Started in 2009, Lobsterfest at Newport Beach is a fun event that also serves as a fundraiser for various community causes. Taking place at the Dunes Waterfront Resort and Marina, the event brings tasty food while also providing entertainment for all involved.
Having Fun at Lobserfest
Described as more of a beach party than anything else the annual Lobsterfest invites participants to come out and enjoy the day on a mile of beachfront at the Newport Dunes Waterfront Resort. In addition to offering opportunities for swimming and playing on the beach playground, the grounds also feature the Back Bay nature preserve where participants can rent a kayak or bicycle to enjoy more outdoor fun. Maine lobster is also flown in for the event and prepared on site. As participants feast on the lobster, they can enjoy love entertainment from the stage located on the beach.
History of Lobsterfest
In the year the event was started, Lobsterfest served as an exclusive fundraising event for the Newport Beach Sunrise Rotary Club, with its lead beneficiary being the Newport-Mesa Schools Foundation. The following year, in 2010, the Newport Sunrise Rotary Club decided to go in a different direction with its fundraising efforts and sold the rights to the Lobsterfest Foundation for $1.00. The event then switched gears and was used to fund scholarships.
In 2013, The Lobserfest Foundation was recognized as a 501 (c) 3 Non-profit Corporation by the State of California and now has its own Board of Directors. Since that time, the proceeds from the event have been used to adopt the wishes of four children suffering from serious health conditions. Since 2012, the event has also provided $24,0000 toward scholarships. As the festival grows, the board hopes to continue to add additional worthy charities to its support list.
The Newport Dunes Waterfront Resort
Located in Newport Beach, the Newport Dunes Waterfront Resort is a 110-acre resort that serves as the entrance to the Back Bay Nature Preserve and the Newport Bay Conservancy. The resort is also home to the premier RV Park and Marina in Southern California, as guests can enjoy a mile of beachfront property along with amenites such as the waterpark, the playground and swimming. Electric boats, pedal boats, kayaks and sailboats can also be rented on the property. In addition, the resort serves as a venue for weddings, anniversaries, business meetings and other events.
This year?s LobsterFest will take place on August 6th from 3:00 pm to 8:00 pm. General Admission tickets are $60 per person or $80 if purchased at the gate on the day of the event. The cost includes one Whole Maine Lobster, grilled steak, salads, red potatoes, corn on the cob, drawn butter and rolls, desserts and no-host full-service bar. Valet parking is also available.
VIP admission is available for $150. VIP admission includes all you can eat Whole Maine Lobster as well as all of the other foods included with General Admission. VIP ticketholders also have valet parking included in the ticket price and are served at a reserved table with linens, silverware and china. In addition, they are provided with complimentary beer and wine. $20 kids meals, which consist of a turkey sandwich, chips, fruit and a cookie, are also available. Kids meals and VIP tickets must be purchased in advance.