Spring Has Sprung -Time for Plenty of Event-Filled Fun!

Get ready to get out and explore Newport Beach this spring. From wine tastings to jazz concerts, there are a wealth of festivities for everyone to enjoy. Here is a sampling of the fun-filled happenings taking place around the community. For even more activities, check out the Visit Newport Beach Calendar of Events.

Newport Beach Wine Festival
You’ll want to head to Balboa Bay Resort from Friday, May 26, through Sunday, May 28, for the 14th annual Newport Beach Wine Festival. That’s where Executive Chef Rachel Haggstrom and her culinary team will join some of the region’s top winemakers to present a celebration of fine wine and amazing cuisine during the Memorial Day weekend. The epicurean extravaganza kicks off Friday, from 6-10 p.m., with the “Far Niente and Nickel & Nickel Winemaker Dinner and Reception” ($175 per person). Limited to 70 guests, this intimate meal showcases four courses paired with fine wines selected by master mixologist James Woods. On Saturday, guests are invited to attend an Afternoon Winemaker Luncheon with Trinitas Cellars from 11:30 a.m.-2 p.m. ($76 per person), followed by the “Grand Tasting,” from 7-10 p.m. ($125 per person) offering samples from more than 50 wineries from the around the world paired with delectable creations from the resort’s culinary team. Think seafood, caviars, cheeses, meats and desserts, all set to a backdrop of live music. A VIP Pre-Grand Tasting Sunset Reception and Harbor Cruise aboard The Ambassador begins at 4:30 p.m. and is open and available to all guests for $100 per person with the purchase of a Grand Tasting ticket. The festival draws to a close on Sunday, with the farewell Mumm Sparkling Wine Sunday Seafood Buffet Brunch at Waterline from 10:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m., offering the chance to enjoy sparkling libations paired with an abundance of seafood and classic brunch favorites ($75 per person). By the way, those who wish to stay over at the resort can take 10 percent off their room with the purchase of two tickets to any event.

Newport Beach Jazz Festival
From Friday, June 2, through Sunday, June 4, the Hyatt Regency Newport Beach is in full swing with performances by some of the world’s top instrumental artists and vocalists. You can expect to find The O’Jays; Vanessa Williams; David Sanborn; West Coast Jam (featuring Richard Elliot, Rick Braun and Norman Brown); Bobby Caldwell; Kandace Springs; Euge Groove; Foreign Affair (with Michael Lington, Marc Antoine and Alex Bugnon); DW3; and Lindsey Webster. Be sure to check out the Hyatt’s special festival hotel packages, which include 10-minute early entry into the venue Saturday and Sunday, plus access to express beverage lines. Jazz Festival tickets are $65 per day or $120 for a weekend pass (Saturday and Sunday), with special VIP tickets also available.

Balboa Island Parade & Art Walk
Visit the charming Balboa Island for the 23rd annual Artwalk on Sunday, May 21, from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Held outdoors along the South Bayfront Promenade, this free outdoor event showcases 100 local artists exhibiting their paintings, fine jewelry, blown glass, sculpture and photography, along with four stages of live music presented by Garry Gould; Grant Peacock; The Retros; Jim Roberts; Don Ross & Rose; and the Rick Sherman Duo. Be sure to return to the Island June 4 for the annual Balboa Island Parade, held from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Enjoy children on bikes, island dogs, decorated golf carts and floats, vintage cars, keystone cops, drill teams, marching bands, local dignitaries and much more, and then stay for the after party featuring music, dancing and a beer garden.

Russo and Steele Collector Automobile Auction
Classic car connoisseurs will be all revved up about this auction that rolls out 400 European sports cars, American muscle cars, hot rods, customs and late-model exotics from June 2-4 at the Newport Dunes Waterfront Resort. Auto enthusiasts will be privy to some of the most sought-after cars in the world offered for sale, complete with a wide variety of surprises. The fifth annual event kicks off Thursday at 10 a.m. with a day of auction previews until 4 p.m. Cars then can be inspected daily beginning at 9 a.m., from Friday-Sunday, with auctions taking place at 11 a.m. Bidders registration starts Wednesday, May 31, and runs through close of each day. Plenty of unique vendors and memorabilia also will be on hand throughout the event. General admission is $30, except for Sunday when tickets are only $10.

Newport Beach Wooden Boat Festival
The fourth annual Newport Beach Wooden Boat Festival takes place Saturday, June 10, and Sunday, June 11, at the Balboa Yacht Club. Look for 50 of the West Coast’s finest wooden vessels displayed in the water and on land, along with live music and nautical-themed arts and crafts. The weekend starts with the first ever RyboRendezvous on the West Coast honoring the “Stradivarius” of sport-fishing boats as the featured marque for 2017. Pat Rybovich, daughter of boat builder and designer Tommy Rybovich, is the featured speaker Saturday at 5:30 p.m., discussing her family’s American company that created the modern sport-fishing yacht in the 1940s. She has documented the rich history in the book Rybovich: The Stuff of Legend, and also is writing a screenplay.

Corona del Mar Scenic 5K
Both competitive runners and those seeking a delightful social atmosphere to enjoy with family and friends should head to the Corona del Mar Scenic 5K. Set for June 3 at 6 a.m., the 36th annual event is highlighted by a 5K ocean-view course through neighborhood streets and also includes a 2-mile Fun Walk/Youth Run and 1K Kid’s Dolphin Dash. Yet other fun activities on the lineup include tastings from local eateries via a Restaurant Row, live entertainment, a vendor expo and an awards ceremony. Participants also receive a commemorative T-shirt and swag bag. Registration is $15-$38.