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Join us as we celebrate america on the water

Countdown to the Old Glory Boat Parade
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Information about the American Legion Yacht Club's celebration of 250 years of freedom, including details about the Old Glory Boat Parade and its significance to veterans and the boating community.

A yacht decorated with American flags and patriotic items during a celebration on the water, with people waving flags and wearing patriotic clothing, tied to a dock and surrounded by other boats.
A marina filled with boats decorated with American flags and patriotic banners, with clear blue skies overhead and a cityscape in the background.
A boat decorated with American flags, patriotic banners, and a large inflatable eagle figure, celebrating America's Independence Day. The boat has a sign reading 'GOD BLESS AMERICA' and is on the water with a marina and other boats in the background.
A group of ten police officers standing behind a chain-link fence with crossed arms, outdoors under a partly cloudy sky.
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2026 Old Glory Boat Parade

  • Celebrate America's 250th Birthday with a patriotic boat parade through Newport Harbor.

  • Free for all boaters to participate—powerboats, sailboats, yachts, and harbor craft are welcome.

  • Parade begins at 1:00 PM and showcases patriotic spirit, community pride, and maritime tradition.

  • Free for the public to view from numerous locations throughout Newport Harbor.

  • Family-friendly event honoring veterans, active-duty military, and our nation's heritage.

  • Hosted by the American Legion Yacht Club, America's only American Legion-affiliated yacht club.

Join us on the water or along the harbor as we celebrate freedom, service, and the boating lifestyle that makes Newport Harbor special

Celebration invitation for the 4th of July organized by American Legion Yacht, featuring fireworks, a patriotic theme with stars and stripes, and an image of the Statue of Liberty.
Text-based informational poster about a parade participant event celebrating America's 250th birthday at Newport Harbor, with guidance on parade route, staging, and safety procedures.
Sign reading "Boater Participants" with an anchor, stars, and a rope design on a navy blue background.

Skipper Information & Awards

All registered participants will receive an electronic Skipper Packet prior to the event containing important information, parade instructions, safety guidelines, and event details.

Participants are also invited to attend an optional Skippers Meeting, offered both in person and via Zoom before the parade. This meeting provides an opportunity to review event procedures, ask questions, and learn more about the parade.

Awards Competition

All registered vessels will automatically be entered into the parade competition. Following the parade, a panel of judges will evaluate entries and determine the winners in each category.

All participants and their guests are invited to attend the Awards Banquet at American Legion Post 291 in Newport Harbor on July 19, 2026, following the parade. Winners will be recognized during the banquet and presented with their awards.

Award Categories

  • Best Theme

  • Best Decorations

  • Best Costumes

  • Best Spirit

  • Most Creative Entry

  • Best Wood Classic

  • Best Dinghy

  • Best Electric Vessel

  • Best Powerboat

  • Best Sailboat

  • Commodore's Award

  • Sweepstakes Award (Best Overall Entry)

Winners will be notified by email and announced during the Awards Banquet.

A boat decorated with American flags, red, white, and blue banners, and patriotic inflatables, including an eagle and a tall blue inflatable with a smiling face, celebrating at a marina with other boats and yachts docked nearby.
A boat decorated with American flags, red, white, and blue banners, and patriotic inflatables, including an eagle and a tall blue inflatable with a smiling face, celebrating at a marina with other boats and yachts docked nearby.
A boat decorated with American flags and red, white, and blue bunting is floating on water with a marina and hillside houses in the background.
A boat decorated with American flags and red, white, and blue bunting is floating on water with a marina and hillside houses in the background.
A boat decorated with red, white, and blue bunting and American flags. Several people are on the boat, waving and celebrating. The boat has a sign that reads 'Grand Marshal' and 'Joe Cartwright, Newport Beach Chief of Police.' In the background, there are other boats in a marina under a clear blue sky.
A boat decorated with red, white, and blue bunting and American flags. Several people are on the boat, waving and celebrating. The boat has a sign that reads 'Grand Marshal' and 'Joe Cartwright, Newport Beach Chief of Police.' In the background, there are other boats in a marina under a clear blue sky.
Sign with navy blue background, gold border, gold anchor at the top center, and the words "Parade Viewing" in large white letters.

OLD GLORY BOAT PARADE

Recommended Public Viewing Locations

  1. Tip of Lido Isle

  2. Lido Isle Yacht Club Area

  3. Lido Village Waterfront

  4. Marina Park

  5. American Legion Yacht Club Waterfront

  6. 38th Street Beach / Channel Entrance

  7. Balboa Peninsula Boardwalk

  8. Balboa Landing

  9. Balboa Pavilion

  10. Balboa Pier

  11. Balboa Island Ferry Landing

  12. Collins Island Waterfront

  13. Balboa Island Bridge

  14. Marine Avenue Waterfront (Balboa Island)

  15. South Bayfront Promenade

  16. North Bayfront Promenade

  17. Harbor Island Waterfront

  18. Bayshore Community Beach

  19. Newport Beach Yacht Club Public Waterfront

  20. Orange Coast College Waterfront Campus Area

  21. Rusty Pelican Waterfront

  22. Billy's at the Beach Waterfront

  23. Louie's by the Bay Waterfront

  24. The Winery Restaurant & Wine Bar Waterfront

  25. Circle Hook Fish Company Waterfront

  26. Lido House Waterfront Area

  27. West Anchorage Viewing Area

  28. Via Lido Park

  29. Via Lido North Beach

  30. Finley Point

  31. China Cove

  32. Pirate's Cove

  33. Lido Peninsula Waterfront

  34. Newport Harbor Yacht Club Area

  35. Balboa Bay Resort Waterfront

Bring a chair, blanket, and your patriotic spirit! Viewing is available throughout Newport Harbor.

Sign promoting waterfront viewing areas for fireworks during America's 250th birthday celebration, highlighting best seats on water and shore, with red stars at the top and bottom.
Children holding American flags at a celebration with colorful bunting in the background.