It was 55 years ago when the late Don Hansen launched the first Festival of Whales in Dana Point. Known as the “father of whale watching” in Orange County and the founder of Dana Wharf Sportfishing & Whale Watching, Hansen had a vision to celebrate the annual migration of California gray whales along the Southern California coastline.
Today, the Dana Point Festival of Whales is proudly recognized as one of the longest-running whalecentered festivals in the nation. As a well-loved Dana Point tradition, it draws thousands each year to celebrate these majestic gray whales.
There are countless ways to enjoy the fun-filled
weekend with family and friends.
The Festival of Whales carnival, held all weekend long at Lantern Bay Park, features thrilling carnival rides, games and delicious food. Other fan favorites include the iconic seaside parade, epic cardboard-dinghy dash, delectable clam chowder cook-off and vibrant concert on the water at Baby Beach, where bands play on a floating dock.
I encourage everyone to visit festivalofwhales.com to learn more about the California gray whales and explore the wide range of weekend activities that make the Dana Point Festival of Whales truly one of a kind.
A LOCAL TRADITION, 55 YEARS STRONG WELCOME TO THE 55TH ANNUAL DANA POINT FESTIVAL OF WHALES
Take a step back in time to the early 1970s.
Imagine Dana Point — a sleepy California beach town home to future legends of sport and industry.
Waterman Hobie Alter has just introduced the now-iconic Hobie 16 catamaran. Surf storyteller John Severson is producing SURFER Magazine out of a small local office. The guardian of marine-life, Don Hansen, has launched a whale watching company out of the just-opened Dana Point Harbor. And, after years of hunting and commercial whaling, the California gray whale population is nearing extinction.
Seasonal sightings of the endangered wonders would inspire Hansen to host a small cetacean-themed celebration in the spring of 1971. Today, marking its 55th year, or emerald jubilee, the Dana Point Festival of Whales builds on its legacy as one of America’s longest-running whale festivals.
With the passage of the National Marine Mammal Protection Act and Mexico’s designation of Laguna San Ignacio as a nature reserve in 1972, followed by the Endangered Species Act in ’73, the gray whales’ over 5,000-mile migration corridor was safeguarded. Their population grew over the next two decades and, in 1994, the gray whale became the first marine species to be removed from the endangered species list.
From November through May, gray whales are now commonly observed journeying past Dana Point as they travel from Arctic waters to Baja California lagoons. For the last 55 years, whale watching providers in the
Mayor’s Message
BY MAYOR JOHN GABBARD
Dana Point Harbor have guided generations of whale revelers into the wild to witness gray whales in all their wonder. Sharing this majestic migration — during festival weekend and beyond — is the enduring legacy of Don Hansen and the vibrant whale watching community he helped inspire.
A 1970s harbor celebration draws a crowd to Dana Wharf.
Photo courtesy of the Dana Point Historical Society
THE MAGICAL MIGRATION MARCHES AGAIN WHERE
The Magical Migration Parade is back in 2026 — and we’re rolling out an updated route with even more fantastic viewing spots along the Harbor!
The parade begins at Casitas Place and travels along Dana Point Harbor Drive to Island Way. Balloons, floats and participants will cross the bridge and conclude on Dana Drive near the Dana Point Yacht Club.
This year’s parade features classic cars, community nonprofits, local police services, members of the Dana Point 5th Marines and hometown “celebrities” including Business of the Year Craft House and Citizen of the Year Mike Darnold — plus marching bands, school groups and so many more participants.
It’s colorful. It’s coastal. It’s pure Dana Point.
TO CATCH THE MAGIC
• Bring your chairs. Bring your cameras. Bring your parade energy.
• Line up along Dana Point Harbor Drive to see the giant helium balloons begin their journey — and don’t miss our newest balloon, Otis the Octopus!
• Grab a spot at the corner of Island Way near Winston, the life-size whale exhibit from the Pacific Marine Mammal Center — a perfect photo backdrop.
• Island Way sidewalks offer great up-close views as the parade crosses the bridge.
• For an elevated perspective, head near the Richard Henry Dana Jr. statue to watch the grand finale.
• Pro tip: Corners are the best places to be! Parade participants often slow down, wave and interact with the crowd. Grab a spot and get ready to cheer for your favorites.
KNOW BEFORE YOU GO PARADE ROAD CLOSURES
The Magical Migration Parade is one of the most exciting moments of Festival weekend! To help everyone enjoy a smooth, safe and accessible parade day, please review the temporary road closures in effect on Saturday morning, March 7
• Eastbound Dana Point Harbor Drive closed 7 AM – Noon
(West Basin to Golden Lantern)
• Westbound Harbor Drive will remain open
• Island Way & Dana Drive access restricted starting at 9 AM
• Access from Casitas Way and Island Way will be restricted to a left turn only onto Dana Point Harbor Drive beginning at 7 AM.
• Trolley Stop D, E & F resume service at Noon
• Harbor Village lot closed until Noon
We encourage guests to plan ahead, arrive early, and take advantage of the Harbor Parking Structure and trolley service to make getting around easy and stress-free.
CARNIVAL
Buy your tickets early and save big! Rides, games, food, and more. Join us Friday through Sunday; afternoons at Lantern Bay Park. Visit bit.ly/FOWCarnival for tickets, times, and details.
CONCERT ON THE WATER
SUNDAY, MARCH 8th | 12PM to 5PM | BABY BEACH | 34451 ENSENADA PL.
Bring your beach chairs and blankets and enjoy an afternoon of music, food, and fun! Bands will be playing off Baby Beach on a specially designed floating dock for this free concert. The Orange County Parks Foundation will host a Family Fun Zone featuring bounce houses, interactive play areas, delicious food and beverages, plus a Spirit Garden for guests 21+. Proceeds will support local sports programs and non-profit organizations.
BAND LINEUP: 1:00PM - 2:30PM Jimmy’s Buffett | 3:00PM - 5:00PM Gilligan’s Island FREE! ...And so much more!
Don’t miss the kickoff ceremony, parade, chowder cookoff, lecture series, art programs, makers mart, classic cars, treasure hunts, beach clean-up, fishing trip and clinic for kids, and all that the Dana Point Harbor has to offer throughout the weekend!
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Enjoy
SCHEDULE OF EVENTS
FRIDAY, MARCH 6
WELCOMING OF THE WHALES
4:30 PM – 7:00 PM
Ocean Institute
Celebrate the migration season with a sunset ceremony at the Ocean Institute featuring cultural blessings, live music and a meaningful harbor gathering.
Event Location: 1
Purple correspondnumbers with the map on page 10.
FESTIVAL OF WHALES
CARNIVAL
5:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Lantern Bay Park
Kick off the weekend with classic carnival rides, games, food and ocean views at Lantern Bay Park.
Trolley Stop: C1
Event Location: 11
DOHENY STATE BEACH WHALE WALK
Saturday & Sunday
Doheny State Beach
Explore the life-size Whale Walk along the Doheny promenade and enjoy a full weekend of activities including campfire stories, a roaming whale museum and family-friendly ocean experiences.
Trolley Stop: C
Event Location: 10
OCEAN INSTITUTE
GENERAL ADMISSION
10:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Ocean Institute
Explore marine exhibits, hands-on activities and ocean education experiences throughout the day.
Trolley Stop: E
Event Location: 1
PACIFIC MARINE MAMMAL CENTER BOOTH & INTERACTIVE WHALE EXHIBIT
10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Island Way
Meet Winston, a life-size interactive whale exhibit, and learn about marine mammal rescue and rehabilitation.
Trolley Stop: F Event Location: 5
DANA POINT HISTORICAL SOCIETY WALKING TOUR
Saturday & Sunday, 2:00 PM-4:00 PM
Coastal Kitchen
Discover the stories behind Dana Point’s early history on a guided town center walking tour.
Event Location: 12
SATURDAY, MARCH 7
DOHENY STATE BEACH CLEANUP
8:00 AM – 11:00 AM
Doheny State Beach
Make a difference for our marine friends by joining a Saturday morning beach cleanup, focused on ocean stewardship and zero-waste practices.
Trolley Stop: C
Event Location: 10
CARDBOARD CLASSIC & DINGHY DASH
8:00 AM - 12:30 PM
Baby Beach
Watch creative cardboard boats race at Baby Beach in this fun, family-friendly competition on the water.
Trolley Stop: E
Event Location: 3
WYLAND ART LESSONS IN THE WILD
9:00 AM - 9:45 AM
Dana Wharf Sportfishing & Whale Watching
Join a hands-on outdoor art experience inspired by ocean wildlife at Dana Wharf.
Trolley Stop: D & G
Event Location: 8
LITTLE FOLK CLUB
9:00 AM – 9:45 AM
Don Hansen Courtyard
Enjoy a lively, family-friendly singalong with interactive folk music in the Don Hansen Courtyard.
Hear insights on California orcas and gray whales from veteran marine biologist Alisa Schulman-Janiger.
Trolley Stop: D & G Event Location: 9
MAGICAL MIGRATION
PARADE
10:00 AM – 11:00 AM
Dana Point Harbor Drive & Island Way
The parade returns with a new route!
Experience giant balloons, marching bands, floats and community groups along Dana Point Harbor Drive and Island Way.
Trolley Stop: D & G
Event Locations: 5, 6, 7
MODERN MAKERS MART
10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Bump Out Park
Shop local artisans, boutique goods and enjoy food, beer garden and community vibes at Bump Out Park.
Trolley Stop: E & F Event Locations: 4
HARBOR MUSIC SERIES
10:30 AM – 5:30 PM
Don Hansen Courtyard
Enjoy a full lineup of local musicians performing throughout the day, bringing live coastal vibes to the Harbor.
Trolley Stop: D & G Event Location: 8
CLAM CHOWDER COOK-OFF
11:00 AM – 3:30 PM
Baby Beach Lawn
Taste and vote for your favorite chowders while supporting local nonprofit Fish For LIfe at Baby Beach Lawn.
Trolley Stop: E Event Location: 3
DOCKSIDE DRAFTS
11:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Ocean Institute
Sip craft beer and enjoy delicious BBQ in a scenic waterfront setting at the Ocean Institute during the festival weekend.
Trolley Stop: E
Event Location: 1
FESTIVAL OF WHALES CARNIVAL
Noon – 9:00 PM
Lantern Bay Park
Keep the fun going with rides, games and classic carnival treats at Lantern Bay Park.
Trolley Stop: C1
Event Location: 11
ECO-HERO DOLPHIN AND WHALE WATCHING SAFARI
1:00 PM – 3:30 PM
Captain Dave’s Dolphin & Whale
Watching Safari
Kids set sail for free on an educational whale watching adventure focused on conservation and marine life awareness.
Trolley Stop: E Event Location: 2
WHALES & WINE: NATURALIST NONA REIMER
5:30 PM – 7:30 PM
Frisby Cellars
Blend science and sips with an engaging whale talk at Frisby Cellars.
Trolley Stop: D & G Event Location: 8
SUNDAY, MARCH 8
STAND UP TO TRASH BEACH CLEANUP AND LUNCH & LEARN
9:00 AM – 11:00 AM
Richard Henry Dana Jr. Statue
Participate in a community cleanup followed by an educational session on ocean conservation.
Trolley Stop: F
Event Location: 6
LITTLE
PIRATES TREASURE HUNT
9:00 AM – Noon
Baby Beach
Dress like a pirate and dig for treasure at this family-friendly fundraiser at Baby Beach.
Trolley Stop: E
Event Location: 3
MARINE MAMMAL LECTURE
SERIES: DR. ALISSA DEMING
9:30 AM – 10:30 AM
Wind & Sea
Join Dr. Deming of the Pacific Marine Mammal Center for an inside look at marine mammal rescue, rehabilitation and research along the Southern California coast.
Trolley Stop: D & G
Event Location: 9
INTERACTIVE SAILING RIDES
10:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Westwind Sailing
Make a difference for our marine friends by joining a Saturday morning beach cleanup, focused on ocean stewardship and zero-waste practices.
Trolley Stop: E
Event Location: 2
ANTIQUE & CLASSIC BOAT SHOW AND CLASSIC CAR DISPLAYS
10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Harbor Village Parking Lot
See beautifully restored vintage boats and classic cars on display.
Trolley Stop: D & G Event Location: 7
MODERN MAKERS MART
10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Bump Out Park
Local makers. One-of-a-kind treasures. Food trucks, DJ vibes and coastal memories waiting to be made.
Trolley Stop: E & F
Event Location: 4
DOCKSIDE DRAFTS
11:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Ocean Institute
Wet your whistle by the water at Dockside Drafts, where waterfront craft brews and harbor views come together during Festival of Whales weekend.
Trolley Stop: E
Event Location: 1
OC PARKS FOUNDATION
FAMILY FUN DAY
11:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Baby Beach Lawn
Enjoy a vibrant vendor area featuring community and environmental nonprofits, plus family-friendly fun with arts and crafts, face painting, a bounce house and more in the Family Fun Zone. Grab a bite from local food trucks, sip a refreshing drink and soak in the waterfront atmosphere throughout the afternoon.
Trolley Stop: E
Event Location: 3
CONCERT ON THE WATER & SPIRITS GARDEN
Noon – 5:00 PM
Baby Beach
Relax with live music performed from a floating dock at Baby Beach.
Trolley Stop: E
Event Location: 3
KIDS’ FISHING CLINIC AND FISHING TRIP
Noon – 5:15 PM
Dana Wharf Sportfishing
Introduce young anglers to the joy of fishing with hands-on instruction and a harbor fishing excursion.
Trolley Stop: D & G
Event Location: 8
FESTIVAL OF WHALES CARNIVAL
Noon – 8:00 PM
Lantern Bay Park
Spend the afternoon and evening enjoying rides, games and family fun at Lantern Bay Park.
Trolley Stop: C1
Event Location: 11
MAP
A PASSAGE WORTH PROTECTING
By Gisele Anderson, Capt. Dave’s Dolphin & Whale Watching Safari
There is nothing quite so incredible as looking into the eye of a gray whale — unless it’s seeing the eye of a mother and her calf rising together beside your boat. They come so close you feel as if you can almost reach out and touch them. The mother lingers, her calf tucked safely at her side, and in that quiet exchange there is something astonishing: trust. Trust offered by the very species that we nearly hunted to extinction less than a century ago.
The first time I experienced this in the lagoons of Baja California, I felt a profound connection — not just with that single whale, but with all whales and dolphins. At that moment, something shifted in me. I knew that, like my husband, Captain Dave, I wanted to help protect them and share the experience of connection with as many people as possible.
Because once you feel it, it changes you. It’s, quite simply, life changing.
Each year, when the time comes, these same gray whales leave the safety of the southern lagoons and begin their long migration north. Traveling thousands of miles along the Pacific Coast, they follow an ancient route passed down through generations. That route brings them to our shoreline where they swim just offshore — past Dana Point — often within sight of land. What begins in the warm waters of Baja becomes a shared story along our coast.
Dana Point’s connection to this migration isn’t accidental. It’s one of the reasons our region has been recognized as part of a Whale Heritage Area — an international designation that acknowledges places where whales and people coexist in a way that prioritizes protection, education, research and
celebration. It reflects a shared responsibility among our whale-watching community to ensure that the waters these whales travel remain safe, clean and treated with care — and that boaters and visitors approach them with respect.
Being part of a Whale Heritage Area means understanding that stewardship isn’t just a title; it’s an ongoing practice. It involves responsible whale watching, thoughtful boating, public education and partnerships with those committed to conservation and whale disentanglement.
This work has deep roots here. Captain Dave was the first in our area to engage in whale disentanglement efforts and later helped establish Orange County’s first whale disentanglement response team. That commitment continues today through the dedication and collaboration of many others who share a passion for protecting these animals. It was Don Hansen’s vision that launched the Dana Point Festival of Whales, making this community the first in the world to host a festival honoring whales. Today, it remains the longest-running whale festival in the world — a testament to what can happen when a community unites around something larger than itself.
When gray whales pass by Dana Point, they remind us that this coastline is not merely a destination — it’s a passage. The annual Dana Point Festival of Whales invites all of us to honor that passage, learn from it and protect it, so the mothers and calves beginning their journey in distant lagoons will continue to return year after year along a route worth safeguarding.
Whale watchers get eye-to-eye with a gray whale and her calf aboard a trip with Capt. Dave’s Dolphin & Whale Watching Safari.
Photo courtesy of Capt. Dave’s Dolphin & Whale Watching Safari
WITNESS THE WONDER
During the festival weekend, and throughout the year, explore the Dolphin and Whale Watching Capital of the World®.
Embark on a 2.5-hour excursion aboard the Manute’a catamaran for an eye-to-eye underwater viewing experience. Or book an open-sea adventure aboard smaller vessels placing you close to marine wildlife. Schedule a whale watching excursion at dolphinsafari.com.
Dana Wharf Sportfishing & Whale Watching | 888.224.0603
On a two-hour cruise narrated by expert marine naturalists, discover the abundant life beneath the Pacific’s surface. Book a trip aboard the 95-foot Dana Pride, high-tech catamaran A Lot’a Fun or Ocean Adventures with a raised eye-spy viewing platform at danawharf.com.
Ocean Institute - Whale and Marine Life Tours | 949.496.2274
Be a marine scientist for a day aboard the R/V Sea Explorer, a floating lab equipped with underwater cameras, microscopes and touch tanks. On a 3-hour sail with marine educators, explore wonders from the surface to seafloor. Find educational sails at ocean-institute.org .
Coastal Cliffs & Cetaceans
Observe the Pacific’s wonders at the Dana Point Headlands Conservation Area. Here, 3-miles of scenic trails perched atop 200foot cliffs offer a bird’s-eye view of marine life in the wild — including the California gray whale’s annual migration. The parks and trails can be reached from Green Lantern/Scenic Drive or Dana Strand Road. Trails are open daily from 7 a.m. to sunset. Find out more at danapoint.org.
Top: Capt. Dave’s Dolphin & Whale Watching Safari; Bottom Left: Dana Wharf Sportfishing & Whale Watching; Bottom Right: Ocean Institute
WHALES MERCH 2026 FESTIVAL OF
Take home a piece of festival history! Shop 2026 Dana Point Festival of Whales merchandise — including youth and adult tees, half-zip and full zip-up sweaters, tote bags, dad hats and more — at select festival locations all weekend long. View all items and sizing information at festivalofwhales.com/merch
WHEN & WHERE TO GET YOUR GEAR
FRIDAY: OCEAN INSTITUTE 4:30 – 7:30 PM
SATURDAY: DON HANSEN COURTYARD 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM Trolley Stop: D & G
SATURDAY: FESTIVAL OF WHALES CARNIVAL 5:00 – 8:00 PM Trolley Stop: C1
SUNDAY: BABY BEACH 11:00 – 4:00 PM Trolley Stop: E
ART THAT INSPIRES ACTION
Inspiring whale sculptures invite festivalgoers to pause, reflect and capture the moment.
DRIFTWOOD WHALE
Crafted by renowned expressive sculptor Jeffro Uitto, this 18-foot-tall gray whale sculpture is made entirely from rescued driftwood collected along the Pacific Coast. True to Uitto’s signature style, each piece of wood remains unmanipulated and in its natural state, allowing the organic shapes to guide the whale’s form. This striking tribute to Dana Point’s marine life offers a view of the coast’s raw beauty.
FLUKE SCULPTURE
Fluke: A Tale of Plastic is a lifesized gray whale tail created by Bay Area artists Joel Dean Stockdill and Yustina Salnikova that draws attention to the dangers of plastic pollution to the world’s oceans and marine life. Created during the 51st annual Festival of Whales in partnership with Dana Point Harbor Partners and the nonprofit Stand Up to Trash, the sculpture fuses plastic bottles collected during local beach cleanups.
TAILS OF MAJESTIC MIGRATION
Created for the Festival of Whales’ Ocean Awareness Day in 2009, this collaborative, community-crafted sculpture honors the gray whale’s annual journey.
Recognizing Dana Point as a natural navigational landmark along the whales’ route between Arctic waters and Baja California lagoons, this vibrant mosaic sculpture embodies the community’s enduring commitment to ocean conservation and coastal heritage.
Together, these artworks celebrate the wonder of gray whales and remind viewers of their shared responsibility to protect all ocean life. All weekend long: Snap a photo and share your moments with @festivalofwhales.
AN ART STUDIO AT SEA: WHALE WATCHING TRIP SPARKS STUDENT CREATIVITY
By Hayze Law
Students from Dana Hills High School boarded a whale watching excursion on Monday, Feb. 23, as part of the 55th annual Dana Point Festival of Whales celebration.
The trip, donated by Dana Wharf Sportfishing & Whale Watching, included students from ceramics, drawing and painting, digital photography and multimedia design classes. Held annually, the excursion is designed to provide inspiration for artwork that will be featured at the Festival of Whales Art Walk and other Festival events.
“We’re always trying to get our students more involved in the community,” said Natalie Hribar-Kelly, who teaches digital photography and multimedia design. “The goal is for them to be inspired by the ocean and nautical themes and then produce artwork for the Festival of Whales.”
Students said they are planning a range of projects tied to the ocean theme. Senior Vinita Vajramushti said they already have paintings in the works focused on “water, coral reefs and tide pools.”
Other students are producing small stamp-style prints and handmade ceramics that will be available at various Festival events, with proceeds supporting the school’s art programs. Multimedia students are also designing a Festival-themed coloring book with games that will be distributed at the event.
Dana Hills High School students draw inspiration from the ocean on a whale watching trip with Dana Wharf Sportfishing & Whale Watching. Photo: Hayze Law
