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2008 Calendar of Events
This calendar is being released on October 5, 2007
and will be updated as events are finalized
1-888-440-4309 or 949-472-7888
All Events are Weather Permitting
Every Day of the Festival
Whale Watching
The incredible 5000-mile migration of the majestic California Gray Whale from Alaska to Mexico begins in December and continues through March. During this peak season, 40 – 50 whales pass by Dana Point each day, using the Dana Point Headland’s 200-foot cliffs near the harbor as a landmark to check their migration path. Dana Point offers the BEST whale watching along the California Coast – don’t miss it! There’s a whale watching excursion for everyone –more
information here.
Open House
The County of Orange invites you to visit the recently renamed and improved OC Sailing and Events Center from 10am - 5pm (formerly the Dana Point Youth and Group Facility). The Center will be offering sail boat rides, kid kayaking trips, kids carnival, kid crafts, tours, food and more throughout the Festival (weather permitting). Please come and visit us to see what your OC Sailing and Events Center has to offer you! 949-923-2215
Saturday, March 1
Festival of Whales Parade
Parade begins promptly at 10 am with a route along Pacific Coast Highway from Selva Road to Golden Lantern in Dana Point. Parade entrants are encouraged to embrace the Festival’s theme of Magical Migration when designing parade floats and costumes. Awards will be given to the Best Display of Parade Theme, Best Musical Unit, Best Youth Group, and Best Local Entry. For inquiries about giant balloon sponsorships and other parade questions, please contact Jennifer Anderson at the City of Dana Point (949) 248-3593. Parade applications are on the City’s webpage, www.danapoint.org
Street
Faire
Hosted by the Dana Point Chamber of Commerce, beginning immediately after the Festival of Whales Parade at Dana Point Plaza, Pacific Coast Highway North at La Plaza, 10am- 5pm. This year the Street Faire will follow the Festival of Whales theme with many new booths and more activities for children and families. The Faire will have arts and crafts booths, including food vendors and live entertainment. It's a family event, with fun for everyone. 800-290-DANA or 949-496-1555.
“Whale of a Shoe” Horseshoe
Tournament --
Held at Doheny State Beach Park's horseshoe courts located on the beach near lifeguard station #9 just south of the overnight camping area. Tournament entry sign-ups are at the horseshoe courts Saturday morning before the 12 Noon deadline. Play begins at 12:30 pm using a tournament format appropriate for the number of players entered. Bring your own horseshoes along with a $10 entry donation and enjoy this fun tournament with prizes for the winners. For more information, contact Hal Griswold at
949/496-0577 or email setibird@yahoo.com
Ocean Institute
During the festival weekends the learning labs will focus on new discoveries in marine mammal research and allow visitors to explore a variety of fascinating phenomenon unique to the magnificent whale. Families will have the opportunity to listen to underwater whale sounds to discover how they communicate, enjoy hands-on activities, learn from special speakers each day of the festival and create fun children’s crafts.
Captain Mike Bursk will discuss his research on gray whales in Baja from 12:30 to 1:30 pm.
Thar She Blows, aboard the tallship Pilgrim
Through living history demonstrations and exciting activities, this adventurous program offers visitors a unique glimpse into life at sea during the early whaling days. Program available 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Program included in price of admission to the Ocean Institute.
Public hours are 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Admission price is $6 for adults (13 yrs+) and $4 for children
(3-12yrs); Children 2 and under are free. Members are free.
Dana Point Fine Arts Association Show & Sale
The Dana Point Fine Arts Association, a nonprofit organization that supports a local high school art department, will host a juried art show and sale from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. The art will be on display at the Harbor Boardwalk along the boat docks in Mariner's Village on the south side of Harpoon Henry's restaurant and north of Coffee Importers. Watercolor, oil, acrylic, photography, and other media by many award-winning local artists will be available for purchase. More info contact show chairperson Frank Stockl 949-363-5247 or Franksfotoimages@aol.com.
Sailing
Sailing Take a sailing ride and learn how to steer and sail a Capri 14! Ages 5 and up, 12 – 4 pm. $15 per boat, three people maximum (half-hour session). Lifejackets provided. OC Sailing & Event Center, 949-923-2215.
Kids Kayaking
Children ages 6 and up can paddle around the OC Sailing and Event Center’s Boatyard and docks with our camp instructors to experience some of our summer action, half-hour sessions, 12 - 3 pm $5 per person. 949-923-2215
Kids Karnival
Ocean-themed carnival games for kids ages 3-12. OC Sailing and Event Center’s Boatyard 10am - 2pm. Just 25 cents per game! 949-923-2215
Kids Ocean Crafts
Create festive ocean keepsakes from 10am - 2pm. $1 per craft, including craft supplies, materials and supervision in the OC Sailing and Events Center’s Boatyard. Recommended for ages 5 –12 years old. 949-923-2215
Whale of a Snack
Stop in the Dana Cove Room to enjoy a delicious hamburger or hot dog with all the fixings, including a soft drink, while learning how the OC Sailing and Events Center can host your next social or business event in our unique waterside location. $3 and up 11am - 3pm 949-923-2215
Dana Point Historical Society Walking Tour
At 2 pm meet at Bella Bazaar located at 34091 Pacific Coast Highway (corner of Blue Lantern and PCH) for the Walking Tour. For more information, call 949-248-8121 or www.danapointhistorical.org. FREE
Jazzercise
All fitness levels welcome so bring your own mat and hand weights to start your weekend by exercising next to the water and the fresh sea air. 8:30 – 9:30am $10 OC Sailing and Events Center’s Dana Cove Room. 949-923-2215
Bear-Le There Tots Gymnastics
Children 12 months through 5 years olds, with parental assistance are offered movement education and gymnastics in a warm, non competitive environment. Equipment setup for young children includes bars, beams, vaulting blocks, inclines, trampolines, tumbling mats, tunnels, balls and play shapes. 10 – 11am, $6 per child, OC Sailing and Event Center’s Dana Cove Room. 949-923-2215
Harbor Music Series Presented by the Dana Point Harbor Association in the Jolly Roger Courtyard in Dana Wharf and Harpoon Henry Grassy Area near Mariner’s Village 12 – 3 pm. Enjoy a variety of musical styles and sounds. 949-923-2255 or danapointharbor.com FREE
Saturday Evening Campfire Program
Listen to sea tales and learn about whales, sharks and other sea life by the fire at Doheny State Beach Campfire Center (in the campground) at 6 pm. Please alert entrance station staff upon arrival so they do not charge for vehicle entrance and direct visitors to appropriate parking location/site of campfire program. Please Note: Rain cancels evening program 949-496-2704 or www.dohenystatebeach.org FREE
Whale of a Pro/Am Volleyball Tournament
Held at Doheny State Beach Park's volleyball courts. Four man beach volleyball tournament including professional players, past and present. Six (6) person maximum per team. Tournament entry is $20 per player. Play is from 9AM to 5 PM, rain or shine. Courtside banner/sponsorships available. For more information, contact Kevin Lane, Main Beach Laguna Volleyball Club at 949-715-9130 or email kevin.lane@cox.net
Sunday, March 2
Street
Faire
Hosted by the Dana Point Chamber of Commerce, beginning immediately after the Festival of Whales Parade at Dana Point Plaza, Pacific Coast Highway North at La Plaza, 10am- 5pm. This year the Street Faire will follow the Festival of Whales theme with many new booths and more activities for children and families. The Faire will have arts and crafts booths, including food vendors and live entertainment. It's a family event, with fun for everyone. 800-290-DANA or 949-496-1555.
Ocean Institute
During the festival weekends the learning labs will focus on new discoveries in marine mammal research and allow visitors to explore a variety of fascinating phenomenon unique to the magnificent whale. Families will have the opportunity to listen to underwater whale sounds to discover how they communicate, enjoy hands-on activities, learn from special speakers each day of the festival and create fun children’s crafts.
Naturalist Doug Thompson will discuss his research in Baja and his newest book
Whales: Touching the Mystery from 12:30 to 1:30 pm.
Public hours are 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Admission price is $6 for adults (13 yrs+) and $4 for children (3-12yrs); Children 2 and under are free. Members are free.
Thar She Blows, aboard the tallship Pilgrim at the Ocean Institute Through living history demonstrations and exciting activities, this adventurous program offers visitors a unique glimpse into life at sea during the early whaling days. Program available 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Program included in price of admission to the Ocean Institute.
Dana Point Fine Arts Association Show & Sale
The Dana Point Fine Arts Association, a nonprofit organization that supports a local high school art department, will host a juried art show and sale from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. The art will be on display at the Harbor Boardwalk along the boat docks in Mariner's Village on the south side of Harpoon Henry's restaurant and north of Coffee Importers. Watercolor, oil, acrylic, photography, and other media by many award-winning local artists will be available for purchase. More info contact show chairperson Frank Stockl at franksfotoimages@aol.com.
Sailing
Sailing Take a sailing ride and learn how to steer and sail a Capri 14! Ages 5 and up, 12 – 4 pm. $15 per boat, three people maximum (half-hour session). Lifejackets provided. OC Sailing & Event Center, 949-923-2215.
Kids Kayaking
Children ages 6 and up can paddle around the OC Sailing and Event Center’s Boatyard and docks with our camp instructors to experience some of our summer action, half-hour sessions, 12 - 3 pm $5 per person. 949-923-2215
Kids Karnival
Ocean-themed carnival games for kids ages 3-12. OC Sailing and Event Center’s Boatyard 10am - 2pm. Just 25 cents per game! 949-923-2215
Kids Ocean Crafts
Create festive ocean keepsakes from 10am - 2pm. $1 per craft, including craft supplies, materials and supervision in the OC Sailing and Events Center’s Boatyard. Recommended for ages 5 –12 years old. 949-923-2215
Whale of a Snack
Stop in the Dana Cove Room to enjoy a delicious hamburger or hot dog with all the fixings, including a soft drink, while learning how the OC Sailing and Events Center can host your next social or business event in our unique waterside location. $3 and up 11am - 3pm 949-923-2215
Dana Point Historical Society Walking Tour
At 2 pm meet at Bella Bazaar located at 34091 Pacific Coast Highway (corner of Blue Lantern and PCH) for the Walking Tour. For more information, call 949-248-8121 or www.danapointhistorical.org. FREE
Video Presentations
Join us in the OC Sailing and Events Center’s Boathouse for showings of the County of Orange’s efforts on improving water quality and what you can do to help improve and protect our oceans. In addition, there will be showings of Capt. Dave’s Wild Dolphins and Whales of Southern California. 11am – 4pm, 949-923-2215 FREE
Harbor Music Series
Presented by the Dana Point Harbor Association in the Jolly Roger Courtyard in Dana Wharf and Harpoon Henry Grassy Area near Mariner’s Village 12 – 3 pm. Enjoy a variety of musical styles and sounds. 949-923-2255 or danapointharbor.com FREE
Saturday, March 8
Harbor Music Series
Presented by the Dana Point Harbor Association in the Jolly Roger Courtyard in Dana Wharf and Harpoon Henry Grassy Area near Mariner’s Village 12 – 3 pm. Enjoy a variety of musical styles and sounds. 949-923-2255 or danapointharbor.com FREE
Festival of Whales Junior Charity Regatta 2008
Be a part of a Southern California tradition celebrating the annual whale migration as junior sailors race Naples Sabots on two short courses followed by the challenging “around the Island race.” Join the fun and excitement as these junior sailors compete for the coveted Festival of Whales Perpetual Trophy. The first race starts promptly at noon with the first warning at 11:55 am. This regatta is open to any advanced junior sailor with race experience and their own Naples Sabot sailboat. For more information, including directions, Notice of Race and Entry Forms please visit us at http://www.dpyc.org/juniors.htm or call DPYC at 949-496-2900. Parking for spectators is available at Dana Point Yacht Club on the west end of Dana Drive (The Island). Entry fee of $25 includes T-shirt. Proceeds to benefit the Dana Point Youth Charitable Foundation.
Ocean Institute
During the festival weekends the learning labs will focus on new discoveries in marine mammal research and allow visitors to explore a variety of fascinating phenomenon unique to the magnificent whale. Families will have the opportunity to listen to underwater whale sounds to discover how they communicate, enjoy hands-on activities, learn from special speakers each day of the festival and create fun children’s crafts.
Captain Mike Bursk will discuss his research on gray whales in Baja from 12:30 to 1:30 pm.st.
Thar She Blows, aboard the tallship Pilgrim at the Ocean Institute Through living history demonstrations and exciting activities, this adventurous program offers visitors a unique glimpse into life at sea during the early whaling days. Program available 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Program included in price of admission to the Ocean Institute.
Public hours are 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Admission price is $6 for adults (13 yrs+) and $4 for children (3-12yrs); Children 2 and under are free. Members are free.
Dana Point Fine Arts Association Show & Sale
The Dana Point Fine Arts Association, a nonprofit organization that supports a local high school art department, will host a juried art show and sale from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. The art will be on display at the Harbor Boardwalk along the boat docks in Mariner's Village on the south side of Harpoon Henry's restaurant and north of Coffee Importers. Watercolor, oil, acrylic, photography, and other media by many award-winning local artists will be available for purchase. More info contact show chairperson Frank Stockl at franksfotoimages@aol.com.
Sailing
Sailing Take a sailing ride and learn how to steer and sail a Capri 14! Ages 5 and up, 12 – 4 pm. $15 per boat, three people maximum (half-hour session). Lifejackets provided. OC Sailing & Event Center, 949-923-2215.
Kids Kayaking
Children ages 6 and up can paddle around the OC Sailing and Event Center’s Boatyard and docks with our camp instructors to experience some of our summer action, half-hour sessions, 12 - 3 pm $5 per person. 949-923-2215
Kids Karnival
Ocean-themed carnival games for kids ages 3-12. OC Sailing and Event Center’s Boatyard 10am - 2pm. Just 25 cents per game! 949-923-2215
Kids Ocean Crafts
Create festive ocean keepsakes from 10am - 2pm. $1 per craft, including craft supplies, materials and supervision in the OC Sailing and Events Center’s Boatyard. Recommended for ages 5 –12 years old. 949-923-2215
Jazzercise
All fitness levels welcome so bring your own mat and hand weights to start your weekend by exercising next to the water and the fresh sea air. 8:30am – 9:30am $10 OC Sailing and Events Center’s Dana Cove Room. 949-923-2215
Whale of a Snack
Stop in the Dana Cove Room to enjoy a delicious hamburger or hot dog with all the fixings, including a soft drink, while learning how the OC Sailing and Events Center can host your next social or business event in our unique waterside location. $3 and up 11am - 3pm 949-923-2215
Doheny State Beach Traveling Marine Mammal Museum
12 - 3pm Meets at Doheny State Beach’s Whale Walk. There will be a variety of genuine marine mammal artifacts for visitors to actively learn and gain an appreciation of these magnificent creatures of the sea. Please alert entrance station staff upon arrival so they can direct visitors to appropriate parking location/location of Whale Walk. Please Note: Free vehicle parking at Doheny State Beach for "Traveling Marine Mammal Museum" is limited to one hour only. Rain cancels. 949-496-2704 or www.dohenystatebeach.org FREE
Dana Point Historical Society Walking Tour
At 2 pm meet at Bella Bazaar located at 34091 Pacific Coast Highway (corner of Blue Lantern and PCH) for the Walking Tour. For more information, call 949-248-8121 or www.danapointhistorical.org. FREE
Video Presentations
Join us in the OC Sailing and Events Center’s Boathouse for showings of the County of Orange’s efforts on improving water quality and what you can do to help improve and protect our oceans. In addition, there will be showings of Capt. Dave’s Wild Dolphins and Whales of Southern California. 11am – 4pm, 949-923-2215 FREE
Saturday Evening Campfire Program
Listen to sea tales and learn about whales, sharks and other sea life by the fire at Doheny State Beach Campfire Center (in the campground) at 6 pm. Please alert entrance station staff upon arrival so they do not charge for vehicle entrance and direct visitors to appropriate parking location/site of campfire program. Please Note: Rain cancels evening program 949-496-2704 or www.dohenystatebeach.org FREE
Sunday, March 9
Whale of a Pancake Breakfast
Hosted by the El Camino Real Junior Woman’s Club at the OC Sailing & Events Center’s Dana Cove Room from 8:30 - 11:30 a.m. Delicious, fluffy pancakes and tasty sausage served hot off the griddle with juice, milk or coffee. Enter for your chance to win great prizes! All proceeds support local charities. Share in the fun and tradition and join us for a delicious breakfast!
Adults - $5, Children under 12 - $3 For information 949-923-2215
Ocean Awareness Day
Presented by the Dana Point Harbor Association, featuring interactive displays, demonstrations and entertainment showcasing ocean and environmental programs and issues related to our ocean. OC Sailing & Event Center Grass Area 11am –4 pm. 949-923-2255 or danapointharbor.com FREE
Ocean Institute
During the festival weekends the learning labs will focus on new discoveries in marine mammal research and allow visitors to explore a variety of fascinating phenomenon unique to the magnificent whale. Families will have the opportunity to listen to underwater whale sounds to discover how they communicate, enjoy hands-on activities, learn from special speakers each day of the festival and create fun children’s crafts.
Naturalist Doug Thompson will discuss his research in Baja and his newest book Whales: Touching the Mystery from 12:30 to 1:30 pm.
Thar She Blows, aboard the tallship Pilgrim
Through living history demonstrations and exciting activities, this adventurous program offers visitors a unique glimpse into life at sea during the early whaling days. Program available 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Program included in price of admission to the Ocean Institute.
Public hours are 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Admission price is $6 for adults (13 yrs+) and $4 for children
(3-12yrs); Children 2 and under are free. Members are free.
The Whale – Rubber Ducky Race
Hosted by the Dana Point Woman’s Club, this fun spin on a traditional “Rubber Ducky Race” will be held from 11AM – 2PM at Baby Beach. Rubber Ducks can be pre-purchased at the Street Faire on March 1 & 2 and at Baby Beach the day of the event, March 9th. Prizes will be awarded to 1st, 2nd and 3rd places. $6 per Rubber Duck or 2 for $10. You do not need to be present to win. Funds raised through this event will benefit the Woman’s Club scholarship fund.
949-496-4539 or
www.danapointwomansclub.com
Niguel Art Association Show & Sale
The Dana Point Fine Arts Association, a nonprofit organization that supports a local high school art department, will host a juried art show and sale from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. The art will be on display at the Harbor Boardwalk along the boat docks in Mariner's Village on the south side of Harpoon Henry's restaurant and north of Coffee Importers. Watercolor, oil, acrylic, photography, and other media by many award-winning local artists will be available for purchase. More info contact show chairperson Frank Stockl E-mail Franksfotoimages@aol.com
Harbor Music Series
Presented by the Dana Point Harbor Association in the Jolly Roger Courtyard in Dana Wharf and Harpoon Henry Grassy Area near Mariner’s Village 12 – 3 pm. Enjoy a variety of musical styles and sounds. 949-923-2255 or danapointharbor.com FREE
Sailing
Sailing Take a sailing ride and learn how to steer and sail a Capri 14! Ages 5 and up, 12 – 4 pm. $15 per boat, three people maximum (half-hour session). Lifejackets provided. OC Sailing & Event Center, 949-923-2215.
Kids Kayaking
Children ages 6 and up can paddle around the OC Sailing and Event Center’s Boatyard and docks with our camp instructors to experience some of our summer action, half-hour sessions, 12 - 3 pm $5 per person. 949-923-2215
Kids Karnival
Ocean-themed carnival games for kids ages 3-12. OC Sailing and Event Center’s Boatyard 10am - 2pm. Just 25 cents per game! 949-923-2215
Kids Ocean Crafts
Create festive ocean keepsakes from 10am - 2pm. $1 per craft, including craft supplies, materials and supervision in the OC Sailing and Events Center’s Boatyard. Recommended for ages 5 –12 years old. 949-923-2215
Whale of a Snack
Stop in the Dana Cove Room to enjoy a delicious hamburger or hot dog with all the fixings, including a soft drink, while learning how the OC Sailing and Events Center can host your next social or business event in our unique waterside location. $3 and up 11am - 3pm 949-923-2215
Dana Point Historical Society Walking Tour
At 2 pm meet at Bella Bazaar located at 34091 Pacific Coast Highway (corner of Blue Lantern and PCH) for the Walking Tour. For more information, call 949-248-8121 or www.danapointhistorical.org. FREE
Video Presentations
Join us in the OC Sailing and Events Center’s Boathouse for showings of the County of Orange’s efforts on improving water quality and what you can do to help improve and protect our oceans. In addition, there will be showings of Capt. Dave’s Wild Dolphins and Whales of Southern California. 11am – 4pm, 949-923-2215 FREE
Whale Watching Excursions
See why Dana Point is the “Whale Capital of
the West!” Most excursions are 2-3 hours long. Reservations
recommended. Please note: prices below are subject to change.
Dana Wharf Whale Watching
(949)
496-5794
www.danawharf.com
Dana Point's first whale watching tour company will take you out to see California Gray Whales in their natural environment. Fun for all ages and we guarantee whale or dolphin sightings or ride again free. Prices $29.00 adult, $24.00 senior and Military, $19.00 child 3-12 years, 2 and under are free. During the Festival weekends, Dana Wharf invites you to experience their new catamaran, the 63-foot OCean Adventure. This beautiful new vessel offers three-hour Whale Watching and sea life adventure trips. This unique trip will feature a Certified Naturalist who will give you a one-on-one experience Cost for this special engagement Adults $69, Children (7-12 years old) $52 and (3-6 years old) $25. 2 years old and under are free of charge. These special engagements during the Festival weekends are offered at 11am and at 2:15pm Book online at danawharf.com or call 800-979-3370.
Dana Island Yacht
Charters
(949) 248-7400
www.danapointwhalewatching.com
Come "sail with the whales"! No more than 6 passengers will be aboard each of our large and luxurious motored Sailboats. Smaller group sizes offer more comfort & privacy. Cost is $35 per person for a 2 hour trip. Special offer - mention this ad and you can reserve a private tour for only $180. A $30 savings!
Ocean Institute Whale Watching Cruises
(949)
496-2274
www.ocean-institute.org
Journey to sea with Ocean Institute naturalists and they’ll introduce you to the local marine wildlife including microscopic plankton and the animals that live in sediment retrieved from the ocean floor. Encounter a pod of playful dolphin or witness the majesty of a traveling whale. Discover the amazing life that lives just beneath the waves in this 2 ½ hour cruise! Cruise times are 10:00 AM to 12:30 PM and 1:30 to 4:00 PM. Members: $22/adult and $19/child (4-12yrs)
Non-Members: $35/adult and $22/child (4-12yrs)
Capt. Dave’s Whale & Dolphin
Safari
(949)
488-2828
www.dolphinsafari.com
See, hear, and talk to the whales aboard one of our sailing catamarans with underwater hydrophone, experienced naturalists and homemade brownies. Dana Point's first year-round dolphin & whale watching company offering daily trips. $49 adults, $35 kids under 12. 2 ½ fun-filled hours. Mention Festival of Whales for a $5 discount per person.
Media Note: Full-color digital images
are available online here. Please
contact Penny Elia at 949-499-4499 for additional information.
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