Is the Fire & Lights Festival open year-round?

No, the festival operates seasonally from late November through early January.

Are there age restrictions for participating in the inflatables?

While there is no strict age limit, children must be at least 30 inches tall to ride unaccompanied, and adults should keep weight restrictions in mind.

Can I bring food and drinks to the festival?

Food and drinks are not allowed on inflatables; however, nearby restaurants in Newport Beach offer dining options.

Is there an admission fee?

Yes, tickets can be purchased for single rides or unlimited access during operating hours.

Are the fire dancing performances suitable for children?

Yes, the fire dancers offer family-friendly entertainment every Friday and Sunday evening.

Is parking available at the festival venue?

Parking is available nearby but can fill up quickly during peak times, so arriving early is recommended.

Experience the Magic of Newport Beach’s Fire & Lights Festival Inflatables | Events | Attraction

Located along the sparkling coast of Newport Beach, California, the Fire & Lights Festival offers a seasonal escape for families and thrill-seekers alike. Held at 1131 Back Bay Drive, this winter event transforms the waterfront into a luminous playground from late November through early January. While the 2023-2024 season is now closed, the festival’s unique blend of inflatable slides, bounce houses, and dazzling fire dancing performances captivated visitors each year, making it a standout holiday tradition in the Southern California outdoor scene. Newport Beach itself is a hub for coastal adventure, blending ocean views with vibrant urban life. Here at the Fire & Lights Festival, the highlight was the SnoMazing inflatable maze, an elaborate winter-themed obstacle course that challenges agility and sparks joy across all ages. The event’s inflatables range from towering slides to bouncy castles, all designed to thrill younger adventurers and offer a playful twist on classic outdoor fun. Visitors were encouraged to come with socks on only—no footwear was allowed on inflatables, ensuring safety and preserving the quality of the equipment. The rules required riders to be at least 30 inches tall to ride certain inflatables unaccompanied, and weight limits capped at 250 pounds for safety. This attention to detail made the event family-friendly and inclusive. Highlighting the evenings, spectacular fire dancing performances on Fridays and Sundays added a captivating flair against the backdrop of the Lighting of the Bay, when thousands of twinkling lights reflect off the water. This captivating show effortlessly blends outdoor entertainment with the natural beauty of Newport’s coastline. For visitors seeking a flexible experience, ticketing options included single-ride passes or unlimited access tickets, helping guests tailor their visit. While the event didn’t include food or drink onsite, Newport Beach’s nearby dining and lodging options made it easy to extend the outing into a full holiday getaway. Though the Fire & Lights Festival’s inflatable attractions are currently closed, this seasonal event remains an example of how Newport Beach celebrates winter festivities with outdoor adventure and coastal charm. Its unique combination of active play, fire art, and waterfront ambiance marked it as a memorable destination. When planning an outdoor family experience in Southern California’s coastal region, keep the Fire & Lights Festival in mind for future winter seasons. It represents a distinct local celebration rooted in community spirit and seaside play—a vibrant chapter of Newport Beach’s recreational landscape.

Difficulty

easy.

Duration

1–3 hours.

Fitness level

Suitable for all fitness levels since the activity focuses on playful movement rather than strenuous effort.

Wildlife

Brown pelicans
Great blue herons

History

Newport Beach developed as a premier Southern California coastal resort in the early 20th century, blending beach culture with marine sports.

Conservation

The festival promotes low-impact activities and encourages visitors to respect the coastal environment and avoid littering.

Newport Dunes Resort - Watersports operates on the Back Bay and Newport Harbor in Newport Beach, California, offering a range of non-motorized and electric boat rentals for families, couples, and solo adventurers. The outfitter provides single and double kayaks, stand-up paddleboards, pedal boats, a 21-foot electric Duffy boat for groups of 8–10, and seasonal attractions including an inflatable aquatic park and a winter Fire & Lights festival with inflatables. Safety equipment such as lifejackets and wristbands is provided for activities that require them. Rental options include varied durations to suit short outings or longer explorations of the lagoon and harbor waterways. Many experiences emphasize wildlife viewing and calm-water paddling through ecological areas of Back Bay, with opportunities for birdwatching and coastal refuge observation. The Duffy boat offers a leisurely harbor cruise option with room to dock for meals and bring personal music. The inflatable aquatic park operates with reservations recommended and is scheduled for Summer 2025; lifejackets and wristbands are provided there as well. The Fire & Lights Festival ran seasonally from November 29 to January 5 and featured inflatable slide and bounce houses along with fire dancing during specific evenings. Newport Dunes Resort - Watersports focuses on delivering accessible, family-friendly water recreation that leverages the sheltered waters of Back Bay and the scenic waterfront of Newport Harbor, making it a reliable local choice for on-water rentals and seasonal events. Visitors can choose tranquil lagoon routes or venture into Newport Harbor to match skill level and personal preference and seasonality.

Base locationNewport Beach, California

Tours offered7+

Specialtywater-activities

StewardshipLeave No Trace