Festival Season in Newport Beach
Summer in Newport Beach is packed with more than just beach days and boat rides. It’s also the season for waterfront concerts, food and wine festivals, community celebrations and can’t-miss coastal events. From jazz performances by the bay to wine tastings, wooden boat showcases and sunset concert series, there’s no shortage of ways to soak up the sunshine this season. So grab your sunglasses, text the group chat, and start filling your calendar—here are some of the best summer festivals happening in Newport Beach!
Tunes at the Dunes
Dates: May 22-24, July 3-5, Sept. 4-6
Spend a summer evening bayside at Newport Dunes Waterfront Resort & Marina during the resort’s annual Tunes at the Dunes concert series. Tucked along the scenic Back Bay, this family-friendly waterfront destination pairs live music with laid-back coastal fun, making it a go-to spot for warm-weather weekends in Orange County. Guests can enjoy free outdoor concerts just steps from the marina while taking advantage of the resort’s many activities, including Duffy boat rentals, waterfront dining, beach lounging, and the seasonal inflatable water park. With sunset views, live entertainment, and plenty of space for families to spread out and relax, Tunes at the Dunes delivers the ultimate summer-night atmosphere by the bay. Save the dates for Memorial Day Weekend (May 22-24), Independence Day Weekend (July 3-5), and Labor Day Weekend (Sept. 4-6)!
Newport Beach TV Fest
Dates: June 6-7
Returning for its second year, this four-day event spotlights emerging talent, hit shows, and creative voices from networks and streaming platforms. Expect panels with the cast from Shrinking, Adults, Pluribus, and more, along with interviews with Andy Cohen and Mindy Kaling. Get your tickets early because they will sell out.
Newport Beach Wooden Boat Festival
Dates: June 12-13
Step aboard a weekend of maritime history and coastal charm at the Newport Beach Wooden Boat Festival, returning to the Balboa Yacht Club June 12-13, 2026. This beloved waterfront festival brings together more than 30 beautifully crafted wooden vessels—from vintage runabouts to rare sailboats and classic motor yachts—for a two-day celebration of nautical culture, craftsmanship, and storytelling. Guests can admire iconic boats dockside, explore interactive exhibits and art installations, and even hear sea-inspired talks from guest speakers. With family-friendly activities, live artistry, and tributes to legendary vessels and Hollywood seafarers alike, the festival offers an immersive look into the timeless allure of life on the water.
VEA Summer Concert Series
Dates: June 18, July 16, August 20
Kick off summer concert season at VEA Newport Beach during the hotel’s 2026 Summer Concert Series, a three-part sunset concert lineup set on the scenic Sunset Lawn overlooking the coast. The series begins June 18 with a high-energy performance by Kayln & The New Frontier before continuing with Daniel Bonte & The Bonafide on July 16 and country artist Teddy Robb on Aug. 20. Pairing live music with ocean views, golden-hour skies, and food and drink specials, the open-air series offers the perfect excuse for a summer night out in Newport Beach. Guests can spread out on the lawn, enjoy first-come seating, or upgrade to VIP packages featuring private lounge seating and drink tickets for an elevated concert experience.
Summer Concert Series at Hyatt Regency Newport Beach
Dates: June 21, July 24, Oct. 15
Spend summer nights under the stars at the Summer Concert Series at Hyatt Regency Newport Beach, returning to the scenic Back Bay Amphitheater beginning June 21, 2026. Set against the backdrop of Newport Beach’s picturesque Back Bay, this longtime concert tradition brings an impressive lineup of jazz, R&B, pop, rock and country artists to the waterfront venue all season long. Guests can catch performances from acclaimed musicians like Dave Koz & Friends, Brian Culbertson and Chris Isaak while enjoying an open-air concert experience that has entertained Southern California music lovers for decades. With viewing options ranging from reserved seating to premium skyboxes, the series offers a memorable way to spend a summer evening in Newport Beach.
Pacific Wine & Food Classic
Date: Sept. 12
Coastal views, incredible cuisine and endless wine tastings come together at the Pacific Wine & Food Classic, returning to Newport Dunes Waterfront Resort & Marina on Sept. 12, 2026. Set along the scenic waterfront, this annual foodie festival brings together some of Orange County’s top chefs, restaurants, and wineries for an elevated tasting experience by the bay. Guests can sample chef-driven bites, discover standout local culinary talent, and sip their way through hundreds of wines while enjoying live entertainment and a lively coastal atmosphere. With its blend of laid-back luxury and curated culinary experiences, this Newport Beach event has become one of the most anticipated food-and-wine events of the year—and tickets are known to sell out quickly.
Newport Beach Film Festival
Dates: October 15-22
For over 20 years, the Newport Beach Film Festival has brought talent, films, short stories, and more to Newport Beach. This year will be no different. The event brings an internationally curated collection of films and vibrant cultural gatherings to the beautiful Southern California coast. Committed to championing the work of original storytellers from around the globe, the Festival celebrates contemporary screen culture and cinematic excellence, engaging the community in compelling conversations with filmmakers and artists. Stay tuned for the lineup announcement.
