Best events in
Balboa

Looking for events or things to do in Balboa, CA? This coastal community's social life flows between the laid-back, walkable streets of Balboa Island and the lively boardwalk of the Peninsula. The local scene has a distinct rhythm, mixing year-round community traditions with bustling summer energy.

Start an evening by watching the sunset from the Balboa Pier before heading to a live music show at a classic spot like The Blue Beet.
The Balboa Fun Zone is a hub for family activities, from its iconic Ferris wheel to the monthly 'Makers in the Zone' market.
Take the iconic ferry over to Balboa Island for community-centric events like the annual Balboa Island Artwalk or the festive Holiday Home Tour.

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Los Angeles

41 miles away

Long Beach

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Santa Monica

45 miles away

Pasadena

41 miles away

Santa Ana

9 miles away

Riverside

39 miles away

West Hollywood

44 miles away

Anaheim

16 miles away

Newport Beach

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Irvine

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Oceanside

42 miles away

Burbank

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Temecula

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Costa Mesa

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Glendale

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Ontario

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Huntington Beach

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Orange

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Culver City

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Torrance

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Beverly Hills

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Carlsbad

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Pomona

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La Habra

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San Clemente

20 miles away

Inglewood

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Fullerton

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Carson

28 miles away

Manhattan Beach

35 miles away

Rancho Cucamonga

41 miles away

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The World of Bunny vs Monkey Workshop with Jamie Smart

Tomorrow • 10:00 AM GMT

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This Little World: a New History of Tudor and Stuart England

Wednesday • 7:30 PM GMT

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The Claude Code Security Summit

Wednesday • 9:00 AM EST

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The Walrus Talks at Home: Canada After America

Thu, Nov 12 • 7:00 PM EST

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Physicians Financial Wellness Conference 2026

Sat, Nov 14 • 1:00 PM EST

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Wed, Nov 18 • 10:00 AM CST

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Thu, Dec 3 • 1:00 PM GMT

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Washington Crossing the Delaware / The Crossing - Film History Livestream

Sat, Dec 19 • 8:00 PM EST

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The World of Bunny vs Monkey Workshop with Jamie Smart

Tomorrow • 10:00 AM GMT

Check ticket price on event

This Little World: a New History of Tudor and Stuart England

Wednesday • 7:30 PM GMT

Check ticket price on event

The Claude Code Security Summit

Wednesday • 9:00 AM EST

Check ticket price on event

The Walrus Talks at Home: Canada After America

Thu, Nov 12 • 7:00 PM EST

Check ticket price on event

Physicians Financial Wellness Conference 2026

Sat, Nov 14 • 1:00 PM EST

Check ticket price on event

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Wed, Nov 18 • 10:00 AM CST

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Thu, Dec 3 • 1:00 PM GMT

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Washington Crossing the Delaware / The Crossing - Film History Livestream

Sat, Dec 19 • 8:00 PM EST

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Events near Balboa

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Newport Beach Tennis Social - November 6

Today • 7:30 PM

The Tennis and Pickleball Club at Newport Beach

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Orange County Wine Fest - November 7th & 8th

Tomorrow • 12:00 PM

The Hangar at OC Fair & Event Center

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Orange County Speed Dating for Singles Age 35-49 ♥ Irvine CA

Wednesday • 6:30 PM

Holey Moley Hijinx Hotel

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Road to Teaching Conference 2026

Sat, Nov 14 • 8:30 AM

Santa Ana College

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Boy Meets World Cast signs BOOK MEETS WORLD at B&N - HB

Tue, Nov 17 • 7:00 PM

Barnes & Noble - Huntington Beach

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CalNonprofits 2026 Policy Conference

Tue, Nov 17 • 8:30 AM

The Westin Anaheim Resort

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SacredSpark LIVE: Pitch A Catholic Single (Orange County, CA)

Fri, Nov 20 • 6:00 PM

Freed Theater-Christ Cathedral Campus

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Fu Manchu

Sat, Dec 12 • 8:30 PM

The Wayfarer

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Newport Beach Tennis Social - November 6

Today • 7:30 PM

The Tennis and Pickleball Club at Newport Beach

Check ticket price on event

Orange County Wine Fest - November 7th & 8th

Tomorrow • 12:00 PM

The Hangar at OC Fair & Event Center

Check ticket price on event

Orange County Speed Dating for Singles Age 35-49 ♥ Irvine CA

Wednesday • 6:30 PM

Holey Moley Hijinx Hotel

Check ticket price on event

Road to Teaching Conference 2026

Sat, Nov 14 • 8:30 AM

Santa Ana College

Check ticket price on event

Boy Meets World Cast signs BOOK MEETS WORLD at B&N - HB

Tue, Nov 17 • 7:00 PM

Barnes & Noble - Huntington Beach

Check ticket price on event

CalNonprofits 2026 Policy Conference

Tue, Nov 17 • 8:30 AM

The Westin Anaheim Resort

Check ticket price on event

SacredSpark LIVE: Pitch A Catholic Single (Orange County, CA)

Fri, Nov 20 • 6:00 PM

Freed Theater-Christ Cathedral Campus

Check ticket price on event

Fu Manchu

Sat, Dec 12 • 8:30 PM

The Wayfarer

Check ticket price on event

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Frequently asked questions about Balboa

What kind of live music events are common in Balboa?

The Blue Beet is the area's go-to for nightly live music events. This historic venue, once a jazz club, features everything from rock to reggae. For a different vibe, Woody's Wharf on the harbor hosts DJs during weekend evenings and offers a lively bar scene.

Where can I find nightlife events on the Balboa Peninsula?

The Balboa Peninsula offers a mix of nightlife events. For dancing and DJs, Woody's Wharf is a popular spot on the harbor. If a classic dive bar is more the mood, Class of '47 provides a relaxed atmosphere favored by locals for a low-key evening out.

Are there family-friendly events in the Balboa Fun Zone?

Yes, the Balboa Fun Zone is a prime spot for family-friendly events. Beyond its Ferris wheel and arcade, the venue hosts the monthly 'Makers in the Zone' market from April through August. This event showcases local artists and creators in a waterfront setting.

How do locals experience Balboa Village?

Locals often enjoy Balboa Village during the quieter morning hours. Many start with a walk on the pier before the area gets busy. Watching the sunset from the beach is a classic way to begin an evening before exploring the area's casual restaurants and bars.

Does Balboa Island host any major art events?

Balboa Island is known for its annual Balboa Island Artwalk. This juried fine art show takes over the South Bayfront for one day each May. For year-round cultural programming and local history, visit the Balboa Island Museum on Marine Avenue.

What are some good date night ideas in Balboa?

A harbor cruise departing from the historic Balboa Pavilion is a classic date idea. Afterwards, head to The Blue Beet for nightly live music and ocean views from its rooftop patio. Harborside Restaurant also offers a long-running happy hour with harbor views.

Can I find free community events in Balboa?

Yes, Balboa is home to several major free community events. Viewing the annual Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade is a popular tradition. People also line Marine Avenue for the Balboa Island Parade each June, celebrating with floats and local groups.

Is it easy to get between Balboa Island and the Peninsula for events?

The historic Balboa Island Ferry makes travel between the two areas easy and scenic. It's a key part of the local experience, carrying pedestrians and cyclists. This allows for easily combining an afternoon on the island with an evening event on the peninsula.

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Nearby cities

Los Angeles

Long Beach

Santa Monica

Pasadena

Santa Ana

Riverside

West Hollywood

Anaheim

Newport Beach

Irvine

Oceanside

Burbank

Temecula

Costa Mesa

Glendale

Ontario

Huntington Beach

Orange

Culver City

Torrance

Beverly Hills

Carlsbad

Pomona

La Habra

San Clemente

Inglewood

Fullerton

Carson

Manhattan Beach

Rancho Cucamonga

Los Angeles

Long Beach

Santa Monica

Pasadena

Santa Ana

Riverside

West Hollywood

Anaheim

Newport Beach

Irvine

Oceanside

Burbank

Temecula

Costa Mesa

Glendale

Ontario

Huntington Beach

Orange

Culver City

Torrance

Beverly Hills

Carlsbad

Pomona

La Habra

San Clemente

Inglewood

Fullerton

Carson

Manhattan Beach

Rancho Cucamonga

Online Events

The World of Bunny vs Monkey Workshop with Jamie Smart

This Little World: a New History of Tudor and Stuart England

The Claude Code Security Summit

The Walrus Talks at Home: Canada After America

Physicians Financial Wellness Conference 2026

Corn as a partner and gift giver: Voices of respect

How to Choose a (New) Career Fast

Washington Crossing the Delaware / The Crossing - Film History Livestream

The World of Bunny vs Monkey Workshop with Jamie Smart

This Little World: a New History of Tudor and Stuart England

The Claude Code Security Summit

The Walrus Talks at Home: Canada After America

Physicians Financial Wellness Conference 2026

Corn as a partner and gift giver: Voices of respect

How to Choose a (New) Career Fast

Washington Crossing the Delaware / The Crossing - Film History Livestream