Festival of Whales – Dana Point
March 6 @ 4:30 pm - March 8 @ 8:00 pm
While the festival itself is free to attend, some activities like food, specialized tours, or specific exhibits may require payment.
A seaside celebration marking the annual migration of California gray whales, featuring harbor activities, educational exhibits, family programming, and opportunities to learn about marine life and conservation.
🎉 Friday – March 6, 2026
- Welcoming of the Whales — 4:30 PM – 7:00 PM @ Ocean Institute (free community kickoff)
- Festival of Whales Carnival — 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM @ Lantern Bay Park (ride costs vary)
🛶 Saturday – March 7, 2026
- Cardboard Classic & Dinghy Dash — 8:00 AM – 12:30 PM @ Baby Beach (free to watch; participant entry may require registration)
- Wyland Art Lessons in the Wild — 9:00 AM – 9:45 AM (ticketed experience)
- Little Folk Club – Festival Edition — 9:00 AM – 9:45 AM (free family music)
- Marine Mammal Lecture Series — 9:30 AM – 10:30 AM ($15 Adults)
- Magical Migration Parade — 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM (free community parade)
- Modern Makers Mart — 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM (free entry; purchases optional)
- Clam Chowder Cook-Off — 11:00 AM – 3:30 PM (tasting ticket required; price varies)
- Dockside Drafts — 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM (beverage purchases separate)
- Festival of Whales Carnival — 12:00 PM – 9:00 PM (ride/game costs vary)
- Historical Walking Tour — 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM (donation accepted)
- Harbor Music Series — 10:30 AM – 5:30 PM (free live music)
☀️ Sunday – March 8, 2026
Stand Up to Trash Beach Cleanup & Lunch & Learn — 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM (free volunteer event)
- Marine Mammal Lecture Series — 9:30 AM – 10:30 AM ($15 Adults)
- Little Pirates Treasure Hunt — 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM (Buy a shovel for $10, dress like a pirate, and start digging at 11 AM. Shovel sales begin at 9 AM)
- Interactive Sailing Rides — 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM (ticketed; price varies)
- Classic Car Displays & Boat Show — 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM (free to view)
- Modern Makers Mart — 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM (free entry)
- Festival of Whales Carnival — 12:00 PM – 8:00 PM (ride/game costs vary)
- Concert on the Water — 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM (free music)
- Kids’ Fishing Clinic & Trip — 12:00 PM – 5:15 PM (clinic free, fishing trip ticketed)
General Cost
- Most community events (parade, music, markets, walking tours, cleanups): free to attend
- Carnival rides, games, food: ticketed; individual prices vary