Channel Islands Harbor is thrilled to announce the 26^th Annual Celebration of the Whales Festival, set to take place from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sunday, April 13^th.

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

This year’s event will feature a community “paint a whale” mural project, chalk art, shopping, free kayaking and standup paddleboarding, a children’s fun zone, and more. Activities will be held at the Channel Islands Maritime Museum, Channel Islands Boating Center, the Channel Islands Harbor Farmers Market, and a “Gray Whale Migration Trail” that runs through Harbor View Park that connects the two main activity centers.

Harbor View Park Offers Children’s Fun Zone, Community Mural Project, and Whale Education

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 that includes bounce houses and carnival games, and a community mural project. The mural project is being facilitated by staff at the Oxnard Performing Arts Center Corporation.

Channel Islands Maritime Museum, Channel Islands Boating Center, Mystic Whaler Public Deck Tours

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 will be in attendance.

The Channel Islands Boating Center will be offering several activities for families and local vendors will be selling upcycled clothing, crochet animals, and jewelry at its boatyard. The Boating Center will also offer youth the opportunity to paddleboard and kayak, free of charge, at its dock.

Located on the public dock behind the Maritime Museum, attendees will have the opportunity to take a tour of the tall ship Mystic Whaler. $5 donations to tour the ship are suggested.

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.