The Newport Beach Wooden Boat Festival has officially been announced for 2026, marking its 10th anniversary with a return to the Balboa Yacht Club in Corona del Mar on June 12 and 13.
Hosted by the Balboa Yacht Club and supported by the City of Newport Beach, Visit Newport Beach, and a range of community partners, the milestone event will once again highlight the craftsmanship, design, and maritime heritage of classic wooden boats. While the festival spans two days, the public portion will take place Saturday, June 13, from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Set along the waterfront at 1801 Bayside Drive, the festival offers a rare opportunity for visitors to step inside a private yacht club setting while exploring a curated collection of approximately 30 to 40 wooden-hull vessels. The display, presented in a Concours d’Elegance-style format, will include a mix of classic powerboats, sailboats, and custom-built wooden craft, many of which have been meticulously restored or preserved by their owners.
Beyond viewing the vessels, attendees will have the opportunity to walk the docks, meet boat owners and builders, and gain insight into traditional boatbuilding techniques, materials, and the ongoing restoration efforts that keep these historic boats operational.
A highlight of the 2026 festival will be the featured vessel, the Spirit of Dana Point, operated by the Ocean Institute. The 118-foot schooner, a replica of a 1770s privateer, carries a strong local connection, having originally been constructed in Newport Beach when it was known as the Pilgrim of Newport. Its return to Newport Harbor for the festival underscores the region’s longstanding ties to maritime education and shipbuilding. The vessel will be open to the public on Saturday, offering docent-led tours throughout the day.
In addition to the dockside exhibits, the festival will feature a full schedule of activities designed to engage both boating enthusiasts and the broader community. Visitors can take part in 20-minute gondola harbor cruises, explore maritime education displays, and browse vendor and community booths showcasing local programs and services. Live music will be performed throughout the day, accompanied by a variety of food and beverage options available on site.
Family-friendly programming remains a central component of the event. Children will have access to hands-on activities, including toy boat building and interactive learning stations aimed at introducing younger attendees to basic boating and marine concepts in an engaging and approachable way.
Admission to the public day is $10, with free entry for children 12 and younger. Gondola rides will be available for purchase at $20 per person, and off-site parking with complimentary shuttle service will be provided to accommodate attendees.
Now entering its tenth year, the Newport Beach Wooden Boat Festival has evolved into a signature community event that celebrates Southern California’s boating culture while offering the public unique access to the waterfront setting of Balboa Yacht Club. Additional event details, including schedules and participating exhibitors, are expected to be released closer to the event date.
