Newport Beach residents waking up Saturday, July 4, will have a full slate of ways to celebrate the nation's 250th birthday, from a morning bike parade on the peninsula to fireworks over the Back Bay at 9 p.m.
Here's what's happening and where to be.
15th Annual '4th of July is for Families' Bike Parade and Festival
The morning kicks off at 9 a.m. at West Balboa Boulevard and 36th Street, where kids, adults, and dogs on leashes will roll out for the 15th annual bike parade. Scooters and skateboards are welcome too.
The parade feeds into a festival at Channel Place Park running from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m., according to Visit Newport Beach. The festival includes carnival games, arts and crafts, lawn games, live music, and food for sale.
Old Glory Boat Parade
The American Legion Yacht Club's Old Glory Boat Parade launches at 1 p.m. off the east end of Lido Isle and winds through Newport Harbor until 3:30 p.m. This year's theme: "Celebrating 250 Years of Freedom."
Boat owners can compete for Best Decorated, Best Music, and Best Theme awards. Spectators can watch from the sand along the harbor, and viewing maps are available at alyc.com. The ALYC is located at 215 15th St.
Newport Dunes: Independence Day on the Back Bay
Newport Dunes Waterfront Resort & Marina at 1131 Back Bay Drive is hosting a three-day celebration Friday, July 3, through Sunday, July 5. The event is co-sponsored by the City of Newport Beach.
Saturday's schedule: the Inflatable Aquatic Park opens at 9:30 a.m., food trucks and a full bar begin serving at noon, and The Class Band takes the stage at 3 p.m. playing oldies, classic rock, pop, and country. Fireworks launch over the water at 9 p.m.
Can't snag a spot inside? Mariners Park and Castaways Park offer free vantage points for the fireworks, according to Visit Newport Beach. Parking at Newport Dunes is paid, and the resort advises visitors to reserve in advance.
Lido Marina Village Brass Quartet
Lido Marina Village got the party started early with a patriotic brass quartet performing along the harbor front from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Thursday, July 2, and Friday, July 3. Retailers stay open until 7 p.m.
Free Trolley Service
The Balboa Peninsula Trolley runs free on Friday, July 3, and Saturday, July 4. Route maps are posted at visitnewportbeach.com/balboa-peninsula-trolley.
Safety Rules and Enforcement
Newport Beach Police Chief Dave Miner said approximately 200 sworn officers will patrol the city over the holiday weekend, including more than 60 mutual aid personnel from outside agencies. A mobile booking station is set up at Corporation Yard off Superior Avenue.
Safety enhancement zones covering West Newport and the Balboa Peninsula are in effect Friday, July 3, through Monday, July 6. Fines for illegal fireworks and public drinking are tripled inside those zones, which the city expanded past Balboa Pier to B Street this year.
"I think this year is going to be a good year," Councilmember Erik Weigand told the Daily Pilot. "A lot of people want to come to Newport for that extended holiday and it'll be a challenge, but I think we're up to the task."
Personal fireworks, glass containers, and beach grills are banned citywide under Newport Beach's municipal code. Police made 76 arrests during last year's July 4 weekend, according to the Daily Pilot.
Weekend Calendar at a Glance
- Thursday, July 2 — Lido Marina Village brass quartet, 11 a.m.–2 p.m.
- Friday, July 3 — Brass quartet encore, 11 a.m.–2 p.m.; Newport Dunes celebration opens; free trolley runs
- Saturday, July 4 — Bike parade, 9 a.m., West Balboa Blvd. & 36th St.; Old Glory Boat Parade, 1–3:30 p.m., Newport Harbor; Newport Dunes fireworks, 9 p.m.; free trolley runs
- Sunday, July 5 — Newport Dunes celebration continues
