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.
Could there be a better time to visit Fort Bragg?
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 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 21 & 22
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.
Downtown Wine Walk & Chowder Competition
Saturday, March 21, 2026
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.
Noyo Center Whale Events & Exhibits
Friday – Sunday, March 20-22
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.