As we welcome the fresh air of the spring, there’s no better place to spend time outside than at the Channel Islands Harbor.

One of the Ventura County Harbor Department’s goals is attracting and hosting events that bring people together, making connections and creating memories with your family and friends that last a lifetime.

I am particularly excited to share with you the upcoming 25^th Annual Celebration of the Whales Festival will take place on Sunday, April 7^th. This event has become a cherished tradition for locals and visitors alike, and this year’s festival promises to be just as vibrant.

From 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., the Harbor will come alive with a variety of activities and entertainment for the whole family to enjoy. The festival will feature a concert in the park, a farmers’ market, children’s fun zone, a “paint a whale” mural project, and a ton of activities at the Channel Islands Maritime Museum.

Through events like the Celebration of the Whales Festival, we also reaffirm our commitment to environmental stewardship and sustainability, ensuring that future generations can continue to enjoy the beauty of our oceans.

I extend my gratitude to the organizers, volunteers, sponsors, and participants who make this event possible year after year.

Looking forward in 2024, there are a variety of activities planned at the Harbor that I hope you will enjoy. Here’s a look at what we have in store:

Celebration of the Whales Festival	April 7
Father’s Day Car Show	June 16
Father’s Day Classics by the Sea at the Channel Islands Maritime Museum	June 16
4th of July Festival/Electric Boat Parade/Family Parade	July 4
Channel Islands Harbor Fine Arts Festival	July 13, 14
Concerts by the Sea Summer Concerts Series	July 6, 13, 20, 27
Concerts by the Sea Summer Concerts Series	August 3, 10, 17, 24, 31
Ponies by the Sea Car Show	Oct. 13
Parade of Frights	Oct. 26
CI Harbor Farmer’s Market Holiday Arts & Crafts	Dec. 1, 8, 15, 22
5th Annual Channel Islands Harbor Food & Toy Drive	Dec. 7
58th Annual Parade of Lights	Dec. 14

We look forward to seeing you at the Harbor this year!

Michael Tripp, Director
Ventura County Harbor Department

Editor’s Note: this message was published on April 1, 2024.