Visitors who attend the 24th Annual Celebration of the Whales Festival at the Channel Islands Harbor are going to be in for a variety of surprises.

This year’s event will feature two new activities – a concert in the park and a community “paint a whale” mural project. In addition, there will be family-friendly activities, chalk art, shopping, a children’s fun zone, and more.

The event is being held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Sunday, March 26, 2023. Activities will be held at the Channel Islands Maritime Museum, the Channel Islands Harbor Farmers Market, and a “Gray Whale Migration Trail” that runs through Harbor View Park that connects the two activity centers.

Harbor View Park Offers Concert, Children’s Fun Zone, Community Mural Project

Children and adults can both enjoy the migration trail, which will be lined with activities, including educational booths about the migration of the Pacific Gray Whale, more than 15 pieces of ocean-themed sidewalk chalk art, a children’s fun zone, a live concert, and community mural project.

The live concert will feature the Unkle Monkey Band and be held from noon to 3 p.m. at Harbor View Park.

Attendees are invited to help hand paint a large community mural that features a gray whale and sea life. The mural project is being facilitated by staff at the Oxnard Performing Arts Center. Check out the rendering below!

Channel Islands Maritime Museum

The Maritime Museum will host the Celebration of Whales. At the Maritime Museum, there will be contests, family activities, tours of the tall ship Mystic Whaler, and arts & crafts. More than a dozen organizations will have booths set up so attendees can learn about marine-themed topics including wood carving, knot tying, boatbuilding, marine life, and more. The Maritime Museum will also be open. Admission is free for children who enter with a paid adult. In addition, food trucks from Cousins Maine Lobster and Mister Softee will be in attendance!

Channel Islands Farmers Market

The Farmers Market will feature an arts & crafts market, children’s activities, whale facts, and educational booths.

The Celebration of Whales Festival is a collaborate event among Harbor lessees, businesses, and the Harbor Department that celebrates the migration of the Pacific Gray Whale.

Editor’s Note: this story was published Feb. 28, 2023.