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 from June 13-14, 2025! Get ready to be dazzled by over 30 stunning wooden vessels of all sizes, alongside a showcase of master artisans and craftsmen at work. This year’s theme, “Stories of the Sea: Wooden Boats in Film & Fiction,” honors the legacy of wooden boats in celebrated movies and books. Here’s a sneak preview of what this year’s event has in store.
Friday Night Premier
Step into the enchantment of the Friday Night Premier at the Newport Beach Wooden Boat Festival on June 13, where the theme “Stories of the Sea” comes to life in cinematic style. This exclusive evening invites guests to mix and mingle at a Hollywood-inspired cocktail soirée, surrounded by gleaming wooden vessels with storied pasts. Expect an atmosphere of elegance and nostalgia, with handcrafted drinks, refined bites, and a sea of nautical charm—all set against the sparkling waterfront backdrop.
On-the-Water Activities
The Newport Beach Wooden Boat Festival doesn’t just celebrate wooden vessels from the shore—this event invites guests to get out on the water and experience their magic firsthand. One of the weekend’s most iconic experiences is a narrated cruise aboard the Wild Goose, John Wayne’s former WWII minesweeper turned private yacht. Step into the salon where the Duke once entertained Hollywood’s elite, and cruise the harbor in vintage style during one of two exclusive Saturday sailings—an immersive journey through Newport’s cinematic and nautical history.
This year’s on-the-water lineup is nothing short of showstopping. The Large Boat Collection showcases rare wooden sailboats and motor yachts, some of which were once owned by silver screen legends. These floating masterpieces highlight a golden era of craftsmanship, offering a glimpse into how Hollywood’s biggest names once escaped to sea.
At the other end of the dock, the Small Boat Collection brings the red carpet energy with a gleaming fleet of runabouts—think Chris-Craft, Century, Riva and more. Lined up like vintage convertibles on water, these stylish vessels are a nod to leisure, luxury and a bygone era of glamour on the waves. Whether you’re boarding a legend or admiring one dockside, the festival’s on-the-water offerings promise a front-row seat to nautical nostalgia.
On-Land Activities
While the harbor is the heart of the Newport Beach Wooden Boat Festival, the magic continues on land with immersive exhibits, art and storytelling that dive deep into the rich culture of wooden boats. Take a stroll down the Wooden Boat Walk of Fame, where legendary vessels like Hemingway’s Pilar and Bogart’s Santana are honored with star-studded tributes, each telling a story of adventure, freedom, and timeless elegance. Nearby, the Cruising with Legends photo exhibit blends Hollywood nostalgia with nautical charm, showcasing the storied relationships between silver screen icons and their prized wooden yachts.
This year’s special feature, The Boys & The Girls in the Boat, celebrates the athletic spirit of rowing with a captivating display of sleek racing shells, Olympic kayaks and historic dories. Live demos and interactive avatars invite guests to dive into the world of rowing, while the Guest Speaker Dock offers sea tales straight from the source—three unique voices sharing their personal bonds with the ocean. Meanwhile, artists bring maritime stories to life in real-time, painting iconic boats from film and literature as part of the festival’s open-air art experience. Don’t miss the work of featured artist Steve Sandborg, whose plein air piece of Western Flyer captures the beauty of the Sea of Cortez.
Families can drop anchor at the Little Sailors Section, where storytime, crafts, and kid-friendly films create a whimsical world for the youngest sea lovers. And for those drawn to the power of the written word, Timber, Tide & Tales explores the enduring symbolism of wooden boats in literature—from epic quests to quiet journeys of self-discovery. On land or sea, the Newport Beach Wooden Boat Festival offers a full spectrum of celebration, honoring these storied vessels through art, history, and imagination.
Weekend Stay Package
Make it a full weekend of maritime magic with a special hotel package courtesy of the Hyatt Regency Newport Beach, just minutes from the Balboa Yacht Club. In celebration of the 9th annual Newport Beach Wooden Boat Festival, guests can take advantage of exclusive rates and perks. Some of these include complimentary shuttle service to and from the event, provided by the festival.
After a day of wooden boat wonder, unwind with two complimentary cocktails at the hotel’s breezy Newporter Lounge. Plus, each guest in your room will receive a Saturday admission ticket to the festival. All aboard for a weekend steeped in nostalgia, craftsmanship and coastal charm!
Ticket Information
- General Admission Festival Tickets: $15 each (children under 12 are free)
- John Wayne’s Wild Goose Cruise: $65/person (includes GA)
- Friday Night Premier Tickets: $175 each (advanced purchase only)
- Children under 12: Free
Tickets can be purchased online, with Saturday festival tickets also available at the gate. Don’t miss out on this unique celebration of nautical beauty and craftsmanship. See you there, mates!
