The Annual Festival of Whales 2024

The annual Festival of Whales parade, featuring giant floats, marching bands, school groups, non-profit organizations, and military units will take place in the morning on Saturday, March 2nd.

Festival of Whales Parade
Saturday, March 2, 2024 at 10:00am

The parade route starts at the Richard Henry Dana statue on the Island Way Bridge and proceeds over the bridge, then right on Dana Harbor Drive and ends at Dana Harbor Drive and Golden Lantern.  The parade can be viewed from sections of the Island Way Bridge and along Dana Harbor Drive.  The parade features giant helium parade balloons, marching bands, school groups, non-profit organizations, floats, and military units.  For more information on the parade, or parade entry information, email recreation@danapoint.org.

On Sunday, bring your beach chairs and blankets to enjoy an afternoon of music, food, and spirits! This free concert features bands playing on a specially designed floating dock.

Festival of Whales Concert & Barbeque
Sunday, March 3, 2024
12:00pm – 5:00pm
Baby Beach – 34451 Ensenada Place

12:30pm – 2:30pm: Jimmy’s Buffet
3:00pm – 5:00pm: Yachty by Nature

BBQ plate lunches will be available to purchase benefiting local youth sports programs. A Spirit Garden for those 21 years of age and older will be available with proceeds benefiting the Marine Corps League South Coast Detachment.  For more information about the concert, email recreation@danapoint.org.

Parking and Trolley Service
Many of the parking lots in the Dana Point Harbor are free parking, limited to four hours maximum. Hourly parking and day parking passes are available at Doheny State Beach at the automated payment kiosks. Visit www.dptrolley.com for trolley hours of operation and stop information.

For full event schedule, visit https://festivalofwhales.com/