Visitors and residents alike come to California’s coastal towns to rest, relax, and recharge in the year-round warmth and sun. Enjoy fun in the sun and on the water and make a list of the best things to do on your boating vacation. There is plenty to do while on the water or in anticipation of conquering the deep blue sea. There are parades and other holiday celebrations to enjoy, and you can ask about decorating your vessel to take part in the festivities. Here are the top boater events in Newport Beach for you and your family to enjoy.
Old Glory Boat Parade
The American Legion Yacht Club of Newport Beach hosts its annual boat parade to celebrate the 4th. The Old Glory Boat Parade features a new theme each year. Boats entering the parade decorate their vessels to fit the theme, then cruise through the water. The parade typically starts at the east end of Lido Island at 1 p.m. on the 4th. The course weaves throughout the harbor between 1 and approximately 3:30 p.m., depending on the number of entrants, giving everyone a chance to see the boats in all their red, white, and blue glory. When registration opens closer to the event, you can register to be part of the parade for free at the American Legion Yacht Club website. A donation to the Post 291 Veterans Emergency Assistance Fund is appreciated.
International Yacht Race
The race is over 75 years old and still sailing. It’s an amazing three-day event featuring the race, seminars, a buffet, and more. The Newport to Ensenada race starts at Balboa Pier. Choose to race from Newport to Ensenada, or a shorter leg journey like San Diego or Dana Point. There are several other yacht and boating races that call the waters of Newport Beach home as well. This year’s race takes place April 26-28, 2024.
Newport Beach International Boat Show
Combine yachts, other vessels, live entertainment, immersive activations, and more from the top boat builders and brokerages and you have the Newport Beach International Boat Show. Explore on-land and on-water attractions and activities. The show spotlights everything from the largest luxury yachts to the coziest recreational watercraft. Make plans to visit and enjoy the show April 18-21 at Lido Marina Village.
Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade
For over 115 years, the Newport Beach Chamber of Commerce has celebrated with a cruise on the water. The annual boat parade is a multi-night event starting each night at 6:30 p.m. The slow cruise moves around Newport Harbor entertains residents and visitors alike will beautifully decorated vessels, from canoes and kayaks all the way up to the largest yachts. Visit their website for a countdown clock once the parade is scheduled, as well as pictures of the previous year’s winning vessels for some decorating inspiration. The parade sets sail from the Dine & Watch waterfront and Dine & Walk dining options are within walking distance of many of the best public viewing areas.
Newport Beach Wooden Boat Festival
Aluminum, steel, fiberglass, and wood. These join plastics, other synthetics, as well as other natural materials to build the beautiful seaworthy vessels of today. For thousands of years before, boats were made from wood and other natural materials. The festival celebrates these wooden vessels, many of which are equipped with the most modern technology available today. The event, still in the planning stages, takes place June 8, 2024 and is hosted by the Balboa Yacht Club. Enter your boat in the festival starting in February and start buying tickets in April.
Dock & Dine
When your stomach rumbles while you’re out at sea or taking in one of these fun and exciting events, take advantage of the many Newport Beach restaurants that participate in the “dock & dine” experience. You and crewmates pull up to the dock and enjoy great food and drinks, sometimes right on board your Carefree Boat Club vessel! Crews that don’t want to miss any time out on the water can make a to-go order and have a delicious fresh meal aboard on the way out to sea.
Plan Your Newport Beach Boating Event Calendar
When you take a look at your boating event calendar, don’t worry about having your boating bases covered – along with others you might not have thought about when you take advantage of a membership to the Carefree Boat Club.
We have the boat you need when you need it for Newport Beach boater events. Avoid the hit-and-miss availability of small rental companies, or the hassles of boat ownership like storage, transportation, maintenance, trailering, covering, cleaning, or extra fees like insurance and mooring, insurance, and more. Reserve a boat and it will be ready for your use each time you show up at our marina during your reservation period.
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