April 2025 Director’s Message

April is here, and that means event season is kicking off at Channel Islands Harbor! This year, we have lots of fun events and activities planned, and we can’t wait to see you all there.

Our first major event is the Celebration of the Whales Festival, which is taking place from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sunday, April 13th. This festival is a great way to learn about the amazing gray whale migration that occurs in our waters every year. There will be fun activities, a community “paint a whale” mural project, chalk art, opportunities to kayak and paddleboard for free, and lots of local vendors to check out. It’s a great way to spend the day with your family while supporting local businesses.

Throughout the year, we’ll have many more events to enjoy, like outdoor concerts, a festival of fine arts, car shows, and family-friendly activities. These events are important because they bring our community together and help local harbor businesses grow. When people visit the harbor for events, they get to enjoy the harbor’s beauty and support our local shops, hotels, rental businesses and restaurants.

We’re looking forward to seeing you all at the Celebration of the Whales Festival and many other events this year! Thank you for being part of our community, and we hope to see you soon!

Looking forward to 2025, there are a variety of activities planned so far at the Harbor that I hope you and your loved ones will enjoy. We anticipate announcing more events in conjunction with the Harbor’s 60th Anniversary. Here’s a look at what we have in store:

  • Celebration of the Whales Festival – April 13
  • 15th Annual Safe Boating Day – May 17
  • Channel Islands Harbor Father’s Day Car Show – June 15
  • Classics by the Sea at the Channel Islands Maritime Museum – June 15
  • 4th of July Festival, Family Parade, Fireworks by the Sea – July 4
  • Channel Islands Harbor Fine Arts Festival – July 12-13
  • Concerts by the Sea – July 12, 19, 26 & Aug. 2, 9, 16, 23, 30
  • Concerts on the Sea – Sept. 6
  • Central Coast British Car Club Show – Sept. 21
  • 4th Annual Parade of Frights – Oct. 25
  • 6th Annual Channel Islands Harbor Food & Toy Drive – Dec. 6
  • 59th Annual Parade of Lights – Dec. 13

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

Michael Tripp, Director
Ventura County Harbor Department