftsmanship. See you there, mates!
