Whale Fest is taking over Downtown Fort Bragg on the weekend of March 14th through 16th and, like the migrating leviathans we celebrate, this year’s festivities will be bigger and better than ever. There’s a Downtown Wine Walk with the return this year of the Chowder Tasting Competition, the Fort Bragg Beer Festival, a 10k/5k Whale Run and Walk, a craft fair, live music, food trucks and much more.
Could there be a better time to visit Fort Bragg?
Of course, the whales will be moving through all winter, so if March 14th-16th doesn’t work out, no worries. Come anytime through April to see the amazing migration of Fort Bragg’s favorite cetaceans
All events take place rain or shine.
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Saturday, March 15, 2025
Whale Run 5k & 10k and Fun Walk
Soroptimist International of Fort Bragg and Noyo Sunrise is proud to sponsor and host the ever-popular run and walk along the coast that includes a Kiddie Race, 10k and 5k runs and a Fun Walk.
Fort Bragg Rotary Club’s Beer Fest
Saturday, March 15, 2025
Rotary Beer Festival is back. Save the date and join us on Saturday, March 15, 2025 at the Eagles Hall from 12-4pm for an incredible selection of beer and some great live music. Tickets are $40 and food will be available for purchase. So come taste some ales and watch the whales at this benefit for Fort Bragg Rotary Club with proceeds going to scholarships as well as local and international projects.
Town Hall Craft Fair
Saturday & Sunday, March 15 & 16
The Soroptimists are hosting a whale of sale at Town Hall from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Treat yourself to a unique shopping experience at two craft fairs — one inside and one outside. You’ll find a wide variety of amazing, handcrafted items, from quilts and toys to iron works, pottery, knits and crochet, jewelry, paintings, tools, and puzzles. You won’t find a better place to get a one-of-a-kind gift for a fan of Fort Bragg.
Mendo Park Fort Bragg Weekend
Saturday – Sunday, March 15 – 16
Join MendoParks for three awesome adventures. Join a guided tour along the Whale Tail Trail on Saturday, March at 10:00 AM starting at Laguna Point in MacKeerricher State Park. That night is the MacKerricher Whale Festival Campfire Program across from the park entrance kiosk from 6:00 to 7:00 PM. Then, on Sunday, meet by the visitor center at 11:00 AM for the MacKerricher Whale Skeleton Painting.
See the Whales, Shape the Trail
Saturday, March 15th, 10 AM – 2 PM
Head down to Glass Beach for a whale and bird watching pop-up, presented by Blue Zones Project Mendocino County, Mendocino Coast Audubon Society, and The City of Fort Bragg. Meet at Noyo Headlands Park at the end of West Elm Street for bird watching, ocean gazing, and gorgeous views along The Coastal Trail.
Downtown Wine Walk & Chowder Competition
Saturday, March 15, 2025
The Mendocino Coast Chamber of Commerce and Visit Fort Bragg are thrilled to bring back the Fort Bragg Whale Festival Downtown Wine Walk & Chowder Tasting Competition. That’s right, Chowder Tasting is back and you can sample them all and vote for your favorite. That afternoon, enjoy wines from over a dozen Mendocino County wineries at the Downtown Wine Walk, held in the shops all around town.
Symphony of the Redwoods Spring Concert
Saturday – Sunday, March 15 & 16
The theme of water unifies favorite classics with orchestral virtuosic masterpieces and a rhythmic American premiere. Mexican – Japanese flautist Rayó Furuta joins SoR in the American Premiere of Alexis Aranda’s “Acqua.” which explores the water signs of the zodiac with soaring melodies and driving Latin rhythms.
Both Shows at Cotton Auditorium
Saturday, 7:30 PM
Sunday, 2:00 PM
Noyo Center Whale Events & Exhibits
Friday – Sunday, March 14 – 16
Join the Noyo Center for Marine Science throughout March for a variety of special events and exhibits to celebrate Whale Festival and the annual gray whale migration. Click the link below for the full schedule and remember that your support helps the Noyo Center do its incredible work.
Whale Watching Tours
Looking to get up close and personal with Fort Bragg’s migratory whales? Multiple whale watching charters depart out of Noyo Harbor throughout the season. You’ll find them below on the coastal activities page. Be sure to reach out to them directly for current weather conditions and departure times.