Each and every March, coastal Mendocino County celebrates the migration of gray whales. Fun for locals and visitors alike, you’ll find clam chowder tastings, wine walks, foot races, beer tastings, interactive science demonstrations, even a Margarita competition – all in celebration of the most majestic of marine mammals. Check out the numerous events and activities – there are fun happenings for everyone in the family!
March 1 & 2
Mendocino village kicks off a month of Whale Festival celebrations the first weekend in March! In addition to the Wine Walk around town (or via MTA Trolley), the delightful and delicious Chowder Tasting is back. Join MendoParks for guided whale walks and check out the Gray Whale Information Station at the Ford House Visitor Center. Learn about the Mendocino Whale Wars that happened 50 years ago at a month-long exhibition at Kelley House Museum.
March 7 & 8
Bundle up for MendoParks‘ Van Damme Beach Campfire on Friday night. Join State Park Interpreters for an evening of songs, stories, trivia, s’mores and cocoa, and learn why we celebrate the Gray Whale. On Saturday, join California State Parks for an Interpreter Walk on the historic Van Damme Spring Ranch property while spotting gray whales.
March 15 & 16
Start stretching for the 37th Annual Whale Run on the stunning Noyo Headlands Park. This race includes a 10K, 5K, 5K Fun Walk and a Kiddie Run. Enjoy the Clam Chowder Competition and the Wine Walk in downtown Fort Bragg. Or…grab a tasting glass for the Fort Bragg Rotary’s Beer Fest at Eagles Hall a few blocks away. MendoParks offers walks, a Campfire program and aWhale Skeleton Painting experience – all at MacKerricher Park. Both days feature a Craft Fair at Town Hall and catch the Symphony of the Redwoods’ Spring Concert.
