UPCOMING SPRING EVENTS

Southern California's coastal fantasyland of Newport Beach comes alive this spring with a host of upcoming citywide events celebrating the best of film, jazz, yachting and epicurean delights - in other words, the best of the good life.

Be sure to check out one or all of these upcoming events and plan your stay accordingly. Also check out our Vacation Specials for other great deals for a truly memorable vacation.

9th Annual Newport Beach Film Festival: April 24 - May 1
Showcasing more than 350 films from around the world, the 9th annual Newport Beach Film Festival offers an ambitious selection of features, shorts, documentaries and animation that compete for both jury and audience awards. Now in its 9th year, the Festival is noted for its eclectic mix of international and U.S. premieres, Academy Award entries, Sundance Selections, a Spotlight Series, and Children's Festival.www.newportbeachfilmfest.com

Newport Boat Show: April 9 - 13
The Newport Boat Show is returning to Lido Marina Village to celebrate its 35th year as the West's big yacht in-water show. And this year's show is going to be better than ever, with the largest display of big boats and yachts west of Ft. Lauderdale. Plus, a host of exhibitors will be on hand in the water to showcase products and services that make owning and operating a big boat more enjoyable. www.newportinwaterboatshow.com

Lexus Newport-to-Ensenada Yacht Race: April 25 - 27
With its emphasis on comradeship and friendly competition, the Lexus Newport-to-Ensenada Yacht Race attracts thousands of celebrities, well-known racers, and fun-seeking novices to Newport Harbor each year. First organized in 1947 to provide a fun diversion for soldiers coming out of World War II, the Newport-to-Ensenada race now attracts more entries than any other international yachting race. www.nosa.org

Hyatt Regency Newport Beach Jazz Festival: May 16 – 18
Southern California's most famous Jazz Festival takes place in the beautiful outdoor Amphitheater and Golf Course of the Hyatt Regency Newport Beach featuring a line-up of jazz musicians which include Brian Culbertson, Richard Elliot, Peter White, Rick Braun, Jeff Lorber, Wayman Tisdale, Gerald Albright, Jeff Golub and many more. This is a superbly relaxing three-day, outdoor event with world-class live jazz entertainment, great food, beverage and various vendors throughout the Festival grounds.

Ticket prices range from $55 to $195 and can be purchased on line at www.summerjazzseries.com or at the Hyatt Regency Newport Beach Box Office. For a complete artist line up and for more information, please visit www.summerjazzseries.com.

5th Annual Food & Wine Festival: May 23 - 25 (Memorial Day Weekend)
The Balboa Bay Club & Resort will once again host its memorable Fifth Annual international celebration of food and wine. The resort will become Piazza della Acqua (Plaza of the Water) and will pay homage to Italy (the land of wine) with international delights of food, wine and entertainment. Master Sommeliers will escort guests through the nuances of fine wines, ports, cognacs and sakes from around the world. For more information, visit www.balboabayclub.com