Channel Islands Harbor is thrilled to announce the highly anticipated 25^th anniversary of the Celebration of the Whales Festival, set to take place from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sunday, April 7^th.

The Celebration of the Whales Festival has become a fun Harbor tradition, with plenty of activities scheduled throughout the day.

This year’s event will feature a concert in the park, a community “paint a whale” mural project, chalk art, shopping, a children’s fun zone, and more. 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, featuring the Pier101 Band, will be held from noon to 2 p.m. at Harbor View Park.

Attendees are invited to help hand paint a large community mural that features a variety of species located in the Santa Barbara Channel. The mural project is being facilitated by staff at the Oxnard Performing Arts Center. Check out the image of the whale mural below!

Channel Islands Maritime Museum

At the Maritime Museum, there will be activities celebrating everything about whales and local marine life. There will be family activities, contests & prizes, and hands-on activities including experiments, boat building, knot tying and crafts. All outdoor activities are free.

The museum will also be open. Admission is free for children who enter with a paid adult. In addition, food trucks from Cousins Maine Lobster, Mister Softee and Lucky Dog Café 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 on February 29, 2024.