Fort Bragg Whale Festival

Fort Bragg Whale Festival returns March 21 and 22 2026 with the town in full celebration mode all weekend March 20 to 22. It is timed to the gray whale migration that slides past the Mendocino Coast each winter and often into April turning headlands and harbor overlooks into front row seats for spouts and flukes.

This year carries an uncommon local footnote worth knowing. 2026 marks the 50th anniversary of the Whale War when Fort Bragg residents pushed back against whaling interests and helped cement a modern conservation identity that still shapes the community. You will feel that pride in the talks exhibits and sea minded storytelling woven through the weekend.

Plan to taste the coast as much as you watch it. The Chowder Tasting Competition is the edible anchor with briny riffs from local kitchens while the Downtown Wine Walk pours Mendocino County character one small sip at a time. Add the Fort Bragg Beer Festival for a hoppier counterpoint plus live music food trucks and easygoing street energy.

For travelers who like their scenery earned the 10K 5K Whale Run and Walk traces ocean views with a chance of spotting whales between strides. There is also a whale swim race and family friendly programming that makes room for strollers dogs and multigenerational crews. Slip away to MacKerricher State Park to see the whale skeleton and catch an evening campfire program.

Dress in layers and bring binoculars plus a picnic blanket for impromptu shoreline pauses. March tends to hover in the 50s and 60s with quick shifts from sun to sea mist. Book lodging early and consider a nearby stay on Lake.com to keep the coast close from first light to chowder hour.