The Festival of Whales celebrates migrating whales who use Dana Point's headland as a landmark on their journey southward. Festivities include whale watching, a street fair, classic cars on display, and an art show. 

Plus, 2025 sees the launch of the Festival of Whales Carnival, a three-day carnival at Lantern Bay Park with carnival rides, games, food, live music, and a beer garden.

The festival kicks off on Friday at 5pm with the Welcoming of the Whales Kickoff Ceremony and Reception.

Other fun in this packed weekend includes a treasure hunt for little pirates, the Cardboard Classic & Dingy Dash, Art Lessons in the Wild facilitated by marine muralist Wyland, marine mammal lectures, a community beach clean-up, and a kids fishing clinic and fishing trip. Bands perform on a specially designed dock for Sunday's  Concert on the Water and BBQ.  Some activities require ticket purchase.

Visit the festival website for daily schedules and locations. 

Please note, there is no Parade this year, due to construction in the harbor.