Oxnard's Celebration of the Whales Festival

Migrate to the picturesque Channel Islands Harbor for the celebration.

A lively coastal tradition

Whale Watching Season and Coastal Significance in Oxnard

The Channel Islands Harbor is Oxnard’s hub for waterfront activities and every year it hosts a number of festivities, including the Celebration of the Whales Festival. The Santa Barbara Channel was designated as the 9th Whale Heritage site in the world, and the Channel Islands Marine Sanctuary sits just off the coast of Oxnard. Locals as well as visitors to the area enjoy whale watching season every year from winter through spring, making it the perfect time to celebrate the migration of Pacific gray whales as they journey to Mexico to give birth.

Family-Friendly Festival with Art, Music and Ocean Education

The event brings together the best of Oxnard’s coastal culture—community, ocean views, art and music. Interactive exhibits highlight ocean awareness and marine life protection in a way that is engaging for kids and families. Local vendors add to the experience with art and food, creating a welcoming, fun-filled day along the harbor.

What the Festival Celebrates
A majestic humpback whale leaps gracefully above the sparkling ocean, framed by clear skies and joyful sprays of water.

Honoring the Gray Whale Migration

Pacific Gray Whale Migration Route

Every year upwards of 25,000 Pacific Gray Whales travel through the Santa Barbara Channel travelling to and from the warm waters of Mexico. The whales travel down to Mexico to give birth from the Atlantic and pass through the Channel Islands on both parts of their trip. The whales begin migrating in the fall and return to the Arctic with the calves to feed in the early spring. Prime whale watching in Oxnard is from the end of December through the middle of March.

Whale Heritage Status and Conservation Efforts

In 2023, the Santa Barbara Channel of the Channel Islands National Park was designated as the 9th Whale Heritage of the World. The honor recognizes locations that are exceptional in the care and support of cetaceans and their environment. The National Marine Sanctuary is an excellent location dedicated to the education and protection of marine environments and protected species that live therein.

Visiting the Channel Islands National Park or National Marine Sanctuary during whale migration offers a chance to see these animals up close in a protected environment. The Celebration of the Whales festival brings that same experience together with a lively community event.

Activities & Family Experiences at the Festival
A joyful adult lifts a smiling child under tall ship masts on a sunny day, with golden sunlight streaming through the ropes.

Interactive Fun for All Ages

All are whalecome at the Celebration of the Whales Festival! The Harbor tradition features arts & crafts, vendors and hands-on educational displays.

Things to Do at the Celebration of the Whales Festival

Recent years have had implored kids and the young at heart to join in on a paint-a-whale mural and create chalk art. Each year, the kids activity areas are loads of fun for the kiddos. Stop by the kids activity areas for carnival games and a bounce house!

At the Channel Islands Maritime Museum there will be activities about whales and the local marine life. Bring the whole family to celebrate and enjoy the day. Additionally, there will be vendors with jewelry, clothing and more creative creations.

In honor of the festival, many harbor activities are free via the Channel Islands Boating Center. Kids can get out into the harbor on free kayaking and paddleboarding excursions!

On-the-Water Opportunities
Stunning aerial view of a vibrant marina with boats and charming houses along a scenic channel, ocean and mountains beyond.

Get Closer to the Marine Environment

The Celebration of the Whales is a great time to learn about and Interact with maritime and environmental organizations. The following will be available at the Celebration of the Whales:

Harbor Activities and Local Organizations

The Channel Islands Boating Center

The CIBC (Channel Islands Boating Center) hosts recreation for kids and adults alike. Their focus is on boating and providing education on the local marine environment.

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The Channel Island Maritime Museum

Centuries of artifacts, ship models, and maritime art live at the Maritime Museum. Explore the journey of maritime art from 17th artist through present or see the largest bone-model collection. There’s always something new at the museum. Community events like the Celebration of whales and speakers are all set to the backdrop of The Channel Islands.

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Island Packers

Island Packers take visitors to all five of the islands in the Channel Island National Park and on wildlife cruises in the Channel Islands Nation Marine Sanctuary. The perfect time to go is during whale watching season.

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Whale Watching Opportunities

Island Packers Whale Watching

Island Packers Whale and Wildlife cruises are available from January- April. Each whale watching trip is about 3-3.5 hours and offers visitors to see whales spouting, breaching and even spot young whale calves.

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Channel Islands Whale Watching

Charter a boat into the Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary, where ocean currents create prime whale watching conditions. Tours follow migrating whales through these rich coastal waters.

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Channel Islands Expeditions

Channel Islands Expeditions takes you into the waters on a custom built excursion vessel, a non-landing trip to the Anacapa Island for the best way to see the action! The boat has low decks so you can see the whales and dolphins up close.

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Educational Exhibits & Marine Science
Golden sunlight dances through a vibrant underwater kelp forest, highlighting swaying fronds in sparkling blue-green water.

Learn About Ocean Life

Whale Education and Ocean Conservation Insights

Booths and vendors of the Celebration of the Whales will offer recreation and education. Learn all you’ve wanted to know about the Pacific Gray Whale and the ecosystems in the Channel Island Marine Sanctuary– nature's perfect blend of hot and cold currents converging. Further your understanding on ocean conservation, as well! Hands on activities will be your guide in explaining what you need to know about whale behavior and their annual migration!

Why Visitors Love the Festival
Aerial view of a charming coastal town featuring inviting houses, a golden sandy beach, and gentle ocean waves under sunny skies.

A Local Tradition with Broad Appeal

A Longstanding Community Tradition in Oxnard

The Celebration of the Whales has been a staple in Oxnard for nearly 30 years, bringing together locals and visitors for a shared coastal experience. Year after year, families return to enjoy a familiar tradition that highlights the connection between the community and the ocean. Its consistent presence on the local calendar has made it one of the harbor’s most anticipated annual events.

This year’s festivities take place along the Gray Whale Migration Trail, stretching between the Maritime Museum and the Channel Islands Farmers Market. The waterfront setting offers open-air views, fresh ocean air, and an easygoing atmosphere that makes it simple to explore at your own pace. The layout encourages visitors to stroll, stop, and take in everything the harbor has to offer throughout the day.

Accessible and Easy for All Visitors to Enjoy

As an outdoor event, the festival is designed to be welcoming and accessible for all. The flat, walkable areas along the harbor make it easy for families with strollers, as well as those needing mobility assistance, to participate comfortably. With plenty of space to move around and enjoy the surroundings, it’s an event that prioritizes ease and inclusivity for every visitor.

Planning Your Visit
Imgi 25 Channel Islands harbor Rowing 9 4739c54e174f66b55f651ecc1534086d

Tips to help you plan ahead

Arrival & Parking

Here’s what you need to know about the arrival and getting to the Celebration of the Whales. The fun will start at 11 and you don't want to miss a moment!

  • Come early to the Celebration of the Whales!
  • Parking for the event will be near the Boating Center Activity Area
  • Be prepared to walk along the migration trail for the day's festivities.

Accessibility & Family Considerations

This event is suitable and fun for the whole family. The educational booth and kid areas are interactive and promise to give the kiddos excellent opportunities to learn and play.

  • The outdoor waterfront is accessible for wheelchairs and strollers
  • The environment is welcoming for kids and kids at heart with various activities and vendors bringing something for everyone!

What to Bring

The festival is an outdoor event, so be prepared to flip down the marina on your own two flippers. Here’s a list of things to remember to bring for a worry-free day.

  • Be sure to wear and bring sun protection (i.e. hats, sunscreen, etc.)
  • Don’t forget a reusable water bottle
  • SoCal weather is warm, but the coast brings a breeze, bring sunglasses and a light jacket.
Explore More & Plan an Overnight Stay
Aerial view of four people enjoying paddleboarding on a peaceful canal with charming houses and a bright blue sky.

Turn Your Visit Into a Coastal Getaway

Nearby Beaches, Parks and Waterfront Areas

The Channel Islands Harbor is Oxnard’s hub for water recreation. After the celebration, keep the day going with a wave of endless possibilities. Head to Kiddie Beach Park for kid-friendly swimming. Kiddie Beach is protected within the harbor so there are no waves, making it perfect for young swimmers. That is, as long as the sea lions haven't overtaken the beach as their hangout spot for the day! This does happen from time to time, but makes for great sight-seeing. Lifeguards are on duty and your furry friends can come along as long as they’re leased- making the beach totally family fun! Visit where movies were filmed at Hollywood and launch kayaks and more at Hobie Beach.

Fisherman's Catch

Dining Options Around Channel Islands Harbor

Not ready to leave the scenic views of the marina? Grab a bite, the views are free of charge!For American fare nearby, Mrs. Olsen’s Coffee Hut for breakfast, brunch and lunch. The Lookout Bar and Grill has big screens, open mics and karaoke starring British Cuisine for an evening hangout.If your family is craving seafood, you know you’re in the right place. Catch the wave of freshness at Fisherman's House Sushi, Sea Fresh or Fisherman’s Catch. Whichever you choose, each of the local favorites makes a splash.

Additional Boating and Outdoor Activities

Hit up Hooks Sportfishing for a customized boating adventure. Choose from a half day trip, overnight and more! Hook’s offers open and private charters all season. Gondola Paradiso offers Venetian gondola experience. Experience the scenic Channel Island Harbor gliding on the sea with a professional gondolier.

The Mystic Whaler is a 110-ft schooner and is an amazing medium for exploring the sea. The Mystic Ocean Adventures (MOA) nonprofit offers youth excursions and family oriented opportunities to learn together. The ocean-based immersive experience travels along the Channel Islands and California’s central coast where there’s so much to be discovered. The Scarlet Belle is your opportunity to charter on a paddlewheel riverboat! Plan a gathering at this timeless venue on the sea. Southern California Jet Skis provides rentals of jet skis, electric boats and bicycles. You can find them at the Marine Emporium Landing at the Channel Islands Harbor.

Extend Your Stay Overnight

Hampton Inn Channel Island Harbor

Stay between Fisherman’s Wharf and Marine emporium Landing in a room with a marina-front balcony not only for the views, but to wake up walking distance from all the Harbor has to offer!

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Zachari Dunes at Mandalay Beach

The resort offers 23,000 square feet of space for unwinding at cabanas or in your suite. The onsite restaurant Ox and Ocean is acclaimed for creative cocktails, poolside service and elevated meals.

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Staybridge Suites

Make yourself right at home with complete kitchens, stainless steel appliances and granite counter tops at Staybridge Suites. Or spoil yourselves with lofts and fireplaces. Your stay, your way.

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Celebrate the Journey, Discover the Coast
A happy child in a wetsuit stands on the edge of the "SUNFISH" boat, ready for a fun splash into the clear water.

A Festival That Captures the Spirit of the Coast

The Celebration of the Whales Festival offers more than a single day of entertainment — it provides a meaningful connection to one of the world’s great wildlife migrations and to the ocean culture that shapes Oxnard. Whether you come for hands-on activities, marine education, harbor recreation or simply to enjoy time outdoors with family and friends, the event delivers an experience rooted in community and natural wonder.

Continue Exploring Oxnard

Long after the festival ends, Channel Islands Harbor and the surrounding coastline remain filled with opportunities to explore. From whale watching excursions and beach outings to waterfront dining and cultural attractions, visitors can easily continue their coastal adventure throughout the weekend. Plan to return during migration season or explore the city’s many other festivals and outdoor experiences to see why Oxnard remains a destination shaped by the sea.