The Newport Beach Film Festival Is Making Waves! The coastal event celebrates 25 years with a lineup of cinematic, culinary and fashion experiences — plus anniversary kudos — from Oct. 17 to 24. Focused on “laid-back luxury,” the festival affords guests access to unique storytelling through screenings, receptions and lifestyle programming at iconic Newport Beach venues. “It's the ability to meet and mingle with industry professionals and executives in a very enjoyable location,” Schwenk says. “People tell me it's the best date night in Southern California.” It’s also one of Southern California’s largest celebrations of cinema: “With nearly 50,000 attendees and 300 films —approximately 200 short films and over 100 feature films — there's no festival that comes close.”