Events
View the Festival of Whales Event Map
EVERYDAY OF THE FESTIVAL
Whale Watching
The incredible 5000-mile migration of the majestic California Gray Whale from Alaska to Mexico begins in December and continues through March. During this peak season, 40 – 50 whales pass by Dana Point each day, using the Dana Point Headland’s 200-foot cliffs near the harbor as a landmark to check their migration path. Dana Point offers the BEST whale watching along the California Coast – don’t miss it! There’s a whale watching excursion for everyone. If you’re interested in getting a glimpse of these majestic leviathans from land, be sure to visit the Headlands Conservation Park. The Park includes a public trail system, over three miles in length, and links all the parks and open space areas of the Headlands. The system includes pedestrian trails, coastal and beach access, scenic overlooks and the Nature Interpretive Center. The parks and trails can be reached either off of Green Lantern or at Dana Strand Rd., limited parking is available along these streets or at the Nature Interpretive Center parking lot. The trails are open from 7 a.m. to sunset daily. The Nature Interpretive Center is located adjacent to the Headlands Conservation Park, at the terminus of Street of the Green Lantern. Center Hours: 10 AM – 4 PM. From Dana Point Harbor visitors may take the FREE shuttle to the Ocean Institute and then proceed up Cove Road to the Park. It’s a good work out for those looking for a little adventure and some spectacular views!
2013 Festival of Whales Merchandise
T-shirts (long and short sleeve) and sweatshirts will be on sale throughout the Harbor during both weekends of the Festival. All clothing items available for purchase in advance online beginning in December.
FREE Shuttle Service
Available every day of the Festival from 10 AM to 4 PM (extended service hours the morning of the parade (March 2) and the afternoon of the Whale of a Concert (March 10). Please visit our online map for shuttle stops, routes, parking lot and event locations. Park and ride free all day long and migrate with the whales!
Dana Point’s Restaurant Week is Back!
In conjunction with the 42nd Annual Dana Point Festival of Whales, the Dana Point Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce the return of Dana Point’s Restaurant Week, which will take place from Friday, March 1st – Sunday, March 10th. Over 15 of Dana Point’s local restaurants will take part in this delicious event.
During Dana Point’s Restaurant Week, some of Dana Point’s most talented chefs will personalize their menus to celebrate the Festival of the Whales. Whether you’re a local, or just visiting, Restaurant Week is the perfect time to try new places, enjoy a romantic dinner, or meet up with a group of friends to dine out in Dana Point! We invite you to enjoy a week of fabulous dining and start planning your week of great eats today!
We are in the process of finalizing our restaurant’s involvement – check back soon for a full listing of all participating restaurants and their tasty offers!
ARTS AND CULTURE
March 2, 3, 9, 10
Art in the Park 10 AM – 4 PM – Local artists along with students from Dana Hills High School will be displaying a variety of works, utilizing unique mediums on the grassy areas at the corner of Island Way and Dana Point Harbor Drive. Live entertainment throughout the day! The Festival’s FREE shuttle has a stop immediately in front of “Herb” the topiary whale which is adjacent to the display areas.
March 2, 3, 9, 10
Dana Point Fine Arts Association Show & Sale – The Dana Point Fine Arts Association, a nonprofit organization, will host an art show and sale from 9:30 AM to 5 PM. The art will be on display at the Harbor Boardwalk along the boat docks in Mariner’s Village on the east side of the Coffee Importers Espresso Bar and Harpoon Henry’s restaurant. Watercolor, oil, acrylic, and photography by many award-winning local artists will be available for purchase. Dana Point Fine Arts will donate a portion of artist’s sales to Dana Hills High School Art Department. For more info on this exhibit, contact Franksfotoimages@aol.com.
March 8, 9, 10
Dana Point Historical Society Public Reading of Two Years Before the Mast – With a spectacular mural of the Dana Point coast as it was in Richard Henry Dana, Jr’ s. time as background, the third public community reading of Dana’s Two Years Before The Mast will take place during the second weekend of the Festival of Whales, starting this afternoon from 1 PM – 4 PM at the Nature Interpretive Center, 34558 Scenic Drive (take Green Lantern off of Coast Highway). A presentation of the Dana Point Historical Society, it is modeled on the public reading of Moby Dick, a highly successful venture of the New Bedford Whaling Museum in Massachusetts. Over one hundred volunteer readers will read for eight to ten minutes each, completing the entire book in about fifteen hours over the three days; Friday, March 8th, 1 PM – 4 PM; Saturday, March 9th, 9 AM – 6 PM Sunday, March 10th, 9 AM – 12 Noon. For more information or to volunteer, send e-mail to Two Years Before the Mast FairviewT@aol.com, or call the Dana Point Historical Society at 949-248-8121. FREE – Donations gladly accepted.
March 2, 3, 9, 10
Dana Point Historical Society Walking Tour of Town Center At 2 PM – Meet the guide at 34091 Pacific Coast Hwy (corner of Blue Lantern and PCH) for the historic town center Walking Tour. See and hear the stories of commercial buildings, private homes and landmarks c. 1924 to 1939, that represent the city’s early development. A free Walking Tour brochure of Dana Point is included. For more information, call 949-248-8121 or www.danapointhistorical.org. FREE – donations gladly accepted.
March 9
Polynesian Connection - Senior Wish, a nonprofit organization and The Hula Connection present a day of Polynesian culture, music, dance and educational experiences. The event will be offered from 11 AM to 3 PM on the expansive lawn adjacent to Art in the Park. FREE shuttle service will be provided to the site of the Polynesian Connection location. All proceeds will be used to provide assistance to Senior Veterans.
CLASSIC CARS
March 2, 3
So Cal Woodies 12 Noon – 4 PM (March 2) and 10 AM – 4PM (March 3) – The best of the best will be on display from the official Southern California Chapter of the National Woodie Club. Immediately following the Festival parade So Cal Woodies will cruise down from the parade to the grassy areas along the Harbor walkway. Stroll along the Harbor walkway and enjoy this one-of-a-kind display! The Club’s goal is to promote the wooden car, and the role it has played throughout automotive history, especially in the California surf culture. For more information visit http://www.socalwoodies.com/
March 9, 10
Whale of a Classic Car Display – The Cal Rod Car Club was formed in 1954 in the San Gabriel Valley and currently has a membership of 386 members. The Club will display approximately 50 classics and hot rods on from 10 AM to 3 PM. Stroll along the Harbor walkway and take in a bit of yesteryear. Many of these cars have been featured, and on the cover, of several automotive magazines, and have received awards from the Grand National Roadster Show, L.A Roadster Show, La Verne Cool Cruise, Dr. George Charity Car Show in Palm Springs and many other car shows. The Cal Rods mission statement is to, “establish a family-oriented car club that promotes the enjoyment, restoration, and preservation of street rods, classic cars, and social interaction.” They have an annual car show, this year on March 25, 2012 at the infield of the Santa Anita Race Track. The show has allowed the club to donate approximately $10,000.00 to several charities such as the Ronald McDonald House, City of Hope, and Lanterman Developmental Center for mentally handicapped individuals. The Cal Rod Car Club holds its meeting on the first Tuesday of each month. They meet at the National Hot Rod Association Museum in Pomona. For more club information visit http://calrods.com and look at the Club’s quarterly newsletter.
DANA WHARF WHALE WATCHING AND MORE
March 2
Free Book Signing and Fun Prizes 1-3pm - Stop by Dana Wharf Sportfishing for a FREE book signing of “The Amazing Adventures of Captain Don” by Captain Don himself! The first 100 children (10 years old and under) will not only meet Captain Don, get a signature, but have a picture taken too! Captain Don Hansen, the founder of Dana Wharf Sportfishing and the originator of Southern California whale watching invites you to come down and meet him. Buy a second book and get an opportunity to spin the prize wheel and win fun prizes! Proceeds will be donated to the Gray Whale Foundation.
March 3, 10
Kids Free Fishing Clinic and Free Fishing Trip (Clinic noon-12:30 p.m.; Fishing trip 12:45 p.m.-5:45 p.m.) - Dana Wharf Sportfishing invites all children to come to attend a dockside fishing clinic to learn hands-on angling techniques from the experts. Prizes will be raffled off at the end of the lesson. Following the clinic Dana Wharf will run a fishing trip where kids 12 and under fish free including equipment. Adults are $44 plus license and equipment. An added bonus of this trip is the chance to spot whales, dolphins and other marine life. For more information and reservations, call Dana Wharf at 949.496.5794
March 2, 3, 9, 10
Marine Mammal Lecture Series 10 -11 AM at Harpoon Henry’s – Marine mammals are among the most beloved icons of the California coast and yet much of their life history and biology remains a mystery to us. Nonetheless, local researchers are making fantastic discoveries about marine mammals every day. During Dana Wharf Sportfishing and Whale Watching’s special marine mammal lecture series you are invited to come learn some of the latest breaking news. Enjoy a continental breakfast at Harpoon Henry’s as marine biologists and special guests present recent findings on local whales, dolphins and other marine mammals. The presentations will include photos, videos, and underwater recordings. Following the lecture, join us for a whale watching trip aboard the OCean Adventures Catamaran for those that want to get up close and personal with these magnificent creatures. Space is limited. The lecture is free with purchase of the whale watching cruise aboard the OCean Adventures Catamaran and includes a continental breakfast. To attend the lecture only, $5 per person will be collected at the door (and also includes the continental breakfast). To purchase visit www.danawharf.com <http://www.danawharf.com/> or call (949) 496-5794.
Marine Mammal Lecture Series Guest Speakers:
March 2 Doug Thompson Gray Whales and San Ignacio Lagoon
March 3 Dennis Kelly Bottlenose Dolphin
March 9 Alisa Schulman-Janiger Killer Whales
March 10 Todd Mansur Gray Whales and local sightings
March 2, 3, 9, 10
Wyland Whale Watching Art Lessons in the Wild 10-10:45AM - Learn from one of the masters of marine art by joining us for a dockside presentation and art lesson aboard the “Ocean Adventure” Catamaran, via video feed, by renowned environmental artist, Wyland! Guests will learn how Wyland has created some of the most well known marine wildlife paintings and sculptures of our era.
Children can enter their art in an end-of-season contest for the most accurate portrayal of marine mammals to be judged by Wyland. The winning child and family will receive a Whale Watching trip accompanied by Wyland aboard the Ocean Adventure. Other prizes will be announced soon!
The price for the art lesson is $5 per child, with all proceeds going to the Wyland Foundation. The mission of Wyland’s foundation is to give both children and adults alike, the tools they need to become more creative, positive and solution oriented through art. Whale watching excursions are available at an additional cost and will be departing Dana Wharf every hour on the hour during the Festival of Whales.
DIAMOND DIG
March 3
Diamond Dig 11:30 AM to 1 PM on Baby Beach, in the Dana Point Harbor. Come to Monarch Beach Sunrise Rotary Club’s 4th Annual Diamond Dig at Baby Beach!! For one hour, starting at noon sharp, you and your child have a whale of an opportunity to become rich by digging for treasure & prizes. Dress as a pirate and get a head start looking for the buried treasure! Kids and adults are encouraged to arrive early at Baby Beach starting at 11:30am, pay $10 for your special Diamond Dig shovel and get ready to dig for treasure at noon sharp! Remember last year – toys, bicycles and a diamond necklace were among the booty found! Sponsored by the Monarch Beach Sunrise Rotary Club – all proceeds benefit local children’s charities. For more information call: Alan Wickstrom 949-842-0594 or go online: MonarchBeachRotary.com, DanaPointLobsterFest.org
DOHENY STATE BEACH
March 10
Doheny State Beach’s Mobile Marine Mammal Museum 11am – 3pm Meets at Doheny State Beach’s Visitor Center. There will be a variety of genuine marine mammal artifacts for visitors to actively learn and gain an appreciation of these magnificent creatures of the sea. Please alert entrance station staff upon arrival so they can direct visitors to appropriate parking location. Please Note: Free vehicle parking at Doheny State Beach for Doheny State Beach’s Mobile Marine Mammal Museum is limited to one hour only. Rain cancels. 949-496-2704 or www.dohenystatebeach.org FREE
March 9
Whale of a Beach Cleanup – Festival of Whales Toast to the Coast! 9 am – Noon Bring your work gloves and a recyclable bag or bucket and help clean up Doheny State Beach. Meet Ranger Vicki at the Lifeguard Headquarters and learn more about how you can help maintain our precious coastal resources. FREE shuttle service to Doheny from most Harbor parking lots.
Dolphin Safari Whale Watching And More
March 9
Captain Dave’s Carnival - Fun for the whole “pod”! Drop by our Dolphin Deck at 24440 Dana Point Harbor Drive (near Baby Beach) from 12 Noon – 2 PM for FREE activities and prizes. Kids of all ages will have fun with games, crafts and much more. Face painting and animal balloons will also be available for a fee. For more info call Captain Dave’s Dolphin & Whale Safari (949) 488-2828
March 9, 10
Free Award Winning Movie Viewing - Visit our Dolphin Deck at 24440 Dana Point Harbor Drive (near Baby Beach) from 11 AM to 3 PM for an exclusive FREE viewing of Captain Dave’s award winning documentary “Wild Dolphins and Whales of Southern California” and purchase a signed copy of Capt. Dave’s DVD. Screenings held every hour. In 1995 Capt. Dave mounted an underwater camera and hydrophone on the bow of his boat and began taking his cameras on every trip to record what his passengers experienced first-hand. It took him five years to create the documentary, an experience that has forever changed his life. Throughout the day relax and enjoy our Dolphin Deck with the best view in the harbor. Sandwiches, snacks, ice cream and refreshments are available for purchase. For more information call Captain Dave’s Dolphin & Whale Safari (949) 488-2828.
March 2, 3, 9, 10
Whale watch from land! WhaleWatchingTV.com streams LIVE from our hi-tech whale watching catamaran on the open ocean. Stop by our Dolphin Deck at 24440 Dana Point Harbor Drive (near Baby Beach) throughout the day to watch whales and dolphins from our virtual whale watching classroom on the water, taught by whale watching experts and produced by award winning film maker Capt. Dave Anderson. For more information call Captain Dave’s Dolphin & Whale Safari (949) 488-2828.
March 9
Win a Free Book! A novel inspired by multiple true events that happened to two gray whales. Imagine if whales could somehow talk and tell you about their lives and about their incredible journey on one of the longest migrations of any mammal on earth. Imagine that journey is an odyssey filled with horrific dangers and a beauty that harkens back to creation. What if you could see it all told through hundreds of amazing, real-life photographs? From 1 – 2 PM preview and purchase signed copies of Capt. Dave’s exciting family book “Lily, A Gray Whale’s Odyssey”. Join Lily on her odyssey of discovery, wonder and learning from Baja to Siberia while also learning about a devastating problem that takes the lives of over 1,000 dolphins and whales worldwide every day. We’ll be giving away a free, signed copy of the book! Captain Dave organized Orange County’s only whale disentanglement group 4 years ago and was hands-on with Lily the gray whale’s disentanglement in Dana Point Harbor that made national headlines. For more information call Captain Dave’s Dolphin & Whale Safari (949) 488-2828.
FUN FOOD
March 3
2nd Annual Whale of a Clam Chowder Cook Off – Sample a variety of tasty chowders from local restaurants and organizations and then vote for your favorite from 10 AM to 2 PM along the Harbor walkway adjacent to Art in the Park, near Island Way. Prizes will be awarded for Best Chowder, Best Booth Design and People’s Choice. Tasting packets will include taste sampling tickets, tasting cups and spoons – $5 for five tastes and $10 for 12 tastes. All proceeds will benefit Fish for Life, offering programs designed to provide love and inspiration to a multitude of special needs people while teaching fishing skills and ministering to the value of life. http://www.fishforlife.org/
March 1 – 10, 2013
Dana Point’s Restaurant Week is Back! In conjunction with the 42nd Annual Dana Point Festival of Whales, the Dana Point Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce the return of Dana Point’s Restaurant Week, which will take place from Friday, March 1st – Sunday, March 10th. Over 15 of Dana Point’s local restaurants will take part in this delicious event.
During Dana Point’s Restaurant Week, some of Dana Point’s most talented chefs will personalize their menus to celebrate the Festival of the Whales. Whether you’re a local, or just visiting, Restaurant Week is the perfect time to try new places, enjoy a romantic dinner, or meet up with a group of friends to dine out in Dana Point! We invite you to enjoy a week of fabulous dining and start planning your week of great eats today!
We are in the process of finalizing our restaurant’s involvement – check back soon for a full listing of all participating restaurants and their tasty offers!
March 9
Festival of Whales Grunion Run Whale of a Pancake Breakfast from 7 to 10 AM inside Doheny State Beach. Pancake Breakfast: Adults – $6, Children under 12 – $3. Bring your racing bib and receive $1 off breakfast! Proceeds from the breakfast will benefit Doheny Longboard Surfing Association and our local State Lifeguard Association.
March 3
Whale of a BBQ - Delicious BBQ specialties at affordable prices will be served up from 11:30 AM to 4 PM adjacent to Baby Beach. Choose from tri-tip sandwiches, mouth-watering chicken sandwiches, scrumptious salads and more!
March 10
Whale of a Concert BBQ - Concessions for scrumptious BBQ specialties will be available, including a Spirits Garden for those over 21 years old with a valid driver’s license. For more information call (949) 248-3530.
March 3
Whale of a Pancake Breakfast & Raffle with Entertainment Hosted by the Dana Point Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Post 9934 and Ladies Auxiliary 9934 at the OC Sailing & Event Center’s Dana Cove Room from 8 AM – 11 AM. Start your day with delicious, fluffy pancakes with strawberry topping served hot off the griddle, tasty sausage and bacon, served with juice, milk or coffee. Over 25 great gifts raffled. Plus we will have surprise entertainment that covers the ages. All proceeds will benefit the Veterans of Foreign Wars. Share in the fun and tradition and join us for a delicious breakfast, win a great prize and let us entertain you! Following breakfast join us for Ocean Awareness Day, Diamond Dig and Sand Sculpting and Rubber Ducky Race – just steps away at Baby Beach. Pancake Breakfast: Adults – $6, Children under 12 – $3. For more information (949) 275-3142.
GRUNION RUN
March 9
Festival of Whales Grunion Run – 10K, 5K Run/Walk and Kids’ 1K Run - 10K begins at 7:45 AM, 5K begins at 9 AM followed by the Kids’ 1K at 9:45 AM. Awards scheduled for 10 AM. Pre-registration and more information is available online at www.festivalofwhalesgrunionrun.com. FREE pre-run shuttle service will begin at 6 AM and will have pick ups from the Ocean Institute, OC Sailing & Event Center and Dana Point Harbor Drive at Golden Lantern. Park and ride! Proceeds to benefit the Doheny State Beach Interpretive Association, a non-profit organization which supports interpretive, educational programs at Doheny State Beach. After the Run enjoy a Whale of a Pancake Breakfast from 7 to 10 AM inside Doheny State Beach. Pancake Breakfast: Adults – $6, Children under 12 – $3. Bring your racing bib and receive $1 off breakfast! Proceeds from the breakfast will benefit Doheny Longboard Surfing Association and our local State Lifeguard Association.
MONGOOSE CUP STAND UP PADDLE
March 9
5th Annual Mongoose Cup 9 AM – 3 PM at Baby Beach - Come paddle with famous surfing icon and legend Mickey Munoz and friends! Enjoy a great day of paddling fun, SUP Clinics and camaraderie. The Mickey Muñoz Mongoose Cup will begin with the Fun Paddle around Dana Point Harbor Island. There will also be a SUPcross. All registered participants will receive a commemorative long sleeve Mongoose Cup long sleeve tee shirt and a delicious BBQ lunch. For event information contact Event Director Barrett Tester (949) 276-4431 x216 or barrett.tester@gmail.com
MOVIE IN THE PARK
March 2
Movie in the Park - Join us for a special showing of the original 1963 box office hit, Flipper (PG) – the movie that inspired the TV series. Presented by the City of Dana Point Community Services and Parks Department and County of Orange. FREE popcorn, hot beverages and snacks will be available. Bring your lawn chairs, blankets and picnic dinner and enjoy this family friendly movie that will begin at approximately 6:30 pm (dusk).
MUSIC
March 8
Dana Point Symphony Presents Opera and the Ocean at St. Edwards Church beginning at 7:30 PM, 33926 Calle La Primavera, Dana Point. Tickets are $15 for adults and $10 for students under 16 years old, seniors over 65 years old and military with ID. Purchase tickets at www.danapointsymphony.com For additional information call 301-832-0388. The mission of the Dana Point Symphony is to provide world-class classical music to the Dana Point and surrounding community and make it accessible to everyone. The Dana Point Symphony was created through the vision of its artistic and executive director Berenika Schmitz, Dean Anderson, conductor and music director and The City of Dana Point under the leadership of Mayor Scott Schoeffel. In addition to presenting high caliber music, the Dana Point Symphony features one visual artist exhibition at the meet-the-artist receptions. Each concert experience is artistically crafted to the desires of the audience.
March 2, 3, 9, 10
Harbor Music Series Presented by the Dana Point Harbor Association in the Jolly Roger Courtyard in Dana Wharf and Harpoon Henry Grassy Area near Mariner’s Village 12 Noon – 3 PM. Enjoy a variety of musical styles and sounds. 949-923-2255 or danapointharbor.com FREE
March 2
KSBR 88.5 FM Jazz – Live Remote Stop in and visit with the DJs and staff from KSBR 88.5 beginning at 9 AM and enjoy a morning cup of jazz followed by entertainment throughout the day in the Dana Wharf courtyard area adjacent to Dana Wharf Whale Watching.
“Breakfast with Gary and Kelly” is a live three hour radio broadcast each Saturday morning from 9:00 am to Noon on Saddleback College radio station KSBR 88.5 fm.
For the past six years, hosts Gary (Bergeson) and Kelly (Bennett) have combined interviews and laughs with contemporary jazz music into a mix that has steadily grown in popularity. Gary and Kelly have conducted numerous remote broadcasts from locations all over Southern California, including the Festival of Arts in Laguna Beach and Catalina Island and they have hosted many celebrity guests.
In January, the pair will begin their third year hosting a monthly television version of the radio broadcast. The program airs on the City of Mission Viejo’s MVTV Channel 30 every Tuesday through Sunday evenings at 8:30 and also airs on Saddleback College’s SCTV Channel 39 each Friday and Sunday morning at 11:00 throughout the Cox Communication cable system in south Orange County. Past guests on “Breakfast with Gary & Kelly” have included Debbie Reynolds, Linda Evans, David Benoit, Peter White, Diane Schuur, Rick Braun, Paul Brown, Basia, Bobby Caldwell, Brian Culbertson, Euge Groove, Warren Hill, Bill Cantos and more.
KSBR is a community service of Saddleback College. The program continues the partnership between Saddleback College and the City of Mission Viejo. For more information on the Radio on TV monthly series and how to become part of the audience for the April 14th show, please tune to 88.5 KSBR or visit their website at www.ksbr.org.
Located in Mission Viejo, Saddleback College provides quality higher education and training to the greater south Orange County community. Having served more than 500,000 students since 1968, Saddleback College offers over 300 degree and certificate programs to help students reach their personal, career, and educational goals. For more information, please visit www.saddleback.edu.
March 10
Whale of a Concert and BBQ - In honor of the whales migrating by Dana Point Headlands “singing their song” the Festival of Whales festivities will include a FREE outdoor concert at Baby Beach with bands performing on the water on a specially designed stage. Concert will begin at noon. The Dave Silver Band opens the concert from 12 – 1 pm, followed by the Keston and the Rhythm Killers from 1:30 – 3 pm and Savor – Santana Tribute Band from 3:30 – 5 pm. The concert is presented by the City of Dana Point Community Services & Parks Department and OC Dana Point Harbor. Bring your beach chairs, towels and blankets and enjoy an afternoon of musical entertainment. Concessions for scrumptious BBQ specialties will also be available, including a Spirits Garden for those over 21 years old with a valid driver’s license. For more information call (949) 248-3530.
OCEAN AWARENESS DAY
March 3
Ocean Awareness Day Presented by the Dana Point Harbor Association, featuring interactive displays, demonstrations and entertainment showcasing ocean and environmental programs and issues related to our ocean. The event is located at Baby Beach at the OC Sailing & Events Center, 34451 Ensenada Place, 11 AM – 4 PM. The event and parking is FREE and there is also FREE shuttle service from most Harbor parking lots. 949-923-2255 or danapointharbor.com
OCEAN INSTITUTE WHALE WATCHING AND MORE
March 2, 3, 9, 10
Ocean Institute - During the festival weekends, a hands-on journey into the mysterious and fascinating world of whales will allow visitors to explore a variety of fascinating phenomena unique to these magnificent animals. There will be opportunities to examine how they communicate and eat, to see how pollution can affect them, learn about ongoing research, and create fun whale-theme crafts. Additional activities include animal feedings, ROV driving, and tide pool touch tanks. Public hours are 10 AM to
4 PM. Admission price is $6.50 for adults (13 yrs+) and $4.50 for children (3 -12 yrs); Children 2 and under are free. Members are free.
March 3, 9
Ocean Institute Whale’s Tale Tallship Sailing Adventure - From “Devil Fish” to “Friendliest Whale,” explore how time and discovery have shaped man’s perception of the magnificent Gray Whale. Join us for an exciting tallship sailing adventure as you gain new insights into man’s evolving relationship with the ocean and the giants that roam our California Coast. 2 PM to 4:30 PM. Cost: Non-members, $40 adults, $23 children 12 & under. Members, $36 adults, $21 children 12 & under (min. age 4).
March 2, 3, 9, 10
Seashore Interpretive Family Hike - Time TBA based on tides Guided family tidepool hikes through the Dana Point Marine Protected Area with Ocean Institute naturalists. Hikes are available on a first come first serve basis. Space is limited. Sign up at the front desk of the Ocean Institute after admission is paid, no additional charge. See admission info below.
PARADE
March 2
Festival of Whales Parade - Parade begins promptly at 10 AM with a route along Pacific Coast Highway from Selva Road to Golden Lantern in Dana Point. FREE shuttle service to and from Harbor parking lots will be available beginning one hour (9 AM) from the parade start time. Arrive early, enjoy breakfast harborside, board the free shuttle and then spend the day visiting all the great events located throughout the Harbor and La Plaza Park. Parade entrants are encouraged to embrace the Festival’s theme of Magical Migration when designing parade floats and costumes. Awards will be given to the Best Display of Parade Theme, Best Musical Unit, Best Youth Group, Best Group Spirit and Best Local Entry. For inquiries about giant balloon sponsorships and other parade questions, please contact Sherry Murphy at the City of Dana Point (949) 248-3533 or smurphy@danapoint.org. Parade applications are on the City’s webpage. Parade entry applications are due no later than end of business day Friday, February 15, 2013.
RUBBER DUCKY RACE
March 3
Whale of a Rubber Ducky Race - Hosted by the Dana Point Woman’s Club, this fun spin on a traditional “Rubber Ducky Race” will be held from 11AM – 2PM at Baby Beach. Duckies may be purchased in advance by contacting Joan Marie Kerr at 949-859-7506 or the day of the event at the DPWC station at Baby Beach. Prizes will be awarded to 1st, 2nd and 3rd places. $6 per Rubber Duck or 2 for $10. You do not need to be present to win. Funds raised through this event will benefit the Woman’s Club scholarship fund. www.danapointwomansclub.com
SAND SCULPTING FUN
March 3
Whale of a Sand Sculpting Competition 8 AM to 2:30 PM on Baby Beach – Presented by OC Parks, this is a great event for teams of every kind – from families and friends to hard core sand sculpting enthusiasts – join us! Sculpting creation areas limited to 20 plots of 15’ x 15’ each – first come, first serve! Choose one of five categories: Castles, Whales and Ocean Creatures, Pirates and Ships, Woodies and Surfboards, or Patriotic Emblems. Contestants start at 8 am, judging begins at 2:30 with awards to follow. Bring your own buckets and tools, dyes and stabilizers not allowed – all natural. Sand provided free! Bring a team of family and friends and join the fun!
SAILING AND PADDLING
March 9
5th Annual Mongoose Cup 9 AM – 3 PM at Baby Beach - Come paddle with famous surfing icon and legend Mickey Munoz and friends! Enjoy a great day of paddling fun, SUP Clinics and camaraderie. The Mickey Muñoz Mongoose Cup will begin with the Fun Paddle around Dana Point Harbor Island. There will also be a SUPcross. All registered participants will receive a commemorative long sleeve Mongoose Cup long sleeve tee shirt and a delicious BBQ lunch. For event information contact Event Director Barrett Tester (949) 276-4431 x216 or barrett.tester@gmail.com
March 2, 3, 9, 10
Sailing Rides - Take a sailing ride and learn how to steer and sail a Capri 14! Ages 5 and up, 10 AM – 4 PM. $15 per boat, three people maximum (half-hour session). Weather and conditions dependent. Lifejackets provided. Find our booth at the OC Sailing & Event Center. Contact Westwind Sailing for details: (949) 492-3035.
Stand-Up Paddling Clinics - Join the SUP craze and learn first hand why it’s the fastest growing water sport today! 45 min on the water clinics held each hour on the hour – weather and conditions dependent. Ages 12 and up, (12 – 14 yr old must be accompanied by an adult) 10 AM – 3 PM. $10 per person. Lifejackets provided. Find our booth at the OC Sailing & Event Center. Contact Westwind Sailing for details: (949) 492-3035.
STREET FAIRE
March 2
Street Faire Festival - In conjunction with the Festival of Whales, the Dana Point Chamber of Commerce invites you to indulge in culinary delights at the Annual Street Faire Festival for an unforgettable day of food, music & entertainment for the whole family. If you would like more information or are interested in hosting a booth, please contact Vickie at vmcmurchie@danapointchamber.com or 949.496.1555. Begins immediately after the Festival of Whales Parade at Dana Point La Plaza Park, Pacific Coast Highway North at La Plaza, 10 AM – 5 PM. FREE shuttle service from most Harbor parking lots to Dana Point La Plaza Park.