The 52nd Annual Festival of Whales is Right Around the Corner

Dana Point will again host the beloved weekend event, the Festival of Whales, at the Dana Point Harbor. Here is a preview of what to expect!

By: KATHERINE M. CLEMENTS

DANA POINT — Dana Point, the city famous for year-round whale watching, is celebrating whale migration season with the 52nd Annual Dana Point Festival of Whales, March 4 - 5. The festival, now in partnership with the Dana Point Chamber of Commerce, commemorates the annual migration of California gray whales through Dana Point, the honored Dolphin and Whale-Watching Capital of the World ®.

“The Chamber of Commerce is thrilled to work in partnership with Dana Wharf Sportfishing & Whale Watching and Dana Point Harbor Partners to carry on a tradition that is so treasured by the community,” said Vickie McMurchie, Executive Director of Dana Point Chamber of Commerce in a press release from Feb. 1. “This beloved annual celebration brings locals and visitors together to highlight the prevalence of environmentalism, art and community in Dana Point and we’re honored to be more involved this year.”

The weekend festivities will begin with the Welcoming of the Whales Ceremony at the Ocean Institute on March 3. The event starts at 4:45 p.m. with a sunset ceremony and reception to follow, complimentary non-alcoholic beverages, and food-truck cuisine available for purchase. Following the Friday night