Things to do, see and experience at the Newport Beach Wooden Boat Festival
by Emily O'Connell 23 May 07:10 PDT
June 12-13, 2026
Newport Beach Wooden Boat Festival © Balboa Yacht Club
More than a boat show, the Newport Beach Wooden Boat Festival returns as an immersive waterfront celebration where maritime heritage, craftsmanship, music and family-friendly experiences come together in one unforgettable weekend.
This special event is open to the public, offering a rare chance to experience the waterfront of host Balboa Yacht Club.
Set against the scenic Newport Harbor, this year's festival invites guests to step aboard history, meet master craftsmen, enjoy live entertainment and experience the stories behind a concourse of 30-40 show ready beautiful wooden power and sail boats. For a wooden boat ride, hop on board and enjoy a gondola ride offered for up to five people at $20 per person with a $40 maximum.
Among this year's highlights is a special celebration of Grand Banks' 70th Anniversary, with Newport Harbor serving as one of multiple ports across the country recognizing the iconic marque in 2026. Wood Grand Banks owners are encouraged to register their boat to be part of this milestone tribute. Additionally, the son of the Grand Banks builder, Mike Newton, will be a featured speaker to share insights on the building and the craftsmanship behind Grand Banks boats while living as a youth in Taiwan.
Visitors can explore and step aboard dozens of stunning wooden boats on display, stroll the docks lined with one-of-a-kind classic yachts, and vote for their favorite vessel in the People's Choice Award. Along the way, guests will have the opportunity to meet owners, hear the stories of these treasured boats and learn the personalities that make them legendary.
A centerpiece of this year's festival is the remarkable 118-foot full-scale replica of a 1770's Revolutionary War-era privateer schooner once called the Pilgrim of Newport and now well known as the Spirit of Dana Point. She will be open to boarding and hosting docent-led tours, plus there will be a speaking series that features Mrs. Betty Holland, wife of builder Dennis Holland, about the early days of building and living aboard the Spirit.
Families will find plenty to discover with youth activities including toy boat building, coloring and a knot-tying exhibit, while boating-related exhibitors, artists and craftspeople offer opportunities to explore maritime-inspired art, craftsmanship and tradition.
Throughout the festival, two different music groups will keep the live music jumping and the waterfront lively, while guests can enjoy BBQ lunch and beverage service as they take in the atmosphere.
The festival's silent auction will feature wooden boat charters, original artwork, vacation packages and more, with proceeds going to support the event.
"In just a few short years, the Newport Beach Wooden Boat Festival at Balboa Yacht Club is already a Newport Beach must see event," said Honorable Dianne Dixon, Current State Assembly Woman and Former Newport Beach Mayor.
Whether discovering historic vessels, listening to live music, bidding on unique experiences or simply strolling the docks surrounded by extraordinary craftsmanship, the Newport Beach Wooden Boat Festival offers something for boat lovers, families and curious newcomers alike.
We thank our sponsors which as of this date are Whittier Trust, F&M Bank, The Log, American Marine Insurance, Visit Newport Beach, Ocean Institute, BoatUS & TowBoatUS, City of Newport Beach, Arrow Marketing Group, David Hirsh Foundation, Roy Jones Senga Engineering, FIVE O'CLOCK, Newport Sea Base.
The Newport Beach Wooden Boat Festival takes place Saturday, June 13, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. at Balboa Yacht Club, 1801 Bayside Drive, Corona del Mar, California. Festival programming runs throughout the day and includes opening ceremonies, guest speakers, live music, youth activities, maritime artists and exhibitors, boat rides, docent-led tours and awards presentations. Complimentary parking and shuttle service will be available from Newport Beach Country Club, 1600 Newport Center Drive, with continuous shuttle service running from 10:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. for easy festival access. Admission is $10 for adults, with free entry for children under 12. Guests are encouraged to purchase tickets in advance and visit www.NewportBeachWoodenBoatFestival.com for the full schedule, parking details, exhibitor information and festival updates.