This October, the sand at Newport Beach is serving up some serious competition. The Newport Beach Volleyball (4-Man) Invitational returns to Blackie’s Beach Oct. 17-18, 2026, bringing Olympians, champions, AVP stars and legends of the game together for two action-packed days beside the iconic Newport Beach Pier. With elite men’s and women’s four-man teams, a $200,000 prize purse and one of Southern California’s most recognizable stretches of coastline as the backdrop, it’s a weekend made for volleyball fans—and an excellent excuse for a fall getaway to Newport Beach.

Whether you’re planning to catch every match or simply want to mix world-class competition with good food, ocean views and a little time on the water, here’s how to make a weekend of it.

The Main Event: Newport Beach Volleyball Invitational 

When: Oct. 17-18, 2026, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Where: Blackie’s Beach, 2118 W. Oceanfront, Newport Beach

• Founded in 2023 by Eagle Four Partners in conjunction with AVP Hall of Famer Steve “OB” Obradovich, the Newport Beach Volleyball Invitational has quickly become a standout celebration of Southern California’s deep connection to beach volleyball.
• This year, an extended field of top U.S. athletes will compete across men’s and women’s divisions for a combined $200,000 prize purse. New for 2026, Saturday adds a Qualification Tournament, where four teams per gender will battle for the final spots in the Main Draw.
• The four-man format makes for fast-paced, physical matches—and gives fans the rare chance to see top athletes from different generations and disciplines sharing the same stretch of sand.

How to Watch

One of the best parts? You can experience the tournament right from the beach. General admission from the sand is free, so bring a beach chair, find your spot and settle in for the day.

For an upgraded experience, reserved options include Grandstand seating, while the VIP FunZone puts spectators closer to the courts with premium views, a shaded private bar, beverage sampling and vendor giveaways. Groups can go all-in with a VIP Sand Suite, featuring courtside sofa-style seating for up to eight guests plus access to the VIP FunZone.

No matter how you watch, you’ll have the Pacific Ocean on one side and Newport Beach Pier on the other. Not exactly your average stadium.

Where to Stay

Turn tournament weekend into a true coastal getaway with a stay at one of Newport Beach’s official partner hotels. VEA Newport Beach, Pendry Newport Beach and Balboa Bay Resort are offering exclusive room packages with complimentary breakfast for the event, making it easy to trade your morning commute for a quick trip to the sand.

VEA Newport Beach pairs sweeping coastal views with a resort-style atmosphere across from Fashion Island. After a day courtside, head back for sunset drinks or spend some time by the pool before dinner.

At Pendry Newport Beach, contemporary coastal design meets a lively social scene, with restaurants, bars and Fashion Island just steps away.

For a waterfront escape, Balboa Bay Resort puts you directly along Newport Harbor, where boats glide past and sunset views come standard. From October 11-19, enjoy the Stay & Play: Hoag Newport Beach 4Man Volleyball Invitational Package, featuring luxurious accommodations, an $80 daily breakfast credit and complimentary shuttle service to the tournament.

Where to Eat Between Matches

When it’s time to refuel, some of the Balboa Peninsula’s longtime favorites are only minutes from the courts.

Blackie’s by the Sea

You won’t have to venture far. Just steps from Newport Pier, Blackie’s is a Newport Beach institution for cold drinks, casual bites and an easygoing atmosphere. Stop in between matches or stick around after the final serve and watch the sun dip toward the Pacific.

Dory Deli

For a quick lunch without straying far from the action, Dory Deli sits right along the oceanfront near Newport Pier. Grab a sandwich, salad or snack and head back toward the sand for the next match.

Malarky’s Irish Pub

A local favorite since 1977, Malarky’s Irish Pub is a classic Peninsula stop for hearty pub fare, cold beers and a lively neighborhood atmosphere. It’s an easy pick for winding down after a full day at the tournament.

Stag Bar + Kitchen

Located in historic MacFadden Square, Stag Bar + Kitchen has been part of the Newport Beach landscape since 1908. Today, the longtime local watering hole serves pizza, burgers, cocktails and plenty of game-day energy—conveniently close to the tournament action.

Make It a Full Newport Beach Weekend

There’s plenty happening beyond the boundary lines, so leave a little room in the itinerary for exploring.

Cruise Newport Harbor

Give your feet a break from the sand with an afternoon on Newport Harbor. Rent a Duffy boat and cruise past waterfront homes, sailboats and yachts, or make your way toward Balboa Island for a quintessential Newport Beach detour. Pack snacks, cue up a playlist and consider it your weekend’s change of court.

Explore Lido Marina Village

For shopping and waterfront dining, head to Lido Marina Village. Browse boutiques along the harbor, grab coffee or settle in for dinner overlooking the boats. It’s an easy way to slow things down after an afternoon of high-energy matches.

Bike the Balboa Peninsula

The tournament takes place right alongside one of Newport Beach’s most scenic stretches of boardwalk. Explore the Balboa Peninsula by bike, stopping along the way for ocean views, coffee or a walk out onto the pier.

There’s Plenty More to Explore

Volleyball isn’t the only thing happening around town. The Newport Beach Film Festival runs Oct. 15-22, bringing screenings, premieres and events to venues throughout the city, while StyleWeekOC takes place Oct. 14-18.

With the tournament landing right in the middle of an action-packed October weekend, there are plenty of reasons to extend your stay beyond the final match.

Your Newport Beach Volleyball Weekend

Start Saturday morning with coffee and a walk along the oceanfront before making your way to Blackie’s Beach for the Qualification Tournament. Spend the afternoon watching some of the sport’s top athletes battle for their place in the Main Draw, then head to one of the Peninsula’s local favorites for dinner and drinks.

Come Sunday, grab breakfast at your hotel and return to the sand as the competition heats up. After the final matches, trade the courts for a sunset harbor cruise, waterfront dinner or a stroll along the beach to close out the weekend.

With two days of elite beach volleyball, a $200,000 prize purse and the Pacific Ocean as the backdrop, the 2026 Newport Beach Volleyball Invitational is more than a tournament—it’s a full Newport Beach weekend.