Whale Fest is taking over Fort Bragg the weekend of March 21 & 22 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 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.
Even better, 2026 marks the 50th anniversary of the legendary whale war, when Fort Bragg proudly stood up for its whales, so expect a little extra fin-flipping pride in the air this year!
Of course, the whales will be moving through all winter, so if this weekend 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 21, 2026
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 21, 2026
Rotary Beer Festival is back. Save the date and join us on Saturday, March 21, 2026 at the Eagles Hall from 12-4pm for an incredible selection of beer and some great live music.
Whale Wars Exhibit
An exhibit on Fort Bragg’s legendary Whale Wars will be on display at the Chamber office for the month of March. A documentary will be screened at Coast Cinemas.
Downtown Wine Walk & Chowder Competition
Saturday, March 21, 2026
Chowder Tasting: 11am – 1pm
Wine Walk: 1pm – 4pm
The Mendocino Coast Chamber of Commerce and Visit Fort Bragg bring you the Fort Bragg Whale Festival Downtown Wine Walk & Chowder Tasting Competition. Chowder tasting takes place at Town Hall (tickets are $25). That afternoon, enjoy wines from over a dozen Mendocino County wineries at the Downtown Wine Walk, held in the shops all around town (tickets are $75 and must be 21 with ID.)
Wine Walk and Chowder Tasting Package for $90!
MacKerricher Park Whale Walks and Activities
Saturday – Sunday, March 21 & 22
Saturday 10am – 1pm
MacKerricher Whale Walks starting from the Ward Ave. Haul Rd. Visit our 3 “Cetacean Stations” to learn about the Eastern Pacific Gray Whale and why we celebrate this festival. Trail access point: Laguna Point, MacKerricher State Park, 24100 MacKerricher Park Rd.
Saturday 6pm – 7pm
MacKerricher State Park Whale Festival Campfire Program. Songs, stories, s’mores, and whale trivia. MacKerricher Campfire Center, across from park entrance kiosk and visitor center. Parking in group camp.
Sunday March 22 from 11am – 3pm
Help preserve the fully articulated whale skeleton by applying a coat of paint to the bones. Paint and brushes will be provided, volunteers should be wearing painting clothes, all ages and painting talents are welcome. Cocoa provided.
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.