Newport Beach Film Festival

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Arts & CultureNewport Beach
Dates15–22 October 2026Confirmed listing
Duration8 daysListed event span
Crowd-Public scale varies
Best forPerformance, exhibitionsThe festival built an identity around Orange
LanguageLocal language; English access variesCurrency: USD
CategoryArts & CultureFestival type
The story

Newport Beach Film Festival in Newport Beach

The Newport Beach Film Festival launched in 1999 under founders Gregg Schwenk and Todd Quartararo and has grown into the largest international cinema event in coastal Southern California, drawing more than fifty-six thousand attendees. Now held each October after a 2022 date change positioned it firmly within awards season, the festival pairs Oscar-contender screenings with youth programming and an Action Sports Film Series.

It is a substantial regional film event with strong public and destination appeal.
Your trip starts here
What is special

The part that makes it specific.

01

The place changes

The festival built an identity around Orange County's coastal culture distinct from Los Angeles-area festivals: its Action Sports Film Series, launched in 2005, highlights narratives centered on surfing, skateboarding, and other pursuits tied to the region's beach culture, a programming lane few mainstream festivals pursue

02

The mystery stays covered

Its Youth Film Showcase, debuted in 2006 and hosted early on by Orange County native Will Ferrell as honorary chair, gave the festival an education and community-access dimension beyond adult premieres

03

The city starts moving

Its opening-night selections have tracked industry moments, from the fiftieth-anniversary screening of Sunset Boulevard at its 1999 debut to the North American premiere of Crash in 2005, and its 2022 shift to October positioned it within awards season

Traditions & symbols

The language of the festival.

What moves first

Living ritual

The Action Sports Film Series and Youth Film Showcase have become recurring fixtures that tie the festival's identity to Orange County's beach and youth culture specifically

Water and renewal

Living ritual

and the festival's Cinema Orange partnership with the Orange County Museum of Art continues a tradition of pairing film programming with the region's visual arts institutions

Before you go

Essential information

When to go

15–22 October 2026

Getting around

John Wayne Airport is the closest major airport.

What to wear

October in Newport Beach is typically mild and dry, often in the 70s Fahrenheit during the day with cooler evenings near the coast; light layers with a jacket for evening screenings are...

Safety

Keep valuables light, follow local instructions, and watch how residents use the space before joining in.

Where to stay

Newport Beach or Costa Mesa

Tickets/cost

Check official or local sources for ticketed areas, paid stands, and same-year access rules.

Language/currency

USD

Family friendly

unknown

Interactive map33.62 N, 117.93 WOpen in Google Maps

Newport Beach, CA

TransportJohn Wayne Airport is the closest major airport.
Stay areaNewport Beach or Costa Mesa

Your Trip Starts Here

External travel services to turn the plan into a trip — each opens in a new tab.

How to get thereRoutes, times and prices to Newport Beach via local transport.Search routesFind a place to stayStays near Newport Beach, close enough for the event-day route.Browse staysFind flightsCompare fares into the nearest practical airport for October.Compare faresFestival gearOctober in Newport Beach is typically mild and dry, often in the 70s Fahrenheit during the day with cooler evenings near the coast; light layers with a jacket for evening screenings are practical, with smart-casual to formal attire appropriate for gala events.Shop the kitCheck visa requirementsSee whether you need a visa for United States and apply online.Check entry rulesTravel insuranceCover for trip hiccups, gear and health on the road.Get covered

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FAQ

Quick answers.

When is Newport Beach Film Festival?

Newport Beach Film Festival is listed for 15–22 October 2026. Always re-check the official or local source close to travel.

Where does Newport Beach Film Festival take place?

The festival is listed in Newport Beach, United States. The map coordinate is a planning reference, not a guarantee of a ticket gate or exact venue.

How long should I plan for?

8 days is the listed festival span. Add time for arrival, local transport, queues, and any route changes during the event.

Is a source linked?

Official source linked. Eventisimus separates source confidence from travel suggestions, so check final details before booking.

Where exactly is it?

Newport Beach, CA

Is it family friendly?

unknown

Sources and editorial review

About this guide

This guide is independently written by Eventisimus using publicly available information, official event and organiser sources where available, local tourism references, and additional editorial research. Eventisimus is not the official organiser of this festival and is not affiliated with it unless explicitly stated.

Festival dates, schedules, ticket conditions, access rules, and local arrangements can change. We aim to present useful and accurate information, but travelers should confirm important details with the official event source before booking transport, accommodation, or tickets.

Found something inaccurate or outdated? Email hello@eventisimus.com with the festival page link and the correction.

Official URLnewportbeachfilmfest.com
Organizer accessAre you the organizer? Claim this listing →
SourceSource link available
Listed dates15–22 October 2026
Source statusOfficial source linked
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