Dana Point Festival of Whales 2026 Carnival Guide Friday March 6 2026 thru Sunday March 8 2026.
Dana Point celebrates the 55th Annual Festival of Whales throughout the Dana Point Harbor area Friday March 6 2026 thru Sunday March 8 2026.
5:00pm-10:00pm: Festival of Whales Carnival
Lantern Bay Park Is Located At 25111 Park Lantern
Carnival Features
Carnival Tickets Can Be Purchased Online
Carnival Rides
Carnival Games
Food and Drinks
Dana Point 5th Marine Regiment Support Group Beer Garden
DJ with Live Music
Dana Point Festival of Whales Schedule
Friday March 6 2026
4:30pm-7:00pm: Free Event: Welcoming of the Whales
The Ocean Institute is located at 24200 Dana Point Harbor Drive
Welcoming of the Whales Features
Acjachemen Nation Sunset Welcoming Ceremony
Dana Point Surf Club Paddle Out at the Marine Protected Area Beach behind the Ocean Institute
Ocean Institute Reception
Food Truck Cuisine and Beverages Available for Purchase
Ocean Institute’s Free Interactive Educational Activities and Displays
Live Music
Festival of Whales Merch Available For Purchase
This event is free. Families and friends of all ages are welcome.
Register Online At The Ocean Institute
Festival of Whales Parking and Shuttles
Free Parking at Dana Hills High School Located At 33333 Golden Lantern Street
Ride the Dana Point Trolley
Special Festival of Whales Trolley Route will service most areas of Dana Point Harbor as well as select downtown stops.
Trolley Hours:
Friday, March 6: 4:30 PM – 9:30 PM
(Stops A, B, C, C1 & G only)
Saturday, March 7: 9:00 AM – 9:30 PM
Due to the Parade, the Trolley will only stop at stops A, B, C, C1 & G from 7am – Noon. Trolley stops D, E & F resume service at Noon.
Sunday, March 8: 9:00 AM – 8:30 PM
For real-time tracking, visit dptrolley.com or download the DP Trolley App.
Dana Point City Parking
Free E Bike Corral at Baby Beach
Bring Your Own Lock!
Saturday March 7 2026 & Sunday March 8 2026
11:00am- 4:00pm
Tag Your Photos #festivalofwhales
Times and Dates are subject to change.
Please contact the event organizer for the most up to date information.
