John Druecker Memorial Rhododendron Show

John Druecker Memorial Rhododendron Show
May 3 & 4, 2025 – Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens
Each year, the Noyo Chapter of the American Rhododendron Society (ARS) partners with Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens to showcase some of the best rhodie specimens on the west coast. Now in its 45th year, the John Druecker Memorial Rhododendron Show is held at the Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens in mid-May. The juried show is the largest in California with a typical show displaying more than 800 entries and filling the big tent with cascades of color and fragrance.
Whale Fest


Whale Fest is taking over Downtown Fort Bragg on the weekend of March 15th through 17th and, like the migrating leviathans we celebrate, this year’s festivities will be bigger and better than ever. There’s a Downtown Wine Walk, 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 15th-17th 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.

Saturday, March 16, 2024
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.

Downtown Wine Walk
Saturday, March 16, 2024
The Mendocino Coast Chamber of Commerce and Visit Fort Bragg are thrilled to bring back the Fort Bragg Whale Festival Downtown Wine Walk. On Saturday, March 16 from 12:00 to 4:00 PM over a dozen merchants will host wineries and serve complimentary food to pair with wines.
Fort Bragg Rotary Club’s Beer Fest
Saturday, March 16, 2024
Rotary Beer Festival is back. Save the date and join us on Saturday, March 16, 2024 at the Eagles Hall (210 N. Corry) from Noon to 4:00 PM for an incredible selection of beer and some great live music from The Green Fields. 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.
Symphony of the Redwoods
Saturday, March 16, 2024
Andrew Sords will be the featured artist on violin, with Bryan Nies conducting as the Symphony of the Redwoods performs the works of Bruch, Victor Bendix and Borodin at Cotton Auditorium on Saturday, March 16th at 7:30 PM.
Town Hall Craft Fair
Saturday & Sunday, March 16 & 17
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.
Noyo Center Whale Events & Exhibits
Friday – Sunday, March 15 – 17
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.
Mendo Park Educational Activities
Friday – Sunday, March 15 – 17
Join MendoParks for free guided whale walks at MacKerricher State Park on Fridays and Saturdays in March, from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM. While you’re there, check out the gray whale skeleton articulation next to the Visitor Center.
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.
The Whale Trail
The Whale Trail is an organization committed to inspiring appreciation and protection of marine mammals, and several designated whale trail sites are in or near Fort Bragg, including Mendocino Botanical Gardens, Noyo Center for Marine Science and Laguna Point at MacKerricher State Park.
Paul Bunyan Days

The Paul Bunyan Days Tradition Continues
Labor Day Weekend, August 30 to September 1, 2025
Paul Bunyan Days offer a fun, action-packed weekend:
- Belle of the Redwoods
- Kiddie Parade
- Logging Show
- Craft Faire
- Trike Races
- Fireman’s Water Fight
- And More
Family friendly and always lumberjack rowdy, head into Fort Bragg on Labor Day Weekend to celebrate your favorite logger and his giant blue ox.
Mendocino Coast Model Railroad
June 30, 2020Coastal Activities

Model Railroad and Historical Society
Experience the local logging industry and history brought to life in this model railroad. Over 1300 feet of track, equivalent to 6 miles, includes trestles, logging camp, bridges, pier and town. Great fun for all ages.
Telstar Charters
June 30, 2020Coastal Activities

Sport fishing and whale watching charters
Climb aboard the Telstar with Captain Randy Thornton for some sport fishing, crabbing or whale watching, depending on the season. (Whale watching is December 26-April 30.)
All Aboard Adventures
June 30, 2020Coastal Activities

Sport fishing and whale watching charters
Climb aboard the Sea Hawk for fishing, crabbing or whale watching, depending on the season. (Whale watching is December 26-April 30.) The Sea Hawk is a Coast Guard certified 45′ boat that holds up to 25 people for fishing and up to 30 for whale watching or sunset cruising.
Leisure Time RV Park

RV, Tent Camping and Cabins
The remote grounds offer you the opportunity to completely unwind and relax at one of 70 RV sites or any of their tent camping sites. This remote portion of the coastline is beloved by outdoor lovers and sportsmen looking to enjoy the solitude and adventures native to this area.
Caspar Beach RV and Campground

RV, Tent Camping and Cabins
Caspar Beach RV Park and Campground offers newly remodeled facilities, a variety of amenities for your comfort and leisure, recreation at your fingertips, and much more.
Jug Handle Creek Farm & Nature Center

Tranquil campsites surrounded by trees.
Jug Handle Creek Farm and Nature Center is a nonprofit organization. Their 39 acres include a native plant nursery, vegetable and herb gardens, forests and meadows, nature trails and serves as a gateway to both the Jug Handle State Reserve and the world’s largest intact Pygmy Forest Ecological Staircase.
MacKerricher State Park

Family-friendly beaches and trails
MacKerricher State Park offers a variety of habitats; beach, bluff, headland, dune, forest and wetland. Tide pools are along the shore. Seals may be seen on the rocks off the park’s coastline. More than 90 species of birds visit or live near Cleone Lake, a former tidal lagoon. During winter and spring, the nearby headland provides a good lookout for whale watching. The park is popular with hikers, joggers, equestrians and bicyclists. The park has a wheelchair accessible nature trail.