June 13 - 14, 2025
Tickets Sales Are Open
Boat Entry is Open
June 13 - 14, 2025
Tickets Sales Are Open
Boat Entry Is Open
2025 Wooden Boat Festival Theme:
Stories From The Sea: Wooden Boats In Film & Fiction
The 2025 Festival, themed Stories of the Sea: Wooden Boats in Film & Fiction, honors wooden boats in iconic movies and books. In addition to exploring the wooden boats on the docks, visitors can visit John Steinbeck’s Western Flyer, dive into the rowing traditions of The Boys in the Boat, and enjoy a photo exhibit of Hollywood stars with the boats they loved. This year promises a unique journey through the history of wooden boats, set against the beauty of Newport Beach Harbor.
2025 Wooden Boat Festival Theme:
Stories From The Sea: Wooden Boats In Film & Fiction
The 2025 Festival, themed Stories of the Sea: Wooden Boats in Film & Fiction, honors wooden boats in iconic movies and books. In addition to exploring the wooden boats on the docks, visitors can visit John Steinbeck’s Western Flyer, dive into the rowing traditions of The Boys in the Boat, and enjoy a photo exhibit of Hollywood stars with the boats they loved. This year promises a unique journey through the history of wooden boats, set against the beauty of Newport Beach Harbor.
SATURDAY FESTIVAL
Begin by walking along the red carpet entry of classic wooden runabouts. Then climb aboard over 30 beautiful wooden vessels on the docks. Explore rowing boats like those featured in The Boys in the Boat Exhibit. Enjoy live music, guest speakers, and plein air artists painting boats from iconic films. Conclude your visit with a cruise on John Wayne’s Wild Goose.
SATURDAY FESTIVAL
Begin by walking along the red carpet entry of classic wooden runabouts. Then climb aboard over 30 beautiful wooden vessels on the docks. Explore rowing boats like those featured in The Boys in the Boat Exhibit. Enjoy live music, guest speakers, and plein air artists painting boats from iconic films. Conclude your visit with a cruise on John Wayne’sWild Goose.
SATURDAY FESTIVAL
Begin by walking along the red carpet entry of classic wooden runabouts. Then climb aboard over 30 beautiful wooden vessels on the docks. Explore rowing boats like those featured in The Boys in the Boat Exhibit. Enjoy live music, guest speakers, and plein air artists painting boats from iconic films. Conclude your visit with a cruise on John Wayne’sWild Goose.
The Western Flyer
Eighty-five years ago, author John Steinbeck and marine biologist Ed Ricketts embarked on a historic expedition to the Sea of Cortez aboard the Western Flyer. While Ricketts cataloged marine life, Steinbeck chronicled the journey in The Log From The Sea of Cortez. Step aboard this vessel, listed on the U.S. Registry of Historic Places, to relive their 1940 expedition.
The Western Flyer
Eighty-five years ago, author John Steinbeck and marine biologist Ed Ricketts embarked on a historic expedition to the Sea of Cortez aboard the Western Flyer. While Ricketts cataloged marine life, Steinbeck chronicled the journey in The Log From The Sea of Cortez. Step aboard this vessel, listed on the U.S. Registry of Historic Places, to relive their 1940 expedition.
Wild Goose Cruise
Cruise with the "Duke". Once the private yacht of legendary actor John Wayne, the Wild Goose is now yours to explore on a scenic one hour journey around beautiful Newport Beach Harbor. Step inside John Wayne’s former living spaces, including the card-playing salon and master stateroom, while her captain shares stories of the actor and his yacht.
Friday Night Premier
Step into the glamour of Friday Night’s Premiere, a Hollywood-inspired cocktail soirée with a sneak peek of the festival’s finest. Stroll the red carpet, flanked by wooden runabouts, as paparazzi cameras flash. Walk the Wooden Boat Walk of Fame with champagne in hand, explore exhibits with gourmet foods and live music, and bid on exclusive experiences in a live auction. Celebrate Stories of the Sea with old Hollywood glamour, while supporting the festival’s charitable mission.
Wild Goose Cruise
Cruise with the "Duke". Once the private yacht of legendary actor John Wayne, the Wild Goose is now yours to explore on a scenic one hour journey around beautiful Newport Beach Harbor. Step inside John Wayne’s former living spaces, including the card-playing salon and master stateroom, while her captain shares stories of the actor and his yacht.
Friday Night Premier
Step into the glamour of Friday Night’s Premiere, a Hollywood-inspired cocktail soirée with a sneak peek of the festival’s finest. Stroll the red carpet, flanked by wooden runabouts, as paparazzi cameras flash. Walk the Wooden Boat Walk of Fame with champagne in hand, explore exhibits with gourmet foods and live music, and bid on exclusive experiences in a live auction. Celebrate Stories of the Sea with old Hollywood glamour, while supporting the festival’s charitable mission.
General Questions
Hi there! Have some questions about the festival? Find the answers below.
-
Where can I park?
Free parking and shuttle service are available at 1600 Newport Center Drive from 9:30 am to 6:30 pm.
-
How can I find information during the festival?
Visit the Information Booth or approach our friendly volunteers and concierges for assistance.
-
What if I need first aid?
The First Aid Station is located at the Kaiser Permanente Tent.
-
What if I lose something?
The Lost & Found is located at the Information Booth outside of the front gate.
-
Can I wear heels to the festival?
Those heels are no good on boat decks. It’s bare feet or boating shoes only when boarding the yachts. Be mindful of docks, ramps and nautical hazards. It’s a great opportunity to go shopping for Super Cute Boat Shoes!
-
What about footwear for gentlemen?
Wear proper boat shoes to avoid scuff marks on the decks or be prepared to take off those hard soles before boarding.
-
Where is the festival located?
The festival takes place at the Balboa Yacht Club, 1801 Bayside Drive, Corona del Mar, CA 92625.
-
When is the festival happening?
Mark your calendar for the Friday Night Premier on June 13, 2025 from 6:00 pm to 10:00 pm.
Mark your calendar for the Festival on Saturday, June 14, 2025 from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm
-
How much does it cost to attend?
Tickets to the Friday Night Event are $95/person. Advanced ticket purchases only.
Admission to the Saturday Festival is $15/person. Children under 12 are free.
-
Can I grab lunch at the festival?
Absolutely! Enjoy delicious artisian foods and craft cocktails along with wine, beer, and non-alcoholic beverages. There will be kid-friendly options as well. Credit cards are accepted only!
-
Can I bring my kids to the festival?
Of course! The festival is family-friendly, and children are welcome to join in the maritime fun.
-
Is there a preferred payment method for food and drinks?
Credit cards are accepted only!
-
How do I become a festival volunteer?
We'd love to have you join the crew! Email Volunteers@NewportBeachWoodenBoatFestival.com with your interests and skills in marketing, nautical knowledge, event planning, safety, and more.
General Questions
Hi there! Have some questions about the festival? Find the answers below.
-
Where can I park?
Free parking and shuttle service are available at 1600 Newport Center Drive from 9:30 am to 6:30 pm.
-
How can I find information during the festival?
Visit the Information Booth or approach our friendly volunteers and concierges for assistance.
-
What if I need first aid?
The First Aid Station is located at the Kaiser Pemanente Tent.
-
What if I lose something?
The Lost & Found Station is located at the Information Booth outside of the front gate.
-
Can I wear heels to the festival?
Those heels are no good on boat decks. It’s bare feet or boating shoes only when boarding the yachts. Be mindful of docks, ramps and nautical hazards. It’s a great opportunity to go shopping for Super Cute Boat Shoes!
-
What about footwear for gentlemen?
Wear proper boat shoes to avoid scuff marks on the decks or be prepared to take off those hard soles before boarding.
-
Where is the festival located?
The festival takes place at the Balboa Yacht Club, 1801 Bayside Drive, Corona del Mar, CA 92625.
-
When is the festival happening?
Mark your calendar for the Friday Night Premier on June 13, 2025 from 6:00 pm to 10:00 pm.
Mark your calendar for the Festival on Saturday, June 14, 2025 from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm.
-
How much does it cost to attend?
Tickets to the Friday Night Event are $95/person. Advanced ticket purchases only.
Admission to the Saturday Festival is $15/person. Children under 12 are free.
-
Can I grab lunch at the festival?
Absolutely! Enjoy delicious artisan foods and craft coctails along with wine, beer, and non-alcoholic beverages. There will be kid friendly options as well. Credit cards accepted only!
-
Can I bring my kids to the festival?
Of course! The festival is family-friendly, and children are welcome to join in the maritime fun.
-
Is there a preferred payment method for food and drinks?
Credit cards accepted only!
-
How do I become a festival volunteer?
We'd love to have you join the crew! Email Volunteers@NewportBeachWoodenBoatFestival.com with your interests and skills in marketing, nautical knowledge, event planning, safety, and more.
Sponsors
Presenting Sponsor
Friday Night Premier Sponsor
Hotel Sponsor
Supporting Sponsors
Host Sponsor
Contributing Educational Institutions
ANNUAL WOODEN BOAT FESTIVAL
Rules & Reminders
FREE PARKING & SHUTTLE
FREE rides from
21600 Newport Center Drive
9:00am - 6:30pm
FIRST AID
The First Aid Station will be located
at the Kaiser Permanente Tent.
INFORMATION ABOUNDS
The Information Booth, volunteers and concierges are available to assist you.
LOST ITEMS
The Lost & Found will be located at
he Information Booth next to the
entrance gate.
SORRY, LADIES
Those heels are no good on boat decks.
It’s bare feet or boating shoes only when boarding the yachts. It’s a great opportunity to go shopping for
YOU TOO, GENTS
Black sole shoes leave scuff marks. Wear proper boat shoes or expect to take off those hard soles before boarding each boat.
ANNUAL WOODEN BOAT FESTIVAL
Rules & Reminders
FREE PARKING & SHUTTLE
FREE rides from
21600 Newport Center Drive
9:00am - 6:30pm
LOST ITEMS
The Lost & Found will be located at the Information Booth next to the entrance gate.
INFORMATION ABOUNDS
The Information Booth, volunteers and concierges are available to assist you.
FIRST AID
The First-Aid Station will be located at the Kaiser Permanente Tent.
SORRY, LADIES
Those heels are no good on boat decks. It’s bare feet or boating shoes only when boarding the yachts. It’s a great opportunity to go shopping for Super Cute Boat Shoes!
YOU TOO, GENTS
Black sole shoes leave scuff marks. Wear proper boat shoes or expect to take off those hard soles before boarding each boat.
