Whale Festival Events
Every March, the Mendocino Coast comes alive to celebrate the migration of the magnificent gray whale.
Events include guided whale walks, a gray whale exhibit, live music, and even a Margarita competition!
Festival Events
See our Event Calendar for all events.
Mendocino Weekend!
March 1, 2025
Event #1: Gray Whale Information Station
Time: 10:00 am - 2:00 pm
Description: Join California State Park Interpreters to learn about our favorite magnificent migrating mammal of the season- the Eastern Pacific Gray Whale! Come check out the Ford House Visitor Center, hear about the many upcoming free Whale Festival activities, and learn something new about gray whales!
Free of charge
All ages welcome
ADA accessible
Location: Ford House Visitor Center- 45035 Main St, Mendocino, CA
https://maps.app.goo.gl/cPDum2P4ySp4sTWv9
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March 1, 2025
Event #2: Guided Whale Walk
Times:
Walk #1: 11:00 am - 12:00 pm
Walk #2: 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm
Description: Scout for spouts on this guided walk through the Mendocino Headlands! California State Park Interpreters will guide visitors through the headlands to watch for the magnificent migrating Eastern Pacific Gray Whale. Join us to learn the incredible story of this fascinating population of cetaceans!
Free of charge
Binoculars provided
All ages welcome
Donations to MendoParks accepted
Dog friendly (leash required)
Bumpy trail, strollers not recommended
Location: Ford House Visitor Center- 45035 Main St, Mendocino, CA
https://maps.app.goo.gl/cPDum2P4ySp4sTWv9
*Program will be canceled for rain, severe weather/ocean conditions, or park closure
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Little River Weekend!
March 7, 2025
Event #1: Van Damme Beach Campfire Program
Time: 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Description: Join California State Park Interpreters for an evening of songs, stories, trivia, and s'mores celebrating the Whale Festival. Cozy up around the campfire, sip some cocoa, and watch the sunset on the beach in Van Damme State Park while learning why we celebrate the charismatic cetacean of the season- the Eastern Pacific Gray Whale! Free event.
Location: Van Damme State Park Beach- CA-1, Little River, CA
https://maps.app.goo.gl/SHEzcrxLeVXBjsUP7
*Program will be canceled for rain, severe weather/ocean conditions, or park closure
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March 8, 2025
Event #2: Spring Ranch Whale Walks
Times:
Walk #1: 11:00 am - 12:00 pm
Walk #2: 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm
Description: Scout for spouts on this guided walk through Van Damme State Park's Spring Ranch property! California State Park Interpreters will guide visitors through this stunning area to watch for the magnificent migrating Eastern Pacific Gray Whale. Join us to learn the incredible story of this fascinating population of cetaceans!
Free of charge
Binoculars provided
All ages welcome
Donations to MendoParks accepted
Dog friendly (leash required)
Bumpy trail, strollers not recommended
Location: Spring Ranch Trail Head, Van Damme State Park- CA-1, Little River, CA
Parking is available on the west side, northern pull-out of Hwy 1 across from Gordon Lane.
https://maps.app.goo.gl/NvfEgE4xnSDVQNNAA
*Program will be canceled for rain, severe weather/ocean conditions, or park closure
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Fort Bragg Weekend!
March 15, 2025
Event #1: Whale Tale Trail!
Time: 10:00 am - 1:00 pm
Description: Follow MacKerricher State Park's "Whale Tale Trail" to scout for spouts! All are welcome to come and visit our 3 "Cetacean Stations" to learn all about the Eastern Pacific Gray Whale and why we celebrate the Whale Festival!
Free of charge
Binoculars provided
All ages welcome
Donations to MendoParks accepted
Dog-friendly (leash required)
ADA Accessible Trail/Boardwalk
Location: Laguna Point, MacKerricher State Park- 24100 MacKerricher Park Rd, Fort Bragg, CA
https://maps.app.goo.gl/5bFn2fEaN5jAQYqg6
*Program will be canceled for rain, severe weather/ocean conditions, or park closure
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March 15, 2025
Event #2: MacKerricher Whale Festival Campfire Program
Where: MacKerricher Campfire Center
Time: 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Description: Join California State Park Interpreters for an evening of songs, stories, trivia, and s'mores around the campfire in MacKerricher State Park's Campfire Center. Visitors will learn why we celebrate this charismatic cetacean while sipping hot cocoa as the sun sets. Free event.
Location: MacKerricher Campfire Center, across from park entrance kiosk and visitor center. Parking in the group camp.
https://maps.app.goo.gl/nKcCiwZw65ERP57R6
*Program will be canceled for rain, severe weather, or park closure
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March 29, 2025
Event: MacKerricher Whale Skeleton Painting
Time: 11:00 am - 3:00 pm
Description: Throw on that old painting shirt and apply another coat of paint to the whale skeleton in MacKerricher State Park! Come to paint, sip cocoa, and learn the fascinating history of MacKerricher's fully articulated gray whale skeleton. Help ensure that these amazing bones are preserved for years to come. Free event.
Location: MacKerricher Whale Skeleton, next to park kiosk and visitor center. Parking in group camp.
https://maps.app.goo.gl/nKcCiwZw65ERP57R6
*Program will be canceled for rain, severe weather, or park closure
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