Select a date below to jump to that day’s event schedule:
Click here to view our corresponding map for event locations and parking options.
*PURPLE locations or Virtual if it’s online next to each listing below coincide with map locations
FRIDAY, MARCH 3 & SATURDAY, MARCH 4
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Welcoming of the WhalesThe 52nd Annual Festival of Whales will kick off with a sunset welcoming ceremony by members of the local Acjachemen Nation and a surfers’ paddle out at the Marine Protected Area beach behind the Ocean Institute.Following the beach ceremony, a reception sponsored by the Dana Point Harbor Partners with guest speakers will be held inside the Ocean Institute.The event will include food truck cuisine for purchase, free non-alcoholic beverages, and the Ocean Institute’s free interactive educational activities and displays.
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Dana Point Festival of Whales “Magical Migration” Parade
The Festival of Whales Parade officially kicks off the festivities at 10 AM with a route starting at the Richard Henry Dana statue on the Island Way bridge. The parade travels over the bridge and then turns right onto Dana Harbor Drive and ends at Dana Point Harbor Drive and Golden Lantern.
The parade can be viewed from sections of the Island Way bridge, and along Dana Harbor Drive. The parade features giant parade balloons, marching bands, military units, floats and local entries. For more information, call the City of Dana Point Recreation Division at 949-248-3536.
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Ocean Institute Activities
8am: Let’s Talk about Whales! Join us on land for breakfast and a chance to learn more about shore finding, interact with marine mammal artifacts, and learn about the species that call our coastline home! This is perfect for families or those who’d prefer to keep both feet on steady ground. Purchase tickets at Ocean Institute or online oceaninstitute.org
Marine Mammal Cruises: 10am & 1:30pm Click here for more information.
10am – 3pm: General AdmissionBuy tickets at the Ocean Institute or CLICK HERE TO PURCHASEAdults: $15.00
Seniors: $10.00
Kids: $7.50
Members receive free admission: use code WEEKEND plus member number for member discount (Example: Weekend1010010)
General Admission includes the following activities & more!
- Destination: Whale Fall
- Explore what happens after a whale dies and how it contributes to the ecosystem! You will pilot an ROV to see the different parts of a whale fall and learn about their important role.
- Whale Adaptations
- Learn about the wonders of whales from how they use blubber to stay warm to how some use echolocation to understand their surroundings. Whales have special adaptations to survive and you will get to try them out yourself!
- How do you measure up?
- We all know whales are big – but just how big? Compare your size to that of a whale and see just how impressive these giants are!
- Research Tag Station
- Learn from an Antarctic whale researcher how they tag whales for their research. Then create a tag craft of your own!
- Jr. Whale Researcher!
- Earn the mark of being a Jr. Whale Researcher by completing activities throughout the facility and earning your own special badge – inquire to learn more!
4pm-6pm: Distinguished Speaker SeriesOur speaker is Ari Friedlaender, an ecologist who primarily studies whales in the Antarctic. Find out more about his talk and purchase tickets at oceaninstitute.org - Destination: Whale Fall
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Westwind Sailing is honored to host the 6th annual Cardboard Classic / Dinghy Dash during the world famous, Dana Point Festival of Whales!
Our marquee event is family-oriented and extremely entertaining. It features a cardboard boat building contest and race (the Dinghy Dash), Business Barge display and voting, food, celebrity emcee, music and awards. It’s serious fun for competitors and spectators alike!
The Classic has become a favorite of the Festival drawing hundreds of participants and even more spectators to Baby Beach each year. And all the event proceeds are donated to the Dana Point Aquatic Foundation to support educational boating for at-risk-youth in our community.
Dinghy Dash Teams work through the morning designing and building their crafts from corrugated cardboard and duct tape and then compete in age division races. Business Barge boats are pre-built and on display in the morning for the public to view and vote their favorite. The races culminate with the sensational Business Barge division!
For additional information and registration, please check out our Cardboard Classic Web Page,
and our Facebook Event Page.
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Whales, Tails & Ales
Join Pet Project Foundation for a day of outdoor fun for the whole family – both the two-legged and four-legged members! Enjoy craft beer, delicious eats, dog costume contests, local artisans, dog-friendly vendors and much more at Whales, Tails & Ales taking place in the main Dana Point Harbor parking lot from 10 AM – 4 PM on Saturday, March 5.
Visit www.
petprojectfoundation.org or ww w.festivalofwhales.com for more info. 
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Wyland Art Lessons in the Wild
Marine muralist Wyland continues the Landmark Whale and Dolphin Adventure “Art Lessons in the Wild,” facilitating the most creative experience on the water!
The mission of The Wyland Foundation is to give both children and adults alike the tools they need to become more creative through art. A portion of the $10 ticket price will be donated back to the Wyland Foundation. Each child participant also receives a FREE gift from Wyland and there’s FREE coffee for the adults!
Create your own work-of-art aboard one of our Dana Wharf vessels that will be judged by Wyland himself, with multiple winners and a grand prize winner! At the end of each lesson, children will submit their drawings to be judged by Wyland himself!
The grand prize is a special work of art by Wyland himself, framed and signed, called “OCEANS” valued at $4,000.
This 45-minute adventure includes:
VIP boarding and a presentation and exclusive art lesson before the Whale Watching Trip, via video feed on the vessel, by renowned environmental artist, Wyland!Learn what inspired Wyland to create some of the best known marine wildlife paintings and sculptures of our era.
After the art lesson, your child may depart free of charge, on a two-hour whale and dolphin watching adventure! Adults ( not free ) must accompany them.
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Wyland Foundation Kids’ Community Mural Project & the Debut of Stella the Baby Whale for ‘OC Streams of Hope’ Public Art and Community Cleanup Campaign
Wyland Kids Mural Activity
10:00 AM – 4 PM, March 4-5
The Wyland Foundation will host two days of painting activities on “the handball court,” their 12-foot-long mural painting easel. Paints, brushes, aprons are all provided. All you need to bring is your imagination and your compassion for our coasts and animals who depend on them. Stick around the learn how the Wyland Foundation is making a difference for coasts and waterways.
Public Presentation – Stella the Baby Gray Whale11:30 am – Noon, Saturday, March 4
Come to the Grand Reveal of “OC Streams of Hope,” a countywide public arts and community cleanup campaign, in support of Stella, a colorful baby gray whale who is set to inspire thousands of people across Orange County and beyond to become even better stewards of our coasts and waterways. Presented by the Wyland Foundation, OC Conservation Corp, Metropolitan Water District of Orange County, and the County of Orange.
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Art in the Park
Browse through booths of local artisans presenting artwork in a variety of mediums including painting, photography, gems & fossils, art glass & sea glass, wood, pottery, jewelry, textiles and more.
Art in the park will be held in the west end of the Dana Marina Inn parking lot at Dana Point Harbor Drive & Island Way (the bridge).
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Pacific Coast Corvettes Club Car Show
See dozens of classic Corvettes on display along the Harbor walkway, west of the Island Way bridge.
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SoCal Woodies Club Car Show
See the best of the best examples of iconic Woodie wagons, the classic vehicle of early Southern California surf culture. The Woodies will be on display along the Harbor walkway, west of the Island Way bridge.
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Southern California Chapter of the Antique & Classic Boat Society – Boat Show
See antique and classic boats on display, including vintage mahogany and fiberglass models. Boats will be located in the parking lot directly east of Harpoon Henry’s.
Stop by and say hello, and check out ACBS.SoCal on Facebook or Instagram to see what the club is all about.
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Just Havin’ Fun Car Club Show
See a large selection of classic cars – from muscle cars and hotrods to trucks and American family cruisers with lots of shiny chrome – on display along the Harbor walkway east of Island Way (the bridge) and west of Coffee Importers. Three area car clubs will be showing their rides.
“Just Having Fun” is a group of over 120 classic car owners dedicated to serving communities in South Orange County. From milestone birthdays to senior center visits and veteran celebrations, they also provide Covid-safe drive by events or displays to entertain people of all ages.
“Cool Runnin’ Camaros” is dedicated to the preservation and enjoyment of the Chevrolet Camaro, stock or modified. The purpose of this club is to establish fellowship among members, to provide information and technical assistance, and to share interest in the Chevrolet Camaro.
“Hot Rods Unlimited” is a friendly, social car club based in south Orange County. We welcome new members to join in the fun at car shows and parades and all kinds of events. Visit us at hotrodsunlimited.com and we hope to see you down the road.
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Dana Hills High School Young Artists Show and Sale
High school art students from Dana Hills High School / SOCSA present works of art in a variety of mediums for purchase. See pottery, photography, drawing, painting and more.
The DHHS booth is located on the Harbor walkway just west of the Island Way bridge.
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Doheny State Beach Visitor’s Center Open House Tour & Whale Exhibits Q&A
Visit the Doheny State Beach Visitor’s Center (adjacent to the entry/ticket booth to the park) between 11 AM and 1 PM, March 4 for an open house tour and Q&A session focused on the center’s whale collection displays.
Can’t make it to the Center? Join Park Naturalist Vicki online for the spring 2021 virtual tour of the Doheny State Beach Visitor Center. See the center’s wide variety of local wildlife displays including a tidepool aquarium featuring leopard sharks, and more.
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Come join the fun at the 10th Annual Fish for Life Clam Chowder Cook-Off!
Saturday, March 4th at Baby Beach in the Dana Point Harbor
11:00AM to 3:00PM / Cost: $10 to taste ALL Chowders
Guests will receive 2 voting tickets:
1 to cast your vote for the People’s Choice Award, 1 for the Best Booth Decoration
2023 Participating Restaurants:
Chart House
Coastal Kitchen
Dana Point Yacht Club
Dana West Yacht Club
GLASSPAR Seafood
Jon’s Fish Market
RJ’s Cafe
The Lobster Shack
The Point
The Shwack Cantina
Wind & Sea Restaurant
This event is always a crowd favorite also featuring a Beer (Left Coast Brewery),
Wine (Westerly Vineyards) and TitoRitas (Tito’s Vodka) garden
Beer & Wine $5
$10 to taste all chowdersPLUS, Live music by the band RetroFits
Proceeds benefit Fish for Life to fund fishing trips for special needs children!
“Spread the love one boat at a time!”
People’s Choice” Champions:
2012 Laguna Cliffs Marriott
2013 Harbor Grill
2014 The Shwack
2015 The Shwack
2016 RJ’s Café
2017 Harbor Grill
2018 The Shwack
2019 Coastal Kitchen
2020 Cancelled
2021 Cancelled
2022 Coastal Kitchen2019 Best Booth Decoration: Jon’s Fish Market2019 Mayor’s Choice Award: Dana Point Yacht ClubCome enjoy the fun & delicious clam chowder!For more information, contact:
Jim Holden(949)285-8819
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Dana Point Historical Society Walking Tour: Live
Join historians on the Dana Point Historical Society’s annual historic town center Walking Tour.
See and hear the stories of historic landmarks, view home exteriors of S. H. Woodruff’s original 1920s planned community as well as Bluff Top harbor views, c. 1818 to 1939, that represent the area’s early history.The tour meets at the corner of PCH and Blue Lantern, at 2 PM, in front of the historic building now home to Coastal Kitchen restaurant and takes about 1 1/2 hours. Tour covers approximately one mile on mostly flat surface streets. Reservations are suggested by emailing [email protected] or by leaving a message at 949-248-8121. Indicate which day (Saturday, March 4 or Sunday, March 5) and the number in your party. A small donation to the Society is suggested. Masks and social distancing are suggested.
Can’t make it for the live walking tour? Take the tour anytime virtually by clicking the link below. The tour will include an interactive map, a video presentation of the route on YouTube and a web page that will contain the above resources along with additional artifacts.
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Weather permitting. If cancelled, no make-up date will be arranged. However, the next scheduled art show will be Mother’s Day Weekend on the Boardwalk.
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, colored pencil, pastels and photography by many award-winning local artists will be available for purchase. Dana Point Fine Arts annually donates a portion of the proceeds from the show to Dana Hills High School Art Department. For more info on this exhibit visit their website http://danapointfinearts.org.
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Marine Mammal Lecture Series Features: Alisa Schulman-Janiger
March 4, 10 AM-11 AM, Harpoon Henry’s
$10 Adults, Children are freeThis special lecture series is perfect for those who want a one-on-one educational experience, marine biologists and guests present recent findings on local whales, dolphins and other marine mammals.
Enjoy a continental breakfast at Harpoon Henry’s while listening to a fascinating talk by Alisa Schulman-Janiger on the California Orca and Gray Whale Census.
Following the lecture, join us for a whale watching trip aboard the O’Cean Adventures catamaran departing at 11:30 AM (trip admission not included in lecture fee). Proceeds will benefit the Pacific Marine Mammal Center.
For more information, visit danawharf.com
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Presented by Dana Point Harbor Partners and the Dana Point Festival of Whales Foundation in the Dana Wharf Courtyard, Mariner’s Village clock courtyard area in front of El Torito, and along the Harbor Walkway in front of Coffee Importers from 12 Noon – 3 PM. Enjoy a variety of musical styles and sounds.
Performances by:
Dana Wharf Courtyard
COA Entertainment
Sage Escalante – NOON
Chad and Sean Bierman – 1:30 PMClock Tower Plaza (near El Torito)
COA Entertainment
Megan Brittingham
Corey Angeli
Avery BrostromCoffee Importers
Mike O’BryanArt in the Park (Island Way & DP Harbor Drive)
Keith Comer -
Dana Point Festival of Whales Logo Merchandise
Festival of Whales 52nd Annual merchandise will be for sale at a booth near Dana Wharf Whale Watching and at Baby Beach on both March 4 and 5 starting at 10 AM.
Merch will also be available at the Ocean Institute on March 3 at the opening reception following the sunset Welcoming of the Whales ceremony.
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Can’t get out on the water? Join Capt. Dave’s for a free, fun and educational virtual dolphin and whale watching safari! You’ll meet the magnificent whales and dolphins found off the coast of Dana Point, California, the Dolphin and Whale Watching Capital of the World® with live narration from our experienced marine wildlife naturalists.
To participate you’ll need a high-speed internet connection and Zoom.
Number of participants is limited.
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Want to see more virtual programming from Capt. Dave?
Be sure to scroll down to the “All Month Long” section of the schedule of events to for information on Capt. Dave’s three new “Whale World Changers” Virtual Discussions premiering March 5 on their YouTube channel.
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Fluke: A Tail of Plastic (Whale Tail Sculpture)New this year, Dana Point Harbor Partners commissioned artists Joel Dean Stockdill and Yustina Salnikova to construct Fluke: A Tale of Plastic, a life-sized depiction of an adult gray whale tail, in the act of ‘fluking,’ or raising its fluke vertically above the surface in order to propel itself to the depths.Using reclaimed steel, damaged curbside trash bins and single use water bottles, Stockdill and Salnikova aim to connect the scale of the waste and its impact on the ocean. The sculpture further highlights Dana Point Harbor Partners’ partnership with “Stand Up to Trash” – a nonprofit beach cleanup group. The artists will be using trash collected from Stand Up to Trash’s beach cleanups.Construction begins March 5 and the sculpture will remain on display throughout the Festival, on the grass area at the entrance to the Harbor.
March 3
March 4
SUNDAY, MARCH 5
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Stand Up to Trash Beach Cleanup
Check in at the front of the Ocean Institute to sign up and get supplies (bags, buckets and grabbers).
We encourage the “BYOB” philosophy (bring your own bucket or reusable bag, reusable gloves, water bottle or coffee cup) to help reduce any additional waste, but collection supplies will be available at check in.
Then you’re free to roam the beach, ocean or surrounding areas to clean on your own – or make it a fun group project with friends and family.
After the cleanup, stay for the free Lunch and Learn where California Sea Grant will have a speaker giving a talk on whales of Dana Point.
Pre-registration at www.standuptotrash.com is encouraged.
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Art in the Park
Browse through booths of local artisans presenting artwork in a variety of mediums including painting, photography, gems & fossils, art glass & sea glass, wood, pottery, jewelry, textiles and more.
Art in the park will be held in the west end of the Dana Marina Inn parking lot at Dana Point Harbor Drive & Island Way (the bridge).
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Pacific Coast Corvettes Club Car Show
See dozens of classic Corvettes on display along the Harbor walkway, west of the Island Way bridge.
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British Invasion Car Show
See an impressive display of fine British motorcars from the Austin Healey Assoc. of SoCal, the Jaguar Owners Club of LA and more on display along the Harbor walkway, west of Island Way (the bridge).
For more information see www.austin-healey.org or contact Mike Scroggie of the Austin Healey Assoc. of SoCal at [email protected] or 949-632-4913.
Celebrating the motorcars of Great Britain and having a whale of a good time doing it!
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Marine Mammal Lecture Series Features: Kirsten Donald
March 5, 10 AM-11 AM, Harpoon Henry’s
$10 Adults, Children are freeThis special lecture series is perfect for those who want a one-on-one educational experience, marine biologists and guests present recent findings on local whales, dolphins and other marine mammals.
Enjoy a continental breakfast at Harpoon Henry’s while listening to a fascinating talk by Pacific Marine Mammal Center’s Kirsten Donald on sea lion entanglement, rehabilitation and research.
Following the lecture, join us for a whale watching trip aboard the O’Cean Adventures catamaran departing at 11:30 AM (trip admission not included in lecture fee). Proceeds will benefit the Pacific Marine Mammal Center.
Kirsten is from the Pacific Marine Mammal Center. She will be speaking on sea lion entanglement, rehabilitation and research.
For more information, visit danawharf.com -
Diamond Dig
Dig for treasures! Dig for charities!
Join Monarch Beach Sunrise Rotary Club for the annual Diamond Dig at Baby Beach in Dana Point Harbor. The Diamond Dig raises money for various children’s charities locally and around the world.Buy a shovel for $10, dress like a pirate and start digging at 11 AM.
Shovel sales begin at 9 AM.
Helpers include Dana Hills High School Interact Club Members. What is an Interact Club? Interact is a Rotary Club for teens in high schools across the world who have the same values of “Service Above Self” and are connected with a Rotary Club.
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FESTIVAL OF WHALES CONCERT & BBQ
This free outdoor concert is held on Sunday, March 5 from NOON-5 PM, at Baby Beach with three bands performing atop a floating stage. Bring your beach chairs and blankets and enjoy an afternoon of great music.
BBQ specialties will be available for purchase throughout the concert with proceeds benefiting Dana Hills High School Swim Program.
A Spirit Garden for those 21 years of age will also be available with proceeds benefiting the Marine Corps League South Coast Detachment.
Band Lineup
NOON-12:30 PM Drea Sheva (Singer/Guitarist)
12:30 PM-2:30 PM Neon Nation (’80s Music)
3 PM-5 PM Who’s Zeppelin- Tribute to the Who & Led Zeppelin
For more information call the City of Dana Point Recreation Division at 949-248-3536.
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Weather permitting. If cancelled, no make-up date will be arranged. However, the next scheduled art show will be Mother’s Day Weekend on the Boardwalk.
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, colored pencil, pastels and photography by many award-winning local artists will be available for purchase. Dana Point Fine Arts annually donates a portion of the proceeds from the show to Dana Hills High School Art Department. For more info on this exhibit visit their website http://danapointfinearts.org.
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Wyland Foundation Kids’ Community Mural Project & the Debut of Stella the Baby Whale for ‘OC Streams of Hope’ Public Art and Community Cleanup Campaign
Wyland Kids Mural Activity
10:00 AM – 4 PM, March 4-5
The Wyland Foundation will host two days of painting activities on “the handball court,” their 12-foot-long mural painting easel. Paints, brushes, aprons are all provided. All you need to bring is your imagination and your compassion for our coasts and animals who depend on them. Stick around the learn how the Wyland Foundation is making a difference for coasts and waterways.
Public Presentation – Stella the Baby Gray Whale11:30 AM – NOON, Saturday, March 5, Grand Reveal
10 AM – 4 PM, Sunday, March 6, Info BoothCome to the Grand Reveal of “OC Streams of Hope,” a countywide public arts and community cleanup campaign, in support of Stella, a colorful baby gray whale who is set to inspire thousands of people across Orange County and beyond to become even better stewards of our coasts and waterways. Presented by the Wyland Foundation, OC Conservation Corp, Metropolitan Water District of Orange County, and the County of Orange.
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Kids’ Fishing Clinic and Fishing Trip
Dana Wharf Sportfishing invites all children to come to their dockside fishing clinic from 12:15 PM-12:45 PM and learn hands-on techniques on fishing from the experts. Prizes will be raffled off at the end of the clinic. After the clinic Dana Wharf will be running a fishing trip from 1 PM-5:30 PM, adults are $51 plus license and equipment, children 12 and under fish for FREE with purchase a full-priced adult ticket. An extra bonus is the chance of spotting whales, dolphins and other marine life! This trip includes equipment! For more information and reservations call Dana Wharf 949-496-5794 ext 7 . (Pre-registration is required. Please call us.)
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Presented by Dana Point Harbor Partners and the Dana Point Festival of Whales Foundation in the Dana Wharf Courtyard, Harpoon Henry Grassy Area near Mariner’s Village and at Art in the Park near Island Way from 12 Noon – 3 PM. Enjoy a variety of musical styles and sounds.
Performances by:
Dana Wharf Courtyard
COA Entertainment
Corey Angeli – NOON
Ava Domini – 1:30 PMClock Tower Plaza (near El Torito)
COA Entertainment
Noah Novick
Grace Meredith
Prestyn SmithCoffee Importers
Anthony SmallArt in the Park (Island Way & Dana Point Harbor Drive)
Mike O’BryanDHHS Young Artists Show & Sale (Harbor Walkway near Island Way)
Keith Comer -
Dana Point Historical Society Walking Tour: Live
Join historians on the Dana Point Historical Society’s annual historic town center Walking Tour.
See and hear the stories of historic landmarks, view home exteriors of S. H. Woodruff’s original 1920s planned community as well as Bluff Top harbor views, c. 1818 to 1939, that represent the area’s early history.The tour meets at the corner of PCH and Blue Lantern, at 2 PM, in front of the historic building now home to Coastal Kitchen restaurant and takes about 1 1/2 hours. Tour covers approximately one mile on mostly flat surface streets. Reservations are suggested by emailing [email protected] or by leaving a message at 949-248-8121. Indicate which day (Saturday, March 4 or Sunday, March 5) and the number in your party. A small donation to the Society is suggested. Masks and social distancing are suggested.
Can’t make it for the live walking tour? Take the tour anytime virtually by clicking the link below. The tour will include an interactive map, a video presentation of the route on YouTube and a web page that will contain the above resources along with additional artifacts.
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Ocean Institute Activities
Marine Mammal Cruises: 10am & 1:30pm Click here for more information.
Visit on the web at oceaninstitute.org
10am – 3pm: General AdmissionBuy tickets at the Ocean Institute or CLICK HERE TO PURCHASEAdults: $15.00
Seniors: $10.00
Kids: $7.50
Members receive free admission: use code WEEKEND plus member number for member discount (Example: Weekend1010010)
General Admission includes the following activities & more!
- Destination: Whale Fall
- Explore what happens after a whale dies and how it contributes to the ecosystem! You will pilot an ROV to see the different parts of a whale fall and learn about their important role.
- Whale Adaptations
- Learn about the wonders of whales from how they use blubber to stay warm to how some use echolocation to understand their surroundings. Whales have special adaptations to survive and you will get to try them out yourself!
- How do you measure up?
- We all know whales are big – but just how big? Compare your size to that of a whale and see just how impressive these giants are!
- Jr. Whale Researcher!
- Earn the mark of being a Jr. Whale Researcher by completing activities throughout the facility and earning your own special badge – inquire to learn more!
- Destination: Whale Fall
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Interactive Sailing Rides
10 AM – 1 PM – Take a sailing ride and learn how to steer and sail a Capri 14! Ages 5 and up. $10 per boat, three participants maximum per boat. 20 min. rides. Weather and conditions dependent. Lifejackets provided. Find our booth at the OC Sailing & Event Center. Check out Westwind Sailing for details. All proceeds are donated to the Dana Point Aquatic Foundation for educational boating scholarships benefiting At-Risk Youth and Adaptive Boating programs.
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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- to 14-year-olds must be accompanied by an adult) 10 AM – 1 PM. $10 per person. Lifejackets provided. Find our booth at the OC Sailing & Event Center. Check out Westwind Sailing for details. All proceeds are donated to the Dana Point Aquatic Foundation for educational boating scholarships benefiting at-risk youth and adaptive boating programs.
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Dana Point Festival of Whales Logo Merchandise
Festival of Whales 52nd Anniversary merchandise will be for sale at a booth near Dana Wharf Whale Watching and at Baby Beach on both March 4 and 5 starting at 10 AM.
Merch will also be available at the Ocean Institute on March 4 at the opening reception following the sunset Welcoming of the Whales ceremony.
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Fluke: A Tail of Plastic (Whale Tail Sculpture)New this year, Dana Point Harbor Partners commissioned artists Joel Dean Stockdill and Yustina Salnikova to construct Fluke: A Tale of Plastic, a life-sized depiction of an adult gray whale tail, in the act of ‘fluking,’ or raising its fluke vertically above the surface in order to propel itself to the depths.Using reclaimed steel, damaged curbside trash bins and single use water bottles, Stockdill and Salnikova aim to connect the scale of the waste and its impact on the ocean. The sculpture further highlights Dana Point Harbor Partners’ partnership with “Stand Up to Trash” – a nonprofit beach cleanup group. The artists will be using trash collected from Stand Up to Trash’s beach cleanups.Construction begins March 5 and the sculpture will remain on display throughout the Festival, on the grass area at the entrance to the Harbor.
March 5
WHALE WATCHING (BOTH DAYS OF THE EVENT & BEYOND) *prices subject to change after March 6
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Dana Wharf Whale Watching
Use Dana Wharf’s promo code Fow22 to save $10 off all tickets excluding special 8am or 4:30pm trips. For reservations call 888-224-0603 or check out our schedule and purchase online.
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Click here for more information.
Specials: For a limited time SAVE 25% instantly when you book our 2.5-hour Signature Safari or 2-hour Zodiac Safari
Reservations, schedule, and information:949-488-2828 or visit www.dolphinsafari.com
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Marine Mammal Cruises Depart Twice Each Day
Join our crew for an experience you will never forget. Your 2-1/2-hour adventure aboard the RV Sea Explorer, Ocean Institute’s 65’ research vessel, takes you miles beyond the Dana Point Harbor jetty in search of marine mammals such as migrating Blue whales, large schools of playful Dolphin, the impressive sunfish known as Mola, and more.
Marine Mammal Cruises depart at 10 AM or 1:30 PM
Click here for more information.
For more information or reservations, please visit www.ocean-institute.org or call 949- 496-2274.
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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 AM 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!
ALL MONTH LONG
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WHALE OF A KIDS’ ART & LITERATURE CONTEST
Open to children of all ages. Submit a cute story, poem or artwork themed about the California Gray Whale and email to [email protected]. Submittals are due by March 28. Winning entry will receive a gift card to Dana Wharf Sport Fishing & Whale Watching for a whale watching excursion and a whale/ocean themed gift basket.
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Whale Tail Scavenger Hunt
March 5 through March 27, eight decorative wooden whale tails will be hidden throughout the Dana Point Harbor area. To enter for a chance to win a whale watching trip for a family of four, and a $300 gift card to local Dana Point businesses, find all eight (8) whale tails, take a photo standing by each, and email all eight photos to [email protected] by March 28. We’d love to see your photos on social media as well. Please post with the hashtags #DPRecWhaleTailSighting and #festivalofwhales . Please do not remove any of the whale tails once you have found them. For additional information contact the City of Dana Point Recreation Division at 949-248-3536.
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First of four new Whale World Changers virtual discussions premiere Saturday, March 5, on Capt. Dave’s YouTube channel: http://www.youtube.com/c/DolphinsafariDanaPointWhaleWatching
Discussion One
Topic: Make a Difference Wherever You Are
Guest: Stand Up to Trash Founder Vicki Patterson and our own Capt. Gary Brighouse, “Clean Up the Jetty” Project CoordinatorYouTube premiere schedule and links for this and other “Whale World Changers” Virtual Discussions:Sat., March 5, 4:30 PM PSTStand Up To TrashSpecial Guest: Vicki Patterson, Founder, Stand Up to TrashTopic: Making a difference wherever you are.Sat., March 5, 10:30 AM PSTWorld Cetacean AllianceSpecial Guests: Donna Kalez, COO, Dana Wharf Sportfishing & Whale WatchingHarry Eckman, Chief Executive Officer, World Cetacean AllianceElizabeth Cuevas Zimbrón, Whale Heritage Site Project Manager, World Cetacean AllianceTopic: Whale and dolphin protection.Sat., March 5, 12:30 PM PSTPacific Marine Mammal CenterSpecial Guest: Dr. Alissa Deming, Vice President of Conservation Medicine and Science, Pacific Marine Mammal CenterTopic: Whale and sea lion rescue and disentanglement.Sat., March 5, 2:30 PM PSTThe Whaleman FoundationSpecial Guest: Jeff “The Whaleman” PantukhoffTopic: Threats facing Gray Whales, Humpback Whales, and the Southern Resident Orcas. -
Four new Whale World Changers virtual discussions premiere Saturday, March 5, on Capt. Dave’s YouTube channel: http://www.youtube.com/c/DolphinsafariDanaPointWhaleWatching
Discussion Two
Topic: Whale and Sea Lion Rescue and Disentanglement
Guest: Alissa Deming, Vice President of Conservation Medicine and Science at Pacific Marine Mammal CenterYouTube premiere schedule and links for this and other “Whale World Changers” Virtual Discussions:
Sat., March 5, 12:30 PM PSTPacific Marine Mammal CenterSpecial Guest: Dr. Alissa Deming, Vice President of Conservation Medicine and Science, Pacific Marine Mammal CenterTopic: Whale and sea lion rescue and disentanglement.Sat., March 5, 4:30 PM PSTStand Up To TrashSpecial Guest: Vicki Patterson, Founder, Stand Up to TrashTopic: Making a difference wherever you are.Sat., March 5, 10:30 AM PSTWorld Cetacean AllianceSpecial Guests: Donna Kalez, COO, Dana Wharf Sportfishing & Whale WatchingHarry Eckman, Chief Executive Officer, World Cetacean AllianceElizabeth Cuevas Zimbrón, Whale Heritage Site Project Manager, World Cetacean AllianceTopic: Whale and dolphin protection.Sat., March 5, 2:30 PM PSTThe Whaleman FoundationSpecial Guest: Jeff “The Whaleman” PantukhoffTopic: Threats facing Gray Whales, Humpback Whales, and the Southern Resident Orcas. -
Four new Whale World Changers virtual discussions premiere Saturday, March 5, on Capt. Dave’s YouTube channel: http://www.youtube.com/c/DolphinsafariDanaPointWhaleWatching
Discussion Three
Topic: Whale and Dolphin Protection
Guest: Harry Eckman of the World Cetacean AllianceYouTube premiere schedule and links for this and other “Whale World Changers” Virtual Discussions:
Sat., March 5, 10:30 AM PSTWorld Cetacean AllianceSpecial Guests: Donna Kalez, COO, Dana Wharf Sportfishing & Whale WatchingHarry Eckman, Chief Executive Officer, World Cetacean AllianceElizabeth Cuevas Zimbrón, Whale Heritage Site Project Manager, World Cetacean AllianceTopic: Whale and dolphin protection.Sat., March 5, 12:30 PM PSTPacific Marine Mammal CenterSpecial Guest: Dr. Alissa Deming, Vice President of Conservation Medicine and Science, Pacific Marine Mammal CenterTopic: Whale and sea lion rescue and disentanglement.Sat., March 5, 4:30 PM PSTStand Up To TrashSpecial Guest: Vicki Patterson, Founder, Stand Up to TrashTopic: Making a difference wherever you are.Sat., March 5, 2:30 PM PSTThe Whaleman FoundationSpecial Guest: Jeff “The Whaleman” PantukhoffTopic: Threats facing Gray Whales, Humpback Whales, and the Southern Resident Orcas. -
Four new Whale World Changers virtual discussions premiere Saturday, March 5, on Capt. Dave’s YouTube channel: http://www.youtube.com/c/DolphinsafariDanaPointWhaleWatching
Discussion Four
Topic: Threats facing Gray Whales, Humpback Whales, and the Southern Resident Orcas
Guest: Jeff “The Whaleman” PantukhoffYouTube premiere schedule and links for this and other “Whale World Changers” Virtual Discussions:
Sat., March 5, 2:30 PM PSTThe Whaleman FoundationSpecial Guest: Jeff “The Whaleman” PantukhoffTopic: Threats facing Gray Whales, Humpback Whales, and the Southern Resident Orcas.Sat., March 5, 12:30 PM PSTPacific Marine Mammal CenterSpecial Guest: Dr. Alissa Deming, Vice President of Conservation Medicine and Science, Pacific Marine Mammal CenterTopic: Whale and sea lion rescue and disentanglement.Sat., March 5, 4:30 PM PSTStand Up To TrashSpecial Guest: Vicki Patterson, Founder, Stand Up to TrashTopic: Making a difference wherever you are.Sat., March 5, 10:30 AM PSTWorld Cetacean AllianceSpecial Guests: Donna Kalez, COO, Dana Wharf Sportfishing & Whale WatchingHarry Eckman, Chief Executive Officer, World Cetacean AllianceElizabeth Cuevas Zimbrón, Whale Heritage Site Project Manager, World Cetacean AllianceTopic: Whale and dolphin protection. -
Dana Point Historical Society Virtual Tour:
Tune in online this year for the Dana Point Historical Society’s annual historic town center Walking Tour. See and hear the stories of historic landmarks, S. H. Woodruff’s 1920s planned community and Bluff Top harbor views, c. 1818 to 1939, that represent the area’s early history. The tour will include an interactive map, a video presentation of the route on YouTube and a web page that will contain the above resources along with additional artifacts.
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Join Park Naturalist Vicki online for the spring 2021 virtual tour of the Doheny State Beach Visitor Center in honor of the Dana Point Festival of Whales. See the center’s wide variety of local wildlife displays including a tidepool aquarium featuring leopard sharks, and more.
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Here’s a look back at the 2020 Festival of Whales parade and more. In 2020 the parade made a big move from its longtime route through downtown on PCH to a new route in the Harbor. Scroll down to see more footage from Festivals past. Enjoy!
Festival of Whales Parade 2020 https://youtu.be/bXzl72nJkKU
Festival of Whales 2017 https://youtu.be/UliqA8FO0aQ
Look Who’s Traveling https://youtu.be/Zb9SiSypPHA
Festival of Whales Parade 2017 by Steven Horowitz https://youtu.be/OvSadED7_wo
Cardboard Classic and Dinghy Dash
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