Channel Islands Harbor is excited to welcome the community to the 27th Annual Celebration of the Whales Festival, taking place from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sunday, April 19, 2026.

A beloved Harbor tradition, this free, family-friendly event celebrates the incredible migration of the Pacific Gray Whale with a full day of interactive activities, education, and ocean-inspired fun.

This year’s festival will feature a community art project, colorful chalk art, shopping, a children’s fun zone, and more. Activities will take place at the Channel Islands Maritime Museum, Channel Islands Boating Center, the Harbor Farmers Market, and along the popular “Gray Whale Migration Trail” through Harbor View Park, connecting the event’s main activity hubs.

Harbor View Park: Family Fun, Art & Whale Education

Families can explore the Gray Whale Migration Trail, featuring interactive and educational booths about the Pacific Gray Whale, along with more than 15 ocean-themed chalk art installations.

Harbor View Park will also host:

• A Children’s Fun Zone with bounce houses and carnival games
• A community mural project, open to all ages
• Engaging marine education experiences for kids and adults alike

The art project will once again be facilitated by the Oxnard Performing Arts Center Corporation.

Channel Islands Maritime Museum & Channel Islands Boating Center

At the Channel Islands Maritime Museum, guests can enjoy hands-on activities celebrating whales and marine life, including:

• Interactive experiments
• Boat building and knot tying
• Arts, crafts, contests, and prizes

Outdoor activities are free, and the museum will be open to visitors (children receive free admission with a paid adult). Food trucks will also be on site.

At the Channel Islands Boating Center, attendees can visit a student market featuring California State University Channel Islands (CSUCI) entrepreneurs, showcasing small businesses run by local students. A selection of local nonprofit organizations will also be on-site, sharing information about their programs and community initiatives.

In addition, the Boating Center’s dock area will be open to the public for tours and learning opportunities, offering visitors a chance to explore the waterfront up close and learn more about boating and ocean recreation.

Channel Islands Harbor Farmers Market

The Harbor Farmers Market will feature:

• An arts & crafts marketplace
• Children’s activities
• Whale facts and marine education booths

The Celebration of the Whales Festival is a collaborative event among Harbor partners, local businesses, and the Harbor Department, bringing the community together to honor the annual migration of the Pacific Gray Whale in a fun, engaging, and family-friendly setting.