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The Ultimate Guide to Summer Events in Newport Beach

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Beach days, balmy nights, and a calendar brimming with unforgettable experiences set the scene for a summer in Newport Beach that feels more like a dream than a season. Whether you’re listening to live music under the stars, brunching with rooftop views or shopping vintage finds by the marina, there’s something magical about our city by the sea this time of year.

Here’s your curated cheat sheet for the very best summer events in Newport Beach this year. Trust us—your calendar is about to get 10 times more fun with these 13 things to do in Newport Beach this summer.

Subaru Summer Concert Series at Hyatt Regency Newport Beach

Dates: Now-October (select dates)

Location: Back Bay Amphitheater

What’s summer without a little live music? The Subaru Summer Concert Series has returned to the Hyatt Regency Newport Beach’s Back Bay Amphitheater with a star-studded lineup from now through October. This outdoor venue offers the ultimate al fresco listening experience with swaying palms, sea breezes, and big-name acts like Richard Marx (July 11), Mindi Abair and Kirk Whalum (July 18), and Black Violin (July 25). Whether you’re grooving with friends or making it a date night, this is the kind of summer soundtrack you won’t want to miss.

Sunset Movie Nights at VEA Newport Beach

Dates: Saturdays (through Labor Day)

Location: VEA Newport Beach

VEA knows how to set the scene—literally. This hotel’s weekly Sunset Movie Nights are equal parts cozy and chic. Every Saturday at 7:45 p.m., guests gather on the lawn to enjoy complimentary popcorn, plush bean bags, and classic flicks under the stars. Come early for their golden hour pre-show from 6:30 to 9 p.m., featuring DJ and live instrumental performances, coastal cocktails, and that famous terrace view. Think of these Newport Beach events as your new favorite Saturday night ritual.

Topside Brunch Club

Dates: Sundays

Location: Topside Roof Deck at Lido House

Meet your Sunday mood-lifter: Topside Brunch Club. Equal parts swanky and social, this rooftop rendezvous brings together elevated brunch plates, craft cocktails, and panoramic views of Newport Harbor. The vibes? Immaculate. Expect a lively DJ set, great people-watching, and a little unexpected flair (surprise activations are half the fun). This is brunch with altitude—and attitude.

Dive-In Movies at Pendry Newport Beach

Dates: 1st and 3rd Tuesdays

Location: Pendry Newport Beach

Classic cinema meets cool poolside lounging at Pendry’s Dive-In Movie Series. Twice a month, Pendry invites guests and locals to its sleek pool deck for alfresco movie screenings, complete with cocktails, bites, and zero stress (no reservations needed). Whether you’re swimming, sipping, or just stargazing, it’s a low-key luxe way to spend a Tuesday summer evening.

3rd Thursdays in Corona del Mar

Dates: Every 3rd Thursday

Location: Corona del Mar Village

The charming neighborhood of Corona del Mar comes alive on the third Thursday of every month with an after-hours celebration that’s part street fair, part neighborhood party. From 5-8 p.m., the charming village transforms into a pedestrian-friendly hub of live music, food pop-ups, local art, meetups, pet-friendly activities, and exclusive shopping promos. Walk, wander, and discover—this is community magic in motion.

Meals on Wheels Pickleball Bash

Date: July 19, from 1-4 p.m.

Location: The Tennis & Pickleball Club at Newport Beach

Get your game face—and your giving spirit—ready. The 2nd Annual Pickleball Bash hosted by Meals on Wheels OC combines friendly competition with a worthy cause. Whether you’re rallying on the court or raising a glass on the sidelines, your participation helps nourish and uplift local older adults. Expect music, mingling, and midday fun at this summer event in Newport Beach—all for a great mission.

VEA Newport Beach’s Summer Concert Series

Dates: July 20 and August 24

Location: VEA Sunset Lawn

Sunset views, breezy beats, and chill summer vibes collide at these Newport Beach events! VEA’s concert series is back and better than ever, with SEGA Countryside taking the stage on July 20 and Coriander bringing the jams on July 24. Doors open at 3 p.m. with food and drink specials flowing and valet parking included (with restaurant validation). It’s one of the best things to do in Orange County this summer!

Fourth Fridays Vintage Market

Date: July 25, from 12-5 p.m.

Location: Lido Marina Village

Live music, waterfront views, and racks of curated vintage fashion? Yes, please. Lido Marina Village’s Fourth Fridays Vintage Market brings together local vendors showcasing one-of-a-kind finds—from retro denim and antique jewels to timeless bags and nostalgic homeware. This free event is the perfect excuse to shop small, sip coffee, and spend the afternoon by the bay.

Seas the Flavor: BBQ & Bourbon

Dates: July 12, 19 and 26

Location: A+O Restaurant | Bar at Balboa Bay Resort

BBQ lovers, this one’s for you. Balboa Bay Resort is firing up the grill all July long with its Seas the Flavor: BBQ & Bourbon series. Think smoked tri-tip, fall-off-the-bone ribs, hot links, and decadent sides—all paired with top-shelf bourbon flights. Whether you’re a whiskey connoisseur or just a fan of smoky-sweet bites, this waterside feast is pure Americana with a coastal twist.

6th Annual Newport Beach Summer Garden Party

Date: August 9, from 4-7 p.m.

Location: Sherman Library & Gardens

Dressed in their garden party best (yes, hats encouraged!), locals will flock to Sherman Library & Gardens for an enchanting evening of light bites, music, and mingling. Hosted in one of Newport’s most idyllic green spaces, this annual fundraiser supports both student and adult education programs. With food from Chef Jessica of 608 Dahlia and live tunes in the Central Garden, it’s a soirée that blooms with purpose.

Hot Pursuit Summer Workout Series

Dates: Now-August 31 (select dates)

Location: Fashion Island

Who says fitness can’t be fun (or fashionable)? Fashion Island’s Hot Pursuit Summer Workout Series brings outdoor fitness to the forefront with classes by fan-favorite brands like Vuori and ON. Whether you’re HIIT-ing it hard or flowing through yoga, you’ll be doing it under the sun and surrounded by some of the most stylish wellness warriors in OC.

20th Annual Art in the Park

Date: September 20, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Location: Newport Beach Civic Center

Calling all art lovers! This beloved community tradition is back for its 20th year, showcasing works from over 100 artists and makers. Expect handcrafted jewelry, intricate ceramics, oil paintings, photography, and more. With live music, free admission, and the iconic Civic Center sculpture garden as your backdrop, it’s a vibrant, family-friendly day of inspiration and creative charm. Mark your calendar, and don’t miss this free event in Newport Beach!

Pacific Wine & Food Classic

Date: September 20, 1-5 p.m.

Location: Newport Dunes Waterfront Resort & Marina

The crown jewel of culinary summer events in Newport Beach, the Pacific Wine & Food Classic returns with bold flavors, dazzling sips, and SoCal’s top chefs serving bites that celebrate our coastal bounty. New this year: The Dessert Garden—a whimsical, walk-through wonderland of sweets and dessert wines. Set against the serene Back Bay at Newport Dunes, this fest is a full-on feast for the senses.

With events this good, the hardest part will be choosing which ones to attend (spoiler alert: you’ll want to do them all!). So grab your sunnies, sync your calendar, and get ready to make this your most unforgettable Newport Beach summer yet.

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