Manchester Beach / Mendocino Coast KOA Journey

Fort Bragg Beer Festival

Starts: 03/15/2025 - Ends: 03/15/2025

Fort Bragg Beer Festival

Saturday, March 15, 2025 from 12-4 PM

Live Music & BBQ $40.00

Eagles Hall, 210 N Corry St.

Taste some ales and watch the whales! 

Taste as many beers as one wants. 21-y.o. ID required. No kids, no pets. Free bus rides.

Beer novice or beer expert come experience beer like you never thought possible.

A benefit for the Fort Bragg Rotary Club, for scholarships and local and international projects.

Wind and Whale Celebration

Starts: 04/19/2025 - Ends: 04/19/2025

The Point Arena Lighthouse is thrilled to present its annual Wind & Whale Celebration on Saturday, April 19 from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Admission to the Light Station Indoor and Outdoor Museums is free, Tower Tours are available for guests 4 and over for $5 per person.

Come stroll the 23 acres of grounds and watch the ocean for migrating gray whales, and wind and weather permitting the Berkeley Kite Wranglers will be flying their huge and colorful kites overhead. Scott & Tree Mercer of the Mendonoma Whale & Seal Study will be on hand to answer questions about the marine mammals that frequent our coast. Check out the Whale Trail interpretive panel next to the California Native Plant garden that showcases the marine mammals that frequent the waters that surround the Light Station. The Light Station Store will be offering sale prices on kites, whale related gifts and other items. Waffles, including gluten-free, and assorted organic baked goods from THE FARM will be available for purchase in the Fog Signal Building Museum.

The Lighthouse is located at 45500 Lighthouse Road just north of Point Arena.

Fort Bragg Town Hall Craft Fair

Starts: 03/15/2025 - Ends: 03/16/2025

Saturday & Sunday, March 15 & 16

The Soroptimists are hosting a whale of sale at Town Hall in Fort Bragg, CA from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM.

Treat yourself to a unique shopping experience at two craft fairs — one inside and one outside. You'll find a wide variety of amazing, handcrafted items, from quilts and toys to iron works, pottery, knits and crochet, jewelry, paintings, tools, and puzzles.

You won't find a better place to get a one-of-a-kind gift for a fan of Fort Bragg.

Whale Festival - Little River Weekend

Starts: 03/07/2025 - Ends: 03/08/2025

Little River Weekend!

March 7, 2025 Event #1: Van Damme Beach Campfire ProgramTime: 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm

Description: Join California State Park Interpreters for an evening of songs, stories, trivia, and s'mores celebrating the Whale Festival. Cozy up around the campfire, sip some cocoa, and watch the sunset on the beach in Van Damme State Park while learning why we celebrate the charismatic cetacean of the season- the Eastern Pacific Gray Whale! Free event.Location: Van Damme State Park Beach- CA-1, Little River, CA

https://maps.app.goo.gl/SHEzcrxLeVXBjsUP7
*Program will be canceled for rain, severe weather/ocean conditions, or park closure~

March 8, 2025 Event #2: Spring Ranch Whale WalksTimes: Walk #1: 11:00 am - 12:00 pmWalk #2: 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm

Description: Scout for spouts on this guided walk through Van Damme State Park's Spring Ranch property! California State Park Interpreters will guide visitors through this stunning area to watch for the magnificent migrating Eastern Pacific Gray Whale. Join us to learn the incredible story of this fascinating population of cetaceans! 

• Free of charge
  
• Binoculars provided
  
• All ages welcome
  
• Donations to MendoParks accepted
  
• Dog friendly (leash required)
  
• Bumpy trail, strollers not recommended
  

Parking is available on the west side, northern pull-out of Hwy 1 across from Gordon Lane.

 https://maps.app.goo.gl/NvfEgE4xnSDVQNNAA
*Program will be canceled for rain, severe weather/ocean conditions, or park closure~

March 8, 2025 Event #3: Margarita Madness!Time: 5:00 pm Fee: $75.00

Held in beautiful Little River, CA at the stunning Little River Inn, as part of the Little River Whale Fest, is the Margarita Madness Competition! Join the fun and watch the battle as professional and amateur bartenders go head to head for glory and prizes. Judge up to six margaritas and vote for your favorite. Tickets are $75 for this fundraiser for MendoParks, helping us to support 10 coastal state parks from Westport to Manchester. Ticket Link Coming Soon!

Fort Bragg Whale Festival Wine Walk & Chowder Tasting

Starts: 03/15/2025 - Ends: 03/15/2025

The Mendocino Coast Chamber of Commerce and Visit Fort Bragg are thrilled to bring back the Fort Bragg Whale Festival Wine Walk and Chowder Tasting competition in Downtown Fort Bragg!

Start with a taste of chowder from many of our local restaurants and give your favorite your vote.  Then enjoy beautiful wines and hors d'oeuvres from over a dozen wineries from Mendocino County while visiting our local shops and quaint downtown area. Whale watch from miles of beaches including along the coastal trail in Fort Bragg.

Must be 21 years of age with your ID for the wine walk. 

When: Saturday, March 15th from 10:00-3:00 pm  
Where: Gymnasium at City Hall, 213 E. Laurel St., Fort Bragg, CA  

Tickets for the wine walk and chowder tasting can be bought online at www.mendocinocoast.com, and at the Mendocino Coast Chamber office at 217 S Main Street, Fort Bragg. Tickets can also be purchased day of the event at the welcome center.

46th annual John Druecker Memorial Rhododendron Show

Starts: 05/03/2025 - Ends: 05/04/2025

May 3 and May 4, 2025

Each year, the Noyo Chapter of the American Rhododendron Society (ARS) partners with Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens to showcase some of the best rhodie specimens on the west coast. The 46th annual John Druecker Memorial Rhododendron Show will be held at the Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens on Saturday, May 3 and Sunday, May 4.

The juried show is quite possibly the largest in California with a typical show displaying more than 800 entries and filling the big tent with cascades of color and fragrance.
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The Rhododendron Show is free to attend and open to the public on Saturday and Sunday.

In addition to hundreds of individual flower entries, there will be plants, bonsai, photos, floral arrangements, hourly plant raffles, and educational displays. A large selection of rhododendrons and other plants will be available for purchase in the big tent and at the Gardens' Nursery. Local growers and Noyo Chapter ARS members will be on hand to answer questions and discuss the best plants for your garden.

Regular admission rates apply to visit the Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens during the show.

The Gardens is home to one of the nation's largest collections of rhododendrons—many hybridized on the Mendocino Coast—and they promise to fill the formal gardens and woodlands with riotous color. The Gardens' Rhododendron Collection includes over 124 species and 315 taxa. More than 1,000 rhododendrons can be seen blooming throughout the Gardens from early spring until June!

37th Annual Whale Walk & Run

Starts: 03/15/2025 - Ends: 03/15/2025

Whale Run 5k & 10k & Fun Walk

Soroptimist International of Fort Bragg & Noyo Sunrise is proud to sponsor & host the ever-popular run & walk along the coast that includes a Kiddie Race, 10k & 5k runs & a Fun Walk.

Pre-register online

RACE  FEES

Until March 9 / March 10–16

10K & 5K Runs  $45/55
Fun Walkers  $35/45
Youth under 16  $20/30
Kiddie Race Under 6  $10/20

START TIMES

Kiddie Race 8:30am
5K, 10K Runs 9:00am
Fun Walkers 9:15am

The yearly Whale Run has become a favorite for locals and people from afar to have family reunions and catch a glimpse of the migrating grey whales. One year eleven states were represented and even brought in a few racers from other countries to play in Fort Bragg and run in the race.The NEW course on the Noyo Headlands Coastal Trail provides ocean views the entire course for both the runners and walkers.

• Starting on the Noyo Headlands, runners pass Soldier Point to the Coastal Trail where all 5K-ers will turn around.
  

• The 10K and half marathon runners dash by Glass Beach to cross the beautiful Pudding Creek Trestle to their turn-arounds.
  

Mendocino County Fair & Apple Show

Starts: 09/12/2025 - Ends: 09/14/2025

ANNUAL MENDOCINO COUNTY FAIR AND APPLE SHOW 
DATES: September 12-14th, 2025
LOCATION: Fairgrounds, Boonville, Anderson Valley, Mendocino County, California
HOURS: 9 AM to Midnight Daily!

ADMISSION:Adults – $10

Juniors 13-18 – $8

Children 7-12 – $6

Children 6 & under –

FREE SPECIAL PROMOTIONS:Friday – Seniors – 65 and over $6 – ALL DAY!

Friday – Children 12 and Under – FREE!

Three Day Pass for Seniors – 65 & over – $20 (Purchase Pre-Fair)
CARNIVAL Daily! – Pay-One-Price for Unlimited Rides $35 – Good All day
$45 if purchased during Fair – (Pre Sale available at Fair Office & Lemon's Market in Philo and A.V. Elementary School)

Waves & Whales 5k Trail Run

Starts: 05/10/2025 - Ends: 05/10/2025

Additional race information can be found at https://acornpartnersineducation.org/fundraising/waves-whales-trail-run/.
Location: 451 School Street
Point Arena, CA US 95468

Description: The annual Waves & Whales 5K Trail Run-Walk is held on the Mendocino Coast in Point Arena. Taking full advantage of the location, the run takes place on the Point Arena-Stornetta Unit of the California Coastal National Monument. The course begins behind City Hall in the conifer forest off Highway 1, makes its way to the coast where it follows the bluffs, and then winds back into the pine and cypress forest.

Proceeds from the Waves & Whales Trail Run support ACORN Partners in Education's environmental stewardship program, Students Protecting the Coast, which engages youth in hands-on learning with a focus on conservation and community outreach. Students Protecting the Coast began during the 2012-13 school year as part of the local and national campaign to include the Point Arena-Stornetta Lands in the California Coastal National Monument. Students continue to learn about our coastal landscape and are empowered to use their voice by sharing what they've learned with the community.ACORN is committed to hosting a sustainable event that honors the natural landscape and educates the larger community.

The Waves & Whales Trail Run promises to be a worthwhile coastal excursion—runners can expect a rejuvenating run surrounded by natural beauty and the knowledge that they are supporting the continued stewardship of this land by, and for, the next generation.

• Hikers welcome.
  
• Participants receive organic cotton t-shirt and snacks. (Register early to ensure a t-shirt in your size.)
  
• Age categories and awards. (Hand-made award medallions from Point Arena Tileworks.)
  

Fort Bragg Blues Festival

Starts: 05/02/2025 - Ends: 05/04/2025

May 2-4, 2025

Plans are underway for the first-ever Fort Bragg Blues Festival. It promises to be an unforgettable three days of blues music, with notable performers appearing at venues all around downtown Fort Bragg. Start making your plans now and follow along to learn more as Fort Bragg Blues Festival gets closer.Here are a few of the artists scheduled to perform so far.

Look for more to come:• JC Smith Band – INFO
• Brad Wilson and the Rhythm Drivers –  INFO
• Mark Hummel, with Steve Fruend – INFO
• Big Mo and the Full Moon Band + Volker Strifler – INFO

Follow Fort Bragg Blues Festival On Social Media for more information.

Whale Festival - Fort Bragg Weekend

Starts: 03/15/2025 - Ends: 03/16/2025

Fort Bragg Weekend!

March 15, 2025 Event #1: Whale Tale Trail!Time: 10:00 am - 1:00 pm

Description: Follow MacKerricher State Park's "Whale Tale Trail" to scout for spouts! All are welcome to come and visit our 3 "Cetacean Stations" to learn all about the Eastern Pacific Gray Whale and why we celebrate the Whale Festival! 

• Free of charge
  
• Binoculars provided
  
• All ages welcome
  
• Donations to MendoParks accepted
  
• Dog-friendly (leash required)
  
• ADA Accessible Trail/Boardwalk
  

March 15, 2025Event #2: MacKerricher Whale Festival Campfire ProgramWhere: MacKerricher Campfire CenterTime: 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm

Description: Join California State Park Interpreters for an evening of songs, stories, trivia, and s'mores around the campfire in MacKerricher State Park's Campfire Center. Visitors will learn why we celebrate this charismatic cetacean while sipping hot cocoa as the sun sets.
Free event.
Location: MacKerricher Campfire Center, across from park entrance kiosk and visitor center. Parking in the group camp.
https://maps.app.goo.gl/nKcCiwZw65ERP57R6
*Program will be canceled for rain, severe weather, or park closure~

March 16, 2025 Event: MacKerricher Whale Skeleton PaintingTime: 11:00 am - 3:00 pm

Description: Throw on that old painting shirt and apply another coat of paint to the whale skeleton in MacKerricher State Park! Come to paint, sip cocoa, and learn the fascinating history of MacKerricher's fully articulated gray whale skeleton. Help ensure that these amazing bones are preserved for years to come.
Free event.
Location: MacKerricher Whale Skeleton, next to park kiosk and visitor center. Parking in group camp. 
https://maps.app.goo.gl/nKcCiwZw65ERP57R6
*Program will be canceled for rain, severe weather, or park closure

Whale Festival - Mendocino Weekend

Starts: 03/01/2025 - Ends: 03/01/2025

Mendocino Weekend!.

March 1, 2025 

Event #1: Gray Whale Information
StationTime: 10:00 am - 2:00 pm
Description: Join California State Park Interpreters to learn about our favorite magnificent migrating mammal of the season- the Eastern Pacific Gray Whale! Come check out the Ford House Visitor Center, hear about the many upcoming free Whale Festival activities, and learn something new about gray whales!

• Free of charge 
  
• All ages welcome
  
• ADA accessible
  

~March 1, 2025
Event #2: Guided Whale WalkTimes:
Walk #1: 11:00 am - 12:00 pm
Walk #2: 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm
Description: Scout for spouts on this guided walk through the Mendocino Headlands! California State Park Interpreters will guide visitors through the headlands to watch for the magnificent migrating Eastern Pacific Gray Whale. Join us to learn the incredible story of this fascinating population of cetaceans! 

• Free of charge
  
• Binoculars provided
  
• All ages welcome
  
• Donations to MendoParks accepted
  
• Dog friendly (leash required)
  
• Bumpy trail, strollers not recommended