Whale Festival 2020!
A concise rundown of some upcoming events
It’s here! It’s here! It’s Whale Festival Time! Here’s a rundown of all the cool activities available this month as we celebrate our cetaceous neighbors in the sea.
Saturday, March 7th
11:00am – 3:00pm : Wine Tasting and a walking whale education starting at the Ford House Visitor Center on Main Street in Mendocino. Follow along the colored flags marking different learning stations leading out to the bluffs, and watch for whales along the way. Binoculars provided.
11:00am – 12:00pm : Guided Whale Walk starting at the MacKerricher Visitor Center. Binoculars provided.
11:00am – 1:00pm : Chowder Tasting & Competition at the historic Crown Hall in Mendocino. We’re serving up our own chef’s tasty concoction again this year – come say hi and vote for us in this friendly community event.
1:00pm – 2:00pm : Guided Whale Walk starting at the Ford House. Binoculars provided.
1:00-4:00pm : Meander through Mendocino Village and taste wines from local wineries at a variety of participating galleries, shops, and more. Discover something new!
Saturday & Sunday, March 7th & 8th
10:00am – 4:00pm : Take advantage of this rare opportunity to take a tour up to the beautiful, fully functioning Fresnel Lens at the top of the Point Cabrillo Lighthouse with a knowledgeable docent.
Friday, Saturday, & Sunday March 13th, 14th, & 15th
10:00am – 3:00pm : Meet at the Van Damme Visitor Center for an intriguing introduction to the rich natural history of Van Damme State Park.
Friday, March 13th
7:30pm : Join the Little River community at Little River Inn’s Abalone room for a great concert by John Reischman & the Jay Birds.
Saturday, March 14th
10:00am – 12:00pm : Guided Whale Walk along Spring Ranch Bluffs. Park in the dirt parking area on the west side of Highway One opposite Gordon Lane – look for the blue flags.
11:00am – 12:00pm : Guided Whale Walk starting at the MacKerricher Visitor Center. Binoculars provided.
1:00pm – 2:00pm : Guided Whale Walk starting at the Ford House. Binoculars provided.
Saturday & Sunday, March 14th & 15th
11:00am – 3:00pm : Tour the historic Spring Ranch Barn just south of us. Full of unique and interesting items from years gone by, it’s a neat little stop to add to your weekend’s itinerary.
Sunday, March 15th
12:00 Noon : Bloody Mary & Bacon Competition at the Little River Inn’s Abalone Room. Get your tickets fast before they all sell out! This fun, community-judged event was a huge hit last year, and we’re thinking it’s just going to get better.
Saturday, March 21st
8:30am : The annual Fort Bragg Whale Run/Walk takes you along the gorgeous views of the Coastal Trail, with options for a Kiddie Race, 5k, 10k, & 10mile run or walk. Some of our own staff will be participating – come out and join them or cheer them on!
11:00am – 12:00pm : Guided Whale Walk starting at the MacKerricher Visitor Center. Binoculars provided.
11:00am – 3:00pm : Join with the volunteers at MacKerricher State Park for a true whale celebration with lots of interactive activities and education out near the lovely Laguna Point.
11:00am – 1:00pm : Chowder Tasting & Competition at the Gymnasium at City Hall in Fort Bragg. You’ll have a whole different experience here than at the competition down in Mendocino the Saturday before, as this event features all Fort Bragg restaurants and chefs. It’s gonna be fun!
1:00pm – 4:00pm : Meander through downtown Fort Bragg and taste wines from local wineries at a variety of participating galleries, shops, and more.
1:00pm – 2:00pm : Guided Whale Walk starting at the Ford House. Binoculars provided.
Saturday & Sunday, March 21st & 22nd
10:00am – 4:00pm : Take advantage of this rare opportunity to take a tour up to the beautiful, fully functioning Fresnel Lens at the top of the Point Cabrillo Lighthouse with a knowledgeable docent.
Saturday, March 28th
11:00am – 12:00pm : Guided Whale Walk starting at the MacKerricher Visitor Center. Binoculars provided.
1:00pm – 2:00pm : Guided Whale Walk starting at the Ford House. Binoculars provided.
Other ways to celebrate the amazing grey whales that migrate so close to our shores:
Go out with Anchor Charter Boats on a Whale Watch Tour on the sea.
Watch for whales from land, whichever bluffs you happen to be on.
Visit the Noyo Center for Marine Science.
Info compiled by Laura Hockett