Pacific Gray Whale Mother and Calf by Desiree East

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.

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.

Channel Islands Maritime Museum

The Maritime Museum will host the Celebration of Whales. At the Maritime Museum, there will be contests, family activities, 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, recreational fishing, marine life, and more.

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.