Fort Bragg Whale Festival

Whale Fest is making a splash in Downtown Fort Bragg the weekend of March 20–22, 2026, and—like the migrating

Whale Fest is making a splash in Downtown Fort Bragg the weekend of March 20–22, 2026, and—like the migrating leviathans we adore—this year’s celebration is bigger, bolder, and breaching with fun.

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.

The weekend lineup includes a Chowder Tasting Competition, Downtown Wine Walk, the Fort Bragg Beer Festival, a 10K/5K Whale Run & Walk, a whale swim race, live music, food trucks, family friendly activities and plenty more to keep you happily occupied between whale sightings.

Is there a better time to visit Fort Bragg? We’ll wait while you think about it.

And if March 20th–22nd doesn’t fit your migration schedule, no worries—the whales cruise by all winter long. Visit anytime through April to catch the awe-inspiring migration of Fort Bragg’s favorite cetaceans. After all, the whales don’t check calendars—and neither should you.