Local Events July 2012 for Newport

Sawdust Art Festival July 1-Sept. 2

Shop along sawdust-covered paths through a village of arts and craftsmanship. 10am-10pm. 935 Laguna Canyon Rd., Laguna Beach. 949-494-3030 / www.sawdustartfestival.org

4th of July Celebration July 1-4

Pier Plaza Festival. 10am-9pm Daily. Live entertainment from 2-9pm. On July 4: Pancake Breakfast in Lake Park, Surf City 5K Run and Fitness Expo, 107th Annual 4th of July Parade, Pier Plaza Festival and Fireworks Show. For more details go to www.hb4thofjuly.org / 714-536-5486

Independence Day Fireworks Extravaganza July 4

Doheny’s day-use opens at 6:00 am. The fireworks show off the barge outside of the harbor begins at 9:00 pm. Doheny closes a 10:00 pm. Remember, no fireworks are allowed! 9-10pm. Doheny State Beach. (949) 496-6172 / www.dohenystatebeach.org

July 4 Spectacular - Music of the Eagles July 4

Windborne's "Music of the Eagles" headlines our extravaganza plus enjoy patriotic favorites, our traditional salute to the U.S. armed forces and fireworks! 8pm. Irvine Meadows/Verizon Wireless Amphitheater: 8808 Irvine Center Dr. 714-755-5799 / www.pacificsymphony.org

Sawdust Festival Patriotic Concert July 4

SWINGSET Big Band. 10:30am-12:30pm. Sawdust Art Festival: 935 Laguna Canyon Rd., Laguna Beach. 888-308-8324 / www.lagunaconcertband.com

Fourth of July "Old Glory" Boat Parade July 4

Every year, The American Legion Newport Harbor Post 291 celebrates the 4th of July with a Boat Parade. The parade will form at 12:30 off Collins Island. Newport Harbor/Balboa Island. 949-673-5070 / www.al291.org

Fourth of July Celebration July 4

Spend a memorable Fourth of July along the water and under the stars at The Newport Dunes Waterfront Resort and Marina, host of Orange County's most spectacular seaside fireworks display for over 50 years. 1131 Back Bay Dr. (949) 729-DUNE / www.newportdunes.com

Independence Day Aftermath Park & Beach Cleanup July 5

The staff at Doheny State Beach would sure appreciate any help from volunteers to clean up after the masses of picnickers! This is considered the messiest day of the year. Thank you everyone! Doheny State Beach. (949) 496-6172 / www.dohenystatebeach.org

Pageant of the Masters Presents: The Genius July 7-Aug. 31

90 minutes of "living pictures" - incredibly faithful art re-creations of classical and contemporary works with real people posing to look exactly like their counterparts in the original pieces. 8:30pm. 650 Laguna Canyon Rd., Laguna Beach. $20-$90. 800-487-3378 / www.foapom.com

Shakespeare by the Sea July 7-8

Two of Shakespeare's classics will be performed on consecutive evenings, the timeless romantic drama "Romeo and Juliet" and the comedy "Two Gentlemen of Verona". 6:45pm. Bonita Canyon Sports Park in Newport Beach. 949-644-3211 x2155 / www.newportbeachca.gov

Course of the Force July 8

5-day walk/run with participants transporting a Star Wars Lightsaber on the streets from Santa Monica to San Diego. Runners are expected to arrive in Pier Plaza at approximately 4:30pm on July 8th and leave around 7:30am on July 9th. $500. 919-531-0285 / www.courseoftheforce.com

46th Annual Governor's Cup July 17-22

The OLDEST Junior Match Racing CHAMPIONSHIP in the WORLD; Known As The Pathway for Champions with many alumni going on to sail in or win the America’s Cup. 1801 Bayside Dr., Corona del Mar. 949-673-3515 / www.balboayachtclub.com/GovCup

4 Chamber "Mutts & Member" Mixer July 26

Held at Sepulveda Building Materials in Laguna Niguel (28092 Forbes Rd.) Features local pet services representatives and displays. Canines welcome! Donate eyeglasses to be entered into special raffle benefitting Laguna Niguel Lions Club Guide Dogs. 5:30-7:30. info@sanjuanchamber.com

2012 US Open of Surfing July 28

The Nike US Open of Surfing is the largest surf competition in the world and brings together top surfers from around the world for a week-long beach festival. Surfing, skating, art, culture and music. 8am-6pm. Huntington City Beach. www.USOpenofSurfing.com

iTRYathlon July 28

An empowering women's and youth triathlon event for all fitness levels and abilities. Presented by Destination Irvine, the event benefits the Irvine Public Schools Foundation (IPSF). Northwood High School: 4515 Portola Parkway, Irvine. www.iTRYathlon.com

City of Dana Point Blood Drive July 31

Please click on the link below and make an appointment to save a life! There is always a need for blood and only volunteer donors can fulfill that need for patients in our community. 12-6pm. Dana Point City Hall - City Council Chambers: 33282 Golden Lantern. www.redcrossblood.org

Courtesy of MarleneDietrich@Realtor.com

www.MarleneDietrichNewportCoastRealtor.com

Marlene, Tony & Mike 949-400-1021