Saturday
Whales & Wine: Naturalist Nona Reimer at Frisby Cellars
5:30 – 7:30 PM
Frisby Cellars
Join marine mammal expert Nona Reimer for an engaging talk at Frisby Cellars exploring whales and other cetaceans, blending marine science, storytelling, and wine culture with seasonal insights on California gray whales migrating along our coast.
Harbor Music Series
10:30 AM – 5:30 PM
Don Hansen Courtyard/Dana Wharf
Experience live music at the Festival of Whales, presented by Dana Point Harbor Partners, with performances in the Dana Wharf Courtyard showcasing a variety of musical styles all weekend.
Dana Point Historical Society Walking Tour
2:00 – 4:00 PM
Blue Lantern
Join the Dana Point Historical Society’s annual historic town center Walking Tour and explore local landmarks, early home exteriors from S.H. Woodruff’s 1920s planned community, and scenic bluff-top harbor views while learning stories from Dana Point’s early history.
Festival of Whales Carnival
12:00 – 9:00 PM
Lantern Bay Park
Enjoy classic carnival fun with rides, games, and food for all ages at the Festival of Whales Carnival, plus live music and a beer garden hosted by the Dana Point 5th Marine Regiment Support Group throughout the weekend.
Dockside Drafts
11:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Ocean Institute
Enjoy waterfront craft beer at Dockside Drafts during Festival of Whales weekend, located at the Ocean Institute’s Maddie James Seaside Learning Center and Historical Wharf, featuring Spirit of Dana Point and refreshing pours from local breweries.
Clam Chowder Cook-Off
11:00 AM – 3:30 PM
Baby Beach Lawn
Warm bowls, ocean air, and community gather at our Clam Chowder Cookout during Dana Point’s Festival of Whales. Local chefs simmer hearty chowders, live music drifts by, and families celebrate coastal tradition – sharing stories, sunshine, and the soulful comfort of classic seaside flavor.
Modern Makers Mart – Festival Edition
10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Bump Out Park
Explore the Modern Makers Mart at Bump Out Park with local artisans, boutique goods, fresh food, clothing, home décor, a beer garden, and live DJ—an energetic, family-friendly stop during Festival of Whales weekend.
Magical Migration Parade
10:00 – 11:00 AM
Dana Point Harbor Drive & Island Way
Kick off the Festival of Whales weekend with the beloved Parade, featuring an updated route along Dana Point Harbor and Island Way. Enjoy giant helium balloons, marching bands, school groups, community nonprofits, colorful floats, and military units in this lively, can’t-miss celebration.
Marine Mammal Lecture Series: Alisa Schulman-Janiger
9:30 – 10:30 AM
Wind & Sea
Enjoy an intimate marine mammal lecture paired with a continental breakfast at Wind & Sea, featuring whale experts sharing insights on whale entanglements, sea lion rehabilitation, and current marine mammal research, presented in partnership with the Pacific Marine Mammal Center.
Little Folk Club – Festival Edition
9:00 – 9:45 AM
Don Hansen Courtyard/Dana Wharf
Join Little Folk Club for this harbor-favorite, family-friendly singalong experience with vocals by Victoria Bailey, perfect for infants to pre-K.