Looking for the perfect way to welcome summer? Look no further than the Newport Beach Wine Festival at the Balboa Bay Resort. This Memorial Day Weekend, the luxurious waterfront resort will once again host the beloved annual event, now in its 19th year.

With a dazzling array of premium wines, gourmet cuisine, live music, and more, this three-day festival is set to be a unique experience for wine enthusiasts and food lovers alike.

“We look forward to this weekend all year long,” says Cindy Racco, Managing Director at Balboa Bay Resort and Club. “With our picturesque surroundings, it’s the ultimate destination to unwind with a glass of wine or explore a variety of spirits. We’re thrilled to host this extraordinary event once again.”

The festivities kick off on Friday, May 24, with the Justin Winery Limited Release Wine Dinner. This exclusive four-course meal, curated by Balboa Bay Resort’s Executive Chef Prabeen Prathapan and Master Sommelier Joseph Spellman, promises to be a culinary delight.

Guests will be among the first to taste JUSTIN’s new wines from outside of Paso Robles, including a Sonoma County Chardonnay and a Russian River Valley Pinot Noir. Hosted in the resort’s elegant Lighthouse Room, which offers sweeping views of Newport Harbor.

On Saturday, May 25, the Newport Beach Wine & Spirits Festival takes center stage. From 1-5 p.m., the resort will transform into a wine lover’s paradise, featuring a Grand Tasting of over 40 esteemed wine and spirits vendors.

Imagine strolling along the boardwalk and Bayfront Lawn, sampling exquisite wines and spirits from brands like DAOU, Whispering Angel, Flecha Azul, and Macallan, all while enjoying live music and the stunning marina views.

Guests can cap the weekend off with indulgence at the Veuve Clicquot Champagne Brunch on Sunday, May 26. Held in the Lighthouse Room, this lavish brunch buffet will feature fresh seafood and caviar, traditional brunch favorites, a carving station, and an omelet station, all accompanied by live music and the effervescent flow of Veuve Clicquot champagne.

For those planning to fully immerse themselves in the festival, Balboa Bay Resort is offering a special deal: guests who book a room for the Wine Festival over Memorial Day Weekend will enjoy a 10 percent discount on both guest room rates and festival tickets.

The resort has partnered with luxury electric vehicle brand Lucid Motors to provide complimentary chauffeur rides from its Fashion Island studio, making it easy to arrive in style. Due to limited parking, guests are encouraged to use this service or ride-sharing options.

Start the summer at one of Newport Beach’s most scenic locations. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit Balboa Bay Resort.

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Dana Point Harbor Partners have extended the”Happy Harbor Days”magnificent light display until midnight on January 5. The illuminated harbor features intricate themed light creations including Candy Cane Lane, the “Merry Kiss Me” arch, and lighted trees. Dana Point Harbor Partners Joe Ueberroth, President of Bellwether Financial Group, and Bryon Ward, President of Burnham-Ward Properties, share why you can’t miss this year’s spectacular celebration.

What was the inspiration behind the “Tiki” theme this year? 

Ueberroth: This year marks the first year that Dana Point Harbor Partners are hosting Dana Point Harbor’s annual Boat Parade and activities, so we wanted a theme that is fresh, fun, and festive. The theme, “Tiki Holiday” gives the boaters an opportunity to get creative with their decorations and accompanying music. Dana Point Harbor Partners will also provide an exciting line-up of tiki-themed entertainment including hula dancers, a VW photo booth bus, and face painters. Restaurant offerings with a tiki twist will also be enjoyed.

What elements will make this year’s boat parade event unique from past events? 

Ueberroth: Dana Point Harbor Partners are expecting more boater participant entries than last year, creating a healthy rivalry among the boaters for the best display. We have also introduced exciting new award categories. A $1,000 donation will be awarded to the charity or youth sailing program of the yacht club with the most entries in the 45th Annual Boat Parade of Lights between Dana West Yacht Club and Dana Point Yacht Club. All award winners will receive cash prizes this year, with a total distribution of over $10,000 courtesy of Dana Point Harbor Partners.

How many spectators are you anticipating this year? 

Ward: We are anticipating more than 15,000 spectators across the four days of the Boat Parade alone. Dana Point Harbor is one of the most festive places to be in Orange County throughout the holiday season. We expect thousands of more visitors to enjoy the light displays, restaurants, and shops every evening in the harbor until January 2. Viewing the incredible lights display is a must for Orange County families and their out of town guests.

For those who have never attended the Dana Point Harbor event, what would you tell them? 

Ward: The Boat Parade of Lights is a holiday tradition in Dana Point and truly captures the SoCal holiday spirit. It’s the perfect time to gather your friends and family and enjoy boats decked out with twinkling lights and tiki-themed decor, whether viewing from the shore or onboard a vessel. For those unable to attend the Boat Parade of Lights, the vibrant light displays at the harbor such as the “Merry Kiss Me” arch, lighted trees, and much more will shine bright through January 2.

For more information visit DanaPointHarbor.com

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Here are 7 awesome things to plan for:

1. Get your heart racing! BMX and CrossFit demonstrations and a Zumbathon are happening in the City of La Habra.
2. Experience the heart of Buena Park and Anaheim without the traffic! Bike, walk, or roll along 1.5 miles of car-free streets connecting the two cities. 
3. Anaheim will host a pop-up hockey skating rink complete with a visit from the Anaheim Ducks Street Team and their mascot Wild Wing. 
4. A kid’s fun zone including an inflatable obstacle course and local stage performances will be rocking Stanton.
5. Indulge in food trucks and good ol’ fashioned lawn games in Garden Grove. 
6. Westminster’s Civic Center will have all kinds of resources and activities to encourage a healthier, happier lifestyle. Also, a bike skills rodeo course, which is as fun as it sounds. 
7. Huntington Beach festival full of live music and entertainment by the Ramsey Brothers Band and BMX demonstrations.

The Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA) will provide a free OC Bus day pass on the mobile app. Riders can sign up at meetonbeach.com 

For more info on Meet On Beach, visit https://www.meetonbeach.com/

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