Saturday, March 6
Festival of Whales Parade
Parade begins promptly at 10 am with a route along Pacific Coast Highway from Selva Road to Golden Lantern in Dana Point. FREE shuttle service to and from Harbor parking lots will be available. Arrive early, enjoy breakfast harborside, board the free shuttle and then spend the day visiting all the great events located throughout the Harbor and Dana Point Plaza. Parade entrants are encouraged to embrace the Festival’s theme of Magical Migration when designing parade floats and costumes.
1-888-440-4309 or 949-472-7888
All Events are Weather Permitting
FREE Shuttle Service is available every day of the Festival from 10 am to 4 pm. Please visit our online map for shuttle stops, routes, parking lot and event locations. Park and ride free all day long and migrate with the whales! http://www.festivalofwhales.com/areainfo.html
Awards will be given to the Best Display of Parade Theme, Best Musical Unit, Best Youth Group, Best Group Spirit and Best Local Entry. For inquiries about giant balloon sponsorships and other parade questions, please contact Sherry Murphy at the City of Dana Point (949) 248-3533 or smurphy@danapoint.org. Parade applications are on the City’s webpage, www.danapoint.org. Parade entry applications are due no later than end of business day Friday, February 19, 2010.
Street Faire
Hosted by the Dana Point Chamber of Commerce, beginning immediately after the Festival of Whales Parade at Dana Point La Plaza Park, Pacific Coast Highway North at La Plaza, 10am- 5pm. It’s a family event, with fun for everyone. FREE shuttle service from most Harbor parking lots to Dana Point La Plaza Park. 800-290-DANA or 949-496-1555. www.danapointchamber.com
Dana Outrigger Canoe Club Race
In its 20th year of historical paddling, Dana Outrigger Canoe Club will once again host a competition with paddlers from across Southern California. Event will take place at Baby Beach – spectators welcome.
So Cal Woodies
The best of the best will be on display from the official Southern California Chapter of the National Woodie Club. Immediately following the Festival parade, So Cal Woodies will be escorted from the parade to adorn the grassy area adjacent to Baby Beach. The Club’s goal is to promote the wooden car, and the role it has played throughout automotive history, especially in the California surf culture. For more information visit http://www.socalwoodies.com/
Metropolitan Club
Beep, Beep! Take a stroll down the Harbor walkway and enjoy an impressive display of Nash Metropolitans. Immediately following the Festival parade, the Nash Metropolitans will be escorted from the parade to the Harbor along with the Woodies. Founded in 1977, the Metropolitan Club of California Ltd., serves the Los Angeles and Orange County areas and is devoted to the unique little car Nash Metropolitan. The Metropolitan or “Met”, is a classic car that was sold by Nash and Hudson. Designed by Bill Flajole, assembled by Austin Motor Co., in England. Metro’s were produced from 1954 to 1961. http://www.nashmet.net/
Hot Rods Unlimited
Along with the Woodies and Metros, the Festival welcomes back Hot Rods Unlimited for the second year! As you stroll down the Harbor walkway you’ll also enjoy an incredible display of vintage hot rods and classic cars. Hot Rods Unlimited is a local, family oriented car club with over 40 members who share a love of cars, having fun and giving back to the community. The club participates in many activities including cruises, car shows, parades and parties right here at Doheny Beach. Hot Rods Unlimited is also the host club for the largest one-day charity car show in the country – “Cruisin For A Cure.” The 10th annual show was held September 26th at the OC Fairgrounds and drew over 3400 cars & trucks!! For more club information visit http://www.hotrodsunlimited.com/
“Whale of a Shoe” Horseshoe Tournament
Held at Doheny State Beach Park’s horseshoe courts located on the beach near lifeguard station #9 just south of the overnight camping area. Tournament entry sign-ups are at the horseshoe courts Saturday morning before the 12 Noon deadline. Play begins at 12:30 pm using a tournament format appropriate for the number of players entered. Bring your own horseshoes along with a $10 entry donation and enjoy this fun tournament with prizes for the winners. Please note: The park does not allow alcohol consumption in the horseshoe court area. For more information, contact Hal Griswold at 949-496-0577 or email setibird@yahoo.com
Seashore Interpretive Family Hike
Guided family tidepool hikes through the Dana Point Marine Protected Area with Ocean Institute naturalists. Hikes are available on a first come first serve basis. Space is limited. Sign up at the front desk of the Ocean Institute after admission is paid, no additional charge. See admission info below.
Ocean Institute
During the festival weekends the learning labs will focus on new discoveries in marine mammal research and allow visitors to explore a variety of fascinating phenomena unique to the magnificent whale. Families will have the opportunity to listen to underwater whale sounds to discover how they communicate, enjoy hands-on activities, learn from special speakers each day of the festival and create fun children’s crafts. Public hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission price is $6.50 for adults (13 yrs+) and $4.50 for children (3 -12 yrs); Children 2 and under are free. Members are free.
Ocean Institute Whale’s Tale Tallship Sailing Adventure
From “Devil Fish” to “Friendliest Whale,” explore how time and discovery have shaped man’s perception of the magnificent Gray Whale. Join us for an exciting tallship sailing adventure as you gain new insights into man’s evolving relationship with the ocean and the giants that roam our California Coast. 2 pm to 4:30 pm. Cost: non-members, $40 adults, $23 children 12 & under. Members, $36 adults, $21 children 12 & under (min. age 4).
Dana Point Fine Arts Association Show & Sale
The Dana Point Fine Arts Association, a nonprofit organization that supports a local high school art department, will host an art show and sale from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. The art will be on display at the Harbor Boardwalk along the boat docks in Mariner’s Village, on the east side of Harpoon Henry’s restaurant and east of Coffee Importers and Food Court. Watercolor, oil, acrylic, and photography by many award-winning local artists will be available for purchase. For more info on this exhibit, contact Franksfotoimages@aol.com.
This year the exhibit is being expanded to include three dimensional arts and culinary delights. These new display areas will be located in the grassy area on the corner of Dana Point Harbor Drive and both sides of Island Way to the approach of the Island Way bridge. For more info on this portion of the exhibit, contact Jackie Gallagher at fowarts@cox.net.
Sailing Rides
Take a sailing ride and learn how to steer and sail a Capri 14! Ages 5 and up, 12 pm – 4 pm. $15 per boat, three people maximum (half-hour session). Weather and conditions dependent. Lifejackets provided. Find our booth at the OC Sailing & Event Center. Contact Westwind Sailing for details: (949) 492-3035.
Stand-Up Paddling Clinics
Join the SUP craze and learn first hand why it’s the fastest growing water sport today! 45 min on-the-water clinics held each hour on the hour – weather and conditions dependent. Ages 14 and up, 10 am – 3 pm. $10 per person. Lifejackets provided. Find our booth at the OC Sailing & Event Center. Contact Westwind Sailing for details: (949) 492-3035.
Dana Point Historical Society Walking Tour
At 2 pm meet at Bella Bazaar located at 34091 Pacific Coast Highway (corner of Blue Lantern and PCH) for the Walking Tour. For more information, call 949-248-8121 or www.danapointhistorical.org. FREE
Harbor Music Series
Presented by the Dana Point Harbor Association in the Jolly Roger Courtyard in Dana Wharf and Harpoon Henry Grassy Area near Mariner’s Village 12 – 3 pm. Enjoy a variety of musical styles and sounds. 949-923-2255 or danapointharbor.com FREE
Movie in the Park
Join us for a special showing of the animated film, “Shark Tale,” rated PG, presented by the City of Dana Point Community Services and Parks Department. FREE popcorn, hot beverages and snacks will be available. Bring your lawn chairs, blankets and picnic dinner and enjoy this family friendly movie that will begin at approximately 6:30 pm. The movie is held in the Harbor, on the grass by Baby Beach. For more information call (949) 248-3530.
Sunday, March 7
Street Faire
Hosted by the Dana Point Chamber of Commerce at Dana Point La Plaza Park, Pacific Coast Highway North at La Plaza, 10am- 5pm. It’s a family event, with fun for everyone. FREE shuttle service from most Harbor parking lots to Dana Point La Plaza Park. 800-290-DANA or 949-496-1555. www.danapointchamber.com
Sand Sculpting Exhibit
Located at Baby Beach. Sculpting starts at 7 am with Judging at 1:30 pm. Get a team together and help create your masterpiece! Sculptures should be created to illustrate one of the following themes: Castles, Whales & Ocean Creatures, Fairy Tales & Legends or Pirates & Ships. Registration is $30 with forms available online at www.MonarchBeachRotary.com Prizes will be awarded at 2 pm. Sponsored by the Monarch Beach Rotary Club. Registration benefits local children’s charities. For more information call: Alan Wickstrom 842-0594
Kids Free Fishing Clinic and Free Fishing Trip
Dana Wharf Sportfishing invites all children to come to their dock side fishing clinic and learn hands on techniques on fishing from the experts. Prizes will be raffled off at the end of the clinic – 12:00 – 12:30 pm. After the clinic Dana Wharf will be running a fishing trip from 12:45 – 5:45, adults are $39 plus license and equipment, children 12 and under fish for FREE. Extra bonus is the chance of spotting whales, dolphins and other marine life! This trip includes equipment! More information and reservations call Dana Wharf 949-496-5794
Marine Mammal Lecture Series
10 -11 AM at Harpoon Henry’s
Marine mammals are among the most beloved icons of the California coast and yet much of their life history and biology remains a mystery to us. Nonetheless, local researchers are making fantastic discoveries about marine mammals every day. During Dana Wharf Sportfishing and Whale Watching’s special marine mammal lecture series you are invited to come learn some of the latest breaking news. Enjoy a continental breakfast at Harpoon Henry’s as marine biologist Morgan Richie and special guests present recent findings on local whales, dolphins and other marine mammals. The presentations will include photos, videos, and underwater recordings. Following the lecture, join us for a whale watching trip aboard the OCean Adventures Catamaran for those that want to get up close and personal with these magnificent creatures. Space is limited. The lecture is free with purchase of the whale watching cruise aboard the OCean Adventures Catamaran and includes a continental breakfast. To attend the lecture only, $5 per person will be collected at the door (and also includes the continental breakfast.) To purchase visit www.danawharf.com or call (949)496-5794.
Marine Mammal Lecture Series Guest Speakers:
March 7 – Melania Guerra, Scripps Institution of Oceanography, on gray whales and acoustics
March 13 – Aliso Schulhman-Janiger, American Cetacean Society, on Orcas
March 14 – Mary Blasius, Cal State Long Beach, on threats and conservation
Saturday, March 13
Mickey Muñoz Paddle Surf Fiesta
The first ever Mickey Muñoz Paddle Surf Fiesta – Mongoose Cup will be held at Baby Beach, Dana Point Harbor. Please join Mickey and his friends for a day of paddling fun, camaraderie and delicious BBQ. As part of the Dana Point Festival of Whales, The Mickey Muñoz Paddle Surf Fiesta – Mongoose Cup will begin with a Fun Paddle around Dana Point Harbor Island. The Fun Paddle is open to any type of human powered watercraft. After the Fun Paddle, participants will be organized into relay teams that will race for the inaugural Mongoose Cup. Each SUP four (4) person relay team will be required to have at least one female, one senior (50 & over) and either one junior (16 & under) or intermediate paddler on their respective teams. The start and finish for the flat-water race will be at Baby Beach. To be eligible for the Mongoose Cup teams must race 12’6” and under SUP boards. The Mickey Muñoz Paddle Surf Fiesta – Mongoose Cup is an event open to everyone and directly benefits the Doheny State Beach Interpretive Association (DSBIA).
About Mickey Munoz
Mickey Munoz, born in New York City in 1937, is an early pioneer of surfing and well-known surfboard shaper. Once described as the “surfer’s surfer”, Mickey has been riding waves since the 1950s and has been featured in many popular surfing films and documentaries. Winning the first professional surf contest and pioneering big wave surfing at Waimea Bay are a few of Mickey’s surfing accomplishments. Muñoz was the stunt double for Sandra Dee in the 1959 teen film Gidget and he developed an iconic surf stance that became known as the “quasimoto”. Mickey currently lives in Capistrano Beach, CA and is an avid stand-up paddler (SUP).
For more information, Event Director: Barrett Tester, 949-276-4431 x 216 or barrett.tester@gmail.com
Harbor Music Series
Presented by the Dana Point Harbor Association in the Jolly Roger Courtyard in Dana Wharf and Harpoon Henry Grassy Area near Mariner’s Village 12 – 3 pm. Enjoy a variety of musical styles and sounds. 949-923-2255 or danapointharbor.com FREE
Festival of Whales Junior Charity Regatta 2010
Be a part of our Southern California tradition celebrating the annual whale migration as junior sailors compete for the Festival of Whales Perpetual Trophy. This year, in addition traditional Naples Sabots, the regatta will include a Laser class! Join the fun and excitement as these junior sailors compete for the coveted Festival of Whales Perpetual Trophy. The first race starts promptly at noon with the first warning at 11:55 am. This regatta is open to any advanced junior sailor with race experience and their own Naples Sabot or Laser sailboat. For more information, including directions, Notice of Race and Entry Forms please visit us at http://www.dpyc.org/ or call DPYC at 949-496-2900. Parking for spectators is available at Dana Point Yacht Club on the west end of Dana Drive (The Island). Entry fee of $25 for racers includes T-shirt. Viewing is FREE to anyone interested in watching the kids compete for the most prestigious trophy in Dana Point junior racing. Proceeds benefit the Dana Point Youth Charitable Foundation.
Ocean Awareness Day
Presented by the Dana Point Harbor Association, featuring interactive displays, demonstrations and entertainment showcasing ocean and environmental programs and issues related to our ocean. The event is located at Baby Beach at the OC Sailing & Events Center, 34451 Ensenada Place, 11 am – 4 pm. The event and parking is FREE and there is also FREE shuttle service from most Harbor parking lots. 949-923-2255 or danapointharbor.com
Diamond Dig
Noon to 1 pm at Baby Beach. For one hour, starting at noon, you’ll have a whale of an opportunity to become rich by digging for treasure. The size of your shovel, spade, scoop, ladle, fork or spoon will determine the cost of entry. Those dressed in Pirate costumes will get a clue to the buried treasure! Register online at www.MonarchBeachRotary.com to book your chance to dig for treasure! If you cannot be present – a Rotarian will dig for you! Sponsored by the Monarch Beach Rotary Club – all proceeds benefit local children’s charities. For more information call: Russell Kerr 487-0833
The Whale of a Rubber Ducky Race
Hosted by the Dana Point Woman’s Club, this fun spin on a traditional “Rubber Ducky Race” will be held from 11AM – 2PM at Baby Beach. Rubber Ducks can be pre-purchased at the Street Faire on March 6 & 7 and at Baby Beach the day of the event. Beginning March 1, ducks can be purchased at Beacon Printing, Dana Wharf Sportfishing and at the Dana Point Woman’s Club web site (see below). Prizes will be awarded to 1st, 2nd and 3rd places. $6 per Rubber Duck or 2 for $10. You do not need to be present to win. Funds raised through this event will benefit the Woman’s Club scholarship fund. 949-496-4539 or www.danapointwomansclub.com
Sunday, March 14
Festival of Whales Grunion Run – 5K Run and Kids’ 1K Run
5K begins at 8 AM followed by the Kids’ 1K at 9 AM. Awards scheduled for 9:30 AM. Pre-registration available online at www.festivalofwhalesgrunionrun.com. The Ocean Institute is offering a special program for children of Grunion Run participants from 7 to 9:30 am. Children will learn about marine life and the mysteries of the ocean with crafts, tide pool touch tanks, and much more. Register on line at http://www.ocean-institute.org or call (949)496-2274. FREE, pre-run shuttle service will begin at 7 AM and will have pick ups from the Ocean Institute, OC Sailing & Event Center and Dana Point Harbor Drive at Golden Lantern. Proceeds to benefit the Doheny State Interpretive Association, a non-profit public benefit corporation. After the Run, hop back on the Festival’s FREE shuttle and join everyone at the Whale of a Pancake Breakfast!
Whale of a Pancake Breakfast & Raffle with Entertainment
Hosted by the Dana Point Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Post 9934 and Ladies Auxiliary 9934 at the OC Sailing & Event Center’s Dana Cove Room from 8 am – 11 am. Delicious, fluffy pancakes, tasty sausage with strawberry topping served hot off the griddle with juice, milk or coffee. Over 25 great gifts raffled. Plus we will have live entertainment that covers the ages. All proceeds will benefit the Veterans of Foreign Wars. Share in the fun and tradition and join us for a delicious breakfast, win a great prize and let us entertain you! Adults – $8, Children under 12 – $5. For information 949-388-8768
Kids Free Fishing Clinic and Free Fishing Trip
Dana Wharf Sportfishing invites all children to come to their dock side fishing clinic and learn hands on techniques on fishing from the experts. Prizes will be raffled off at the end of the clinic – 12:00 – 12:30 pm. After the clinic Dana Wharf will be running a fishing trip from 12:45 – 5:45, adults are $39 plus license and equipment, children 12 and under fish for FREE. Extra bonus is the chance of spotting whales, dolphins and other marine life! This trip includes equipment! More information and reservations call Dana Wharf 949-496-5794
Whale of a Concert
In honor of the whales migrating by Dana Point Headlands “singing their song” the Festival of Whales festivities will include a FREE outdoor concert at Baby Beach with bands performing on the water on a specially designed stage. Concert will begin at noon with Ugly Paint (Rock) from 12 – 1 pm, The Tijuana Dogs (Pop Rock) from 1:30 – 2:30 pm, and Surf City All Stars (Surf Music) from 3 – 4:30 pm. The concert is presented by the City of Dana Point Community Services & Parks Department. Bring your beach chairs, towels and blankets and enjoy an afternoon of musical entertainment. Concessions for scrumptious BBQ specialties will also be available, including a Biergarten for those over 21 years old with a valid driver’s license. For more information call (949) 248-3530.
Doheny State Beach’s Mobile Marine Mammal Museum
12 – 3pm Meets at Doheny State Beach�s promenade north of the snack bar at the picnic tables. There will be a variety of genuine marine mammal artifacts for visitors to actively learn and gain an appreciation of these magnificent creatures of the sea. Please alert entrance station staff upon arrival so they can direct visitors to appropriate parking location. Please Note: Free vehicle parking at Doheny State Beach for Doheny State Beach’s Mobile Marine Mammal Museum is limited to one hour only. Rain cancels. 949-496-2704 or www.dohenystatebeach.org FREE
March 14 – Mary Blasius, Cal State Long Beach, on threats and conservation
Whale Watching Excursions
See why Dana Point is the “Whale Capital of the West!” Most excursions are 2-3 hours long. Reservations recommended.
Dana Wharf Whale Watching
(800) 979-3370 or (800) 590-9994
www.danawharf.com
Check out our schedule and BUY online http://www.zerve.com/DanaWharf/OceanAdv use a promo code FOW10 save $5 per adult fare, not valid on 8 am special. Or call 800-979-3370. Celebrate 39 years with the Originator of Whale Watching in Orange County. Take an adventure to see the California Gray Whales in their natural environment. Fun for all ages and sightings of whales or dolphins are guaranteed or come back again and ride free. Prices: Adults – $29, Senior and Military – $24, Children 3-12 years – $19, Children 2 and under are free. Back by popular demand – The Whale of a Deal at 8 am. All seats just $8 – weekends only.
Dana Wharf also invites you to experience their NEW catamaran, the 63-foot OCean Adventure. This beautiful NEW, state-of-the-art vessel with an incredibly spacious viewing deck and a full-service deli-style galley offers a 3-hour Gray Whale Voyage on the weekends with a morning departure. This unique excursion will take you into the open waters of the Pacific and focus on locating large pods of the California Gray Whale. All trips feature a certified marine biologist for a one-on-one educational experience. It’s the perfect way to immerse yourself in the magical migration of the California Gray Whale: state-of-the-art vessel, trained educators and LOTS of fun! Prices: Adults – $59, Children 4-12 years old – $39, and Children 3 and under are free. Reservation can be made at http://www.zerve.com/DanaWharf/OceanAdv
Ocean Institute Marine Mammal Cruises
(949) 496-2274
www.ocean-institute.org
More than just a whale watch, this cruise introduces participants to whales, dolphins, and sea lions using state-of-the-art equipment including satellites, plankton nets, sediment samplers, and video microscopes. Experience these magnificent animals and learn about feeding strategies, migration, and behavior patterns. Cruise times are 10 am and 1:30 pm on Festival weekends. Member pricing is $22/adult and $19/child (4 – 12 years old). Non-member pricing is $35/adult and $22/child (4 – 12 years old). Weekend admission to the Institute is included with the cruise ticket purchase.
Capt. Dave’s Whale & Dolphin Safari
(949) 488-2828
Most Unique Whale Watch in the world! Get eye-to-eye with Wild Dolphins and Whales underwater – without getting wet – in our underwater viewing Pod onboard our Hi-Speed, Hi-tech, Sailing Catamaran. Only 49 passengers – never crowded. You can also hear Dolphins and Whales underwater with our Research Quality Hydrophone. Onboard Micro whale and Dolphin Museum. Daily year-round trips. Front of boat is low to the water to get you close to the animals. You can get within arm’s reach of huge, wild dolphin herds. Experienced marine naturalists on every trip, every day, including award winning wildlife filmmaker Capt. Dave Anderson who will explain how these animals live and will engage passengers in unique face-to-face, Q and A session on the way back to the dock. Mrs.. Capt. Dave’s triple fudge brownies are served free on every Safari. And, all our trips out on the open ocean are broadcast LIVE on WhaleWatchingTV.com, so you can actually say hi to family and friends live while you are out with the whales and dolphins! Departures usually at 8 am, 10:30 am and 1:30 pm. $55 adults, $35 kids 3 – 12, 2 and under free. A generous 2 ½ hour Safari if we need a little extra time to show you something you haven’t seen yet, we will usually give it to you. Mention Festival of Whales for a $10 discount per person. Telephone reservations are required. Phone (949) 488-2828.
Aventura Sailing
(949) 493-9493
www.aventurasailing.com
Enjoy the only whale watching excursion powered by the wind aboard one of Aventura’s luxury sailboats. $30 per person or enjoy a Private Boat for $180, 6-passenger maximum, 2 ½ hour trips. Don’t miss this opportunity to experience the serenity of being under full sail as you listen to the sounds of the sea and whales as they breach. Bring your cameras and capture the whales as their tails fly high!
1-888-440-4309 or 949-472-7888
All Events are Weather Permitting
FREE Shuttle Service is available every day of the Festival from 10 am to 4 pm. Please visit our online map for shuttle stops, routes, parking lot and event locations. Park and ride free all day long and migrate with the whales! http://www.festivalofwhales.com/areainfo.html
Please contact Penny Elia at 949-499-4499 for additional information or to book a whale watching excursion.
