City Cruises Newport Beach offers two harbor cruises on the Fourth of July .
Clockwise from above : 4th of July is for Families bike parade and festival ; Old Glory Boat Parade ; fireworks during Independence Day on the Back Bay good view and delight in the patriotic flair as boat captains compete for honors like Most Creative , Spirit Award , Best Costumes , Best Decorations and more . Mayor Will O ’ Neill will also be on-site , leading the procession as grand marshal of the parade , which will feature a theme of 100 Boats for 100 Years . And although the parade is the main attraction , other events will take place that day as well . In honor of the American Legion of Newport Harbor ’ s 100th anniversary , the Newport Beach Fire Department will host a pancake breakfast , open to the public , followed by live performances
from three bands throughout the afternoon as well as a silent auction featuring sports and Hollywood memorabilia , travel experiences , stylish jewelry and limited-edition art pieces . Deals on hot dogs , hamburgers , tacos , beer and wine will also be offered . Festivities continue throughout the weekend , with a Family Day celebration and a ticketed black-tie gala taking place on Friday plus a continuation of the auction , food and live music on Saturday . ( 949-673-5070 ; al291 . com )
4TH OF JULY IS FOR FAMILIES Family time is put front and center during the annual 4th of July is for Families bike parade and festival . The event kicks off at West Balboa Boulevard and 36th Street with the parade , which makes its way to Channel Place Park . “ The bike parade is popular amongst the residents ,” says Justin Schmillen , deputy director of the city ’ s Recreation & Senior Services department . “ Participants decorate their bikes [ and ] golf carts in festive decor as families and dogs enjoy a stroll down the peninsula with the police and fire trucks leading the way .” Once the festive procession arrives at the park , the festival begins , providing a safe , positive and family-oriented environment in which locals , their children and their leashed pets can spend the day . Bounce houses , carnival games , arts and crafts , face painting , lawn games , live music and other activities will be available while delicious food options , including free coffee and doughnuts , will also be served . “ The families in West Newport look forward to this event year , and the community involvement and participation is a key part of the success and fun ,” Schmillen adds . ( 949-644-3151 ; newportbeachca . gov )
CITY CRUISES Those looking to get out on the water can sign up for one of two cruise experiences with City Cruises Newport Beach . The three-hour , buffetstyle 4th of July Fireworks Dinner Cruise offers a delectable selection of fresh salads , savory entrees and sweet treats for dessert , plus a cash bar for cocktails , all before guests enjoy a dazzling view of the city ’ s annual fireworks display overhead . Take in scenic views of the harbor before turning your eyes skyward , and consider upgrading your ticket to get a bottle of Champagne and keepsake glasses in celebration of the holiday . The company ’ s second offering , the Newport Beach 4th of July Sights & Sips Cruise , pairs passed hors d ’ oeuvres and creative cocktails from the cash bar with dancing and entertainment from a local DJ before the fireworks light up the night sky . For both cruises , explore the open-air decks of the ships to take in views of the local harbor and landscape as you celebrate freedom in Newport Beach . ( 800-459-8105 ; cityexperiences . com ) NBM
NEWPORT BEACH MAGAZINE 47