55th Festival of Whales

Join us for the 55th Dana Point Festival of Whales March 6-8 2026. We’ll be pouring beers with proceeds going to support the 5th Marines at the three-day Carnival Event in Lantern Bay Park.

Take the opportunity to “Wave Old Glory” with one of the many mini American flags that will be given out by our volunteers

Experience the Dana Point Festival of Whales—where the coast comes alive with ocean-focused fun. Set in the heart of Dana Point, the festival celebrates the majestic whales that migrate past our shores each year. Expect marine-themed activities, educational exhibits, family entertainment, whale-watching excursions, and talks on conservation—designed for all ages.

Mark your calendar for the 55th Annual Dana Point Festival of Whales, March 6–8, 2026. Join the community in honoring the ocean and its incredible wildlife—where the sea meets the spirit of Dana Point.

Parking is limited, and attendees are strongly encouraged to use alternative transportation. A free shuttle will run from Dana Hills High School to Lantern Bay Park on Friday evening, with regular trolley service available all weekend.

Map to our spot at the carnival:

Festival of Whales Carnival Location at Lantern Bay Park

Festival of Whale Events

Welcoming of the Whales: 3/6

4:30 – 7:00 PM
Ocean Institute

Festival of Whales Carnival: 3/6 – 3/8

5:00 – 9:00 PM
Lantern Bay Park

Cardboard Classic & Dinghy Dash: 3/7

8:00 AM – 12:30 PM
Baby Beach

Wyland Art Lessons in the Wild – On the Water: 3/7

9:00 – 9:45 AM
Dana Wharf Whale Watching

Little Folk Club – Festival Edition: 3/7

9:00 – 9:45 AM
Don Hansen Courtyard/Dana Wharf

Marine Mammal Lecture Series: Alisa Schulman-Janiger: 3/7

9:30 – 10:30 AM
Wind & Sea

Magical Migration Parade: 3/7

10:00 – 11:00 AM
Dana Point Harbor Drive & Island Way

Modern Makers Mart – Festival Edition: 3/7 – 3/8

10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Bump Out Park

Clam Chowder Cook-Off: 3/7

11:00 AM – 3:30 PM
Baby Beach Lawn

Dockside Drafts: 3/7 – 3/8

11:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Ocean Institute

Eco-Hero Dolphin and Whale Watching Safari: 3/7

1:00 – 3:30 PM
Captain Dave’s Dolphin & Whale Watching Safari

Dana Point Historical Society Walking Tour: 3/7 – 3/8

2:00 – 4:00 PM
Blue Lantern

Harbor Music Series: 3/7

10:30 AM – 5:30 PM
Don Hansen Courtyard/Dana Wharf

Whales & Wine: Naturalist Nona Reimer at Frisby Cellars: 3/7

5:30 – 7:30 PM
Frisby Cellars

Stand Up To Trash Beach Cleanup and Lunch & Learn: 3/8

9:00 – 11:00 AM
Richard Henry Dana Statue

Marine Mammal Lecture Series: Pacific Marine Mammal Center: 3/8

9:30 – 10:30 AM
Wind & Sea

Little Pirates Treasure Hunt: 3/8

9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Baby Beach

Interactive Sailing Rides: 3/8

10:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Westwind Sailing

Classic Car Displays: 3/8

10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Harbor Village Parking Lot

Antique & Classic Boat Show: 3/8

10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Harbor Village Parking Lot

Concert on the Water & Spirits Garden: 3/8

12:00 – 5:00 PM
Baby Beach

Kids’ Fishing Clinic and Fishing Trip: 3/8

12:00 – 5:15 PM
Dana Wharf Sportfishing