Whale Watching

Giant blue whales migrate into Orange County waters during summer and fall months. Gray Whales migrate annually along the west coast of North America. They can be seen from the Orange County coast from December through early April.

Since both the blue whales and grey whales migrate just a few miles off the coast, simple cruises from Newport Beach enable you to see these spectacular creatures in their natural habitat.

Murder Mystery Scavenger Hunt

Designed to be engaging, challenging and entertaining for adults! An incredibly fun and unique competition where you'll prove if your detective skills are good enough to solve a murder…

Each team is given a list of suspects along with a packet of tricky clues, twisted riddles and mind-bending puzzles. All on foot, our logic-based clues will systematically lead you to explore Newport Beach - including The Fun Zone, Balboa Pier, Peninsula Park, and the ferry to Balboa Island. Using your wits and some creativity, each location will reveal another piece of your investigation, and you'll eliminate innocent suspects until you've discovered… Who Done It?

This is NOT a Phone App game. This is an event with a host and other teams. Bring a cell phone to call the helpline in case you get stumped, but a smart phone is not needed, and will not help you. This is great fun for both locals and tourists. There's no official age limit, but the logic-based clues are too difficult for young kids.

INFORMATION / TICKETS
We do an event somewhere in Orange County most Saturdays. Click here for our full schedule of events. Use Promo Code: OCNET for a 25% discount on tickets.

Annual Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade
Newport Beach/Newport Bay
December

As the 116th Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade moves its way through the Newport Harbor this December, the Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade Committee, with the leadership of The Commodores Club of the Newport Beach Chamber of Commerce, will continue with its parade route starting and ending point at Tip of Lido Isle. The parade will begin at approximately 6:30 p.m. each night from December 17-21, 2025

For those of you that would like to be in parade both Newport Landing and Davey's Locker will offer general admission cruises nightly every night of the parade that are a part of the actual parade. Viewing the parade from a ship means that you see all of the parade and homes in full decor that line the waterfront. General admission tickets can be reserved over the phone.

LOCATIONS FOR CRUISES:
December - January 1
Offered nightly (check websites for times)
Newport Landing
309 Palm - Suite A, Newport Beach Ca 92661
Davey's Locker
400 Main St., Newport Beach, CA 92661

INFORMATION:
949-675-0551

Newport Dunes Movies on The Beach
May

Movies are shown every Friday and Saturday night at dusk, and will continue throughout the summer. Admission is free! $10 for parking. Open to the public

LOCATION:
Newport Dunes Resort - Beautiful outdoor arts and craft show overlooking the Back Bay.

INFORMATION:
949-729-3863

EASTER BUNNY PHOTOS
March -April

Children are invited to have their picture taken with the Easter bunny in the spring garden located on Atrium Lawn from 11 am to 6 pm daily.

LOCATION:
Fashion Island

INFORMATION:
949-721-2000

OC MARATHON
May

Join thousands of other community-minded runners and walkers at the OC Marathon, beginning at Newport Beach Marriott Hotel & Spa just south of Santa Barbara Drive. Pledges to benefit eleven local children's charities through Run for Orange County Kids (ROCK).

INFORMATION:
(949) 222-3327

Balboa Island ArtWalk
Sunday, May
9am to 5pm

Over a mile of art and live music!

Balboa Island ArtWalk features 90 artists exhibiting paintings, fine jewelry, blown glass, sculpture, and photography. Spectators will enjoy live music throughout the day on three stages along the walk Admission is free

LOCATION:
1000 South Bayfront
Balboa Island, CA

Newport Beach Wine Festival
May

Kick off the summer at Balboa Bay Resort’s Newport Beach Wine Festival – a celebration of wine, spirits and coastal cuisine over Memorial Day Weekend. Enjoy beautiful scenery along Newport Coast at this popular event.

LOCATION:
Balboa Bay Resort
1221 West Coast Highway
Newport Beach, CA 92663

Fireworks Show at Newport Dunes
July 4

Family fun and games throughout the day with music, food, raffle, carnival games, contests, tournaments, ending with a spectacular fireworks finale! But you better get here early and save your spot to watch the show! There is a fee per car to enter.

(949) 729-DUNE

Newport Beach Film Festival
October

Set in beautiful Newport Beach, a few blocks away from spectacular coastline and less than an hour from Hollywood, the Festival annually host several premieres and galas for a singular festival experience. This year's festival will be screening over 100 feature films and 30 short film programs to Orange County.

LOCATION:
Various theaters in Newport Beach, Costa Mesa & Santa Ana

CONTACT:
949-253-2880

Annual Sandcastle Contest
October

Hosted by the Commodores Club of the Newport Beach Chamber of Commerce, thousands of sightseers will descend on "Big Corona Beach" to view amazing sand sculptures created by participants ranging from the novice to the expert.

Whether you're a participant or a spectator, it's a perfect way to spend the day with family and friends.

LOCATION:
Corona del Mar State Beach
(Marguerite & Ocean Blvd., Corona del Mar)

INFORMATION:
949-729-4400