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. 

FRIDAY NIGHT PREMIER?

June 13th, 2025 \ 6:00 pm - 10:00 pm

Friday kicks off the festival with a glamorous Hollywood-style premier. Tickets include: 

Entrance to the Premier 

First peak at select exhibits 

Entry to a curated set of boats on the docks 

Choice of top shelf champagne or cocktail on the red carpet 

Access to wine tastings 

Gourmet appetizers and food stations 

Live music and themed entertainment Hollywood Style 

A chance to bid in the live auction on unique on and off the water experiences 

Friday Night Premier Tickets (June 13, 2025)?

Premier Ticket: $95/person ?

ADVANCED PURCHASE ONLY

Saturday Festival?

June 14th, 2025 \ 10:00 am - 6:00 pm

On Saturday, June 14th, festival-goers can explore 30+ iconic boats on land and water. Attendees can visit the Wooden Boat Walk of Fame, view the Cruising with Legends photo exhibit, listen to speakers tell stories of wooden boats in film & fiction, or take a ride on John Wayne’s Wild Goose.? ?

Saturday Festival Tickets (June 14, 2025)?

General Admission:  $15/person?

Children’s Admission (Under 12 Yrs):  Free?

OASIS Center General Admission:  $10/person ?

Must present OASIS membership at entry

John Wayne’sWild Goose  Cruise (1:00 pm departure):  $65/person?

Includes festival General Admission?

John Wayne’s Wild Goose Cruise (3:30 pm departure):  $65/person?

Includes festival General Admission

Saturday Festival Schedule

9:30 a.m.

Location: Corporate Plaza

Complimentary parking opens at 1600 East Coast Highway

10:00 a.m.

Location: BYC Gate

Open for entry and ticket purchase

10:30 a.m.

Location: Captain’s Bridge

Official Opening Ceremony with welcome by NBWBF Co-Chairs Stephen Paljieg and Denise Archambault and BYC Commodore Brett Hemphill.

Presenting Sponsor, Whittier Trust’s Opening Remarks 

Flag Deck: Festival Cannon Open

BYC Docks: Docks open for touring boats

South Lot: Boys (and Girls) in the Boat Exhibit opens

Harbor Lounge: Cruising with Legends Photo Exhibit opens

Flag Deck: Bringing Legendary Wooden Boats to Life Artists Demonstration begins

Seamanship Room: Little Sailors’ Section opens for fun

10:50 a.m.

Location: Main Dock Harbor

Patrol fireboat salute to the 8th Annual Festival

11:00 a.m.

Location: Captain’s Bridge

Guest Speaker

Steve Sandborg, Laguna Plein Air Artist and 2025’s NBWBF Featured Artist

Location: Little Sailor’s Berth

Children’s Storytime presented by the Newport Beach Public Library

11:30 a.m.

Location: Captain’s Bridge

Keynote Speaker

- Sherry Flumerfelt, Executive Director, Western Flyer Organization

“Two Voyages, One Legacy: The Western Flyer’s Timeless Journey”

Location: Flag Deck

Festival Foods (until 4 p.m.) & Craft Cocktails (until 5 p.m.) available

12:00 p.m.

Location: Captain's Bridge

Live Band

1:00 p.m.

Location: Public Dock

Wild Goose Cruise #1

2:30 p.m.

Location: Captian's Bridge

Guest Speaker

- Coming Soon

3:00 p.m.

Location: Little Sailor’s Berth

Children’s Storytime presented by the Newport Beach Public Library

3:30 p.m.

Location: Captain’s Bridge

Awards Ceremony

Location: Public Dock

Wild Goose Cruise #2

4:00 p.m.

Location: Captain’s Bridge

Live Band

6:00 p.m.

Location: Flag Deck

Festival Cannon Close

6:30 p.m.

Location: Corporate Plaza

Last shuttle to Parking at 1600 East Coast Highway

Ticket Information: 

Friday Premier Night - $95

Saturday Festival -  Adults - $15 | Kids Under 12 Free

Buy Tickets

Festival Date and Time:  

June 13th, 2025; 6:00 pm - 10:00 pm

June 14th, 2025; 10:00 am - 6:00 pm

Location: Balboa Yacht Club

1801 Bayside Drive

Corona del Mar, CA

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