Weekend, March 6-8, 2026
Celebrate the annual gray whale migration with a three-day coastal festival filled with parades, carnival rides, live music, marine education, ocean-inspired activities, and family traditions that have spanned more than five decades.
The weekend features the Magical Migration Parade with giant helium balloons and marching bands, an oceanfront carnival at Lantern Bay Park, and a Concert on the Water at Baby Beach. Guests can enjoy classic cars and antique boats, a pirate treasure hunt, beach cleanups, marine lectures, youth art experiences, chowder tastings, harbor singalongs, cardboard boat races, artisan markets, and live entertainment across multiple waterfront stages.
Festival events take place throughout Dana Point Harbor. Many activities are free to attend; select experiences, carnival rides, food, and specialty events may require purchase.
Is the event free?
Many events are free. Some activities, carnival rides, and specialty experiences require purchase.
Where is the event located?
Dana Point Harbor, Dana Point, California.
Do tickets or reservations require advance booking?
Most festival events do not require tickets. Select specialty experiences may require advance purchase.
Before You Go: Visit Festival of Whales for the full schedule and event details. Kidsguide is an independent community resource helping families discover fun events across Southern California.
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