Dana Point Festival of Whales

Catch the Action at the 48th Annual Festival of Whales

Springtime in Dana Point brings the return of the Dana Point Festival of Whales, the world’s longest running event honoring these amazing creatures of the deep. Traditionally set for the first two weekends in March, this year’s event will run March 2, 3, 9 and 10.

Ask any local; Dana Point is year-round perfection when it comes to whale watching. A wide variety of species are regulars here, but there’s something extra special about this time of year, when California gray whales appear in numbers, using Dana Point’s majestic headlands as a landmark in the longest animal migration on the planet. The grays’ 10,000-mile-plus round trip between their warm breeding and calving waters of Baja Mexico and their cold Arctic feeding waters of the Bering Sea is the “magical migration” that served as the original inspiration for this Festival, nearly half a century ago.

This is a favorite time of year to observe our ocean dwelling cetacean neighbors, living it up in the Pacific waves bounding our beautiful city by the sea. The whales, many with calves at their sides, are a sight to behold with tail flukes slapping, blowholes spouting, sidling up to boats filled with excited onlookers, perhaps as curious about us as we are about them.

The Festival kicks off with a parade and street fair in the downtown area and then continues with four full days of whale watching along with fun, educational, and entertaining activities throughout the Dana Point Harbor. Bring the entire family down for games, music, great food and beautiful artwork.

The Festival of Whales is dedicated to fostering a love and appreciation for cetaceans via entertaining, informative, and cultural experiences that all ages can enjoy. The event is a collaborative production brought to you by the Festival of Whales Foundation—a 501(c)3 charitable organization and in conjunction with other local nonprofit organizations. The Foundation was created to inform, inspire and attract residents of Dana Point and visitors from around the world to learn about the planet’s largest mammals and to realize the importance of protecting and preserving the oceans and all ocean life.

Join the fun at the 48th annual Dana Point Festival of Whales. For more information, visit FestivalofWhales.com and follow the event on Facebook and Instagram @festivalofwhales.

FESTIVAL OF WHALES • MARCH 2 – 3 & 9 – 10

OCWineFest

An Exploration of Taste

2ND ANNUAL – MARCH 9-10

OCWineFest returns to San Juan Capistrano March 9 and 10, to sip for a cause, bringing top wineries into one location for two days of wine tasting and wine education on the historic grounds of A Stone’s Throw Winery, with many OC-based winemakers, luxe exhibitors and great philanthropic organizations in the mix. All tickets include unlimited tastings and a souvenir glass.

In its second year, OCWineFest, produced in coordination with LAWineFest owner and CEO, Dr. Joel M. Fisher, will be bigger and better, continuing to blaze the trail of bringing wine and people together – from the novice to the aficionado – in an accessible way, balancing fun, exploration and education with wine and beer tastings, food pairings, seminars, and a chance to meet some of the area’s top sommeliers and winemakers. The event will also feature gourmet goodies and luxury products from a variety of vendors.

Tasty eats will be available for purchase from Cousins Maine Lobster, MAIZ Cocina, Nostimo Greek Mediterranean Cuisine, Slammin’ Sliders and The Poke Hut Food Truck. There will be games by King Barrel and dancing to the tunes of the The Shenanigans Band, Three Forks Junction and other live acts.

The spirit of giving will continue through 2019 at OCWineFest, which will raise funds and awareness for three amazing philanthropic organizations — Kids Konnected, the Swanner House Restoration Foundation, and the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.

At its inaugural event in 2018, almost 2,000 guests sipped more than 200 wines and beers from 40 producers, while they mingled, danced, nibbled bites and learned about award-winning wines from certified sommeliers and the winemakers themselves.

Tickets for the 2019 OCWineFest retail for $100 for General Admission and $125 for All Access, (which provides access to the exclusive VIP boutique winery areas). Designated drivers are appreciated, and their tickets cost only $25. Stay tuned for ticket deals by keeping in touch with OCWineFest online and on social media. More info at www.OCWineFest.com.

41st Annual Dana Point Turkey Trot 2018

The 41st Annual Dana Point Turkey Trot is an Orange County Thanksgiving Day tradition, attracting 11,000 participants and 7,000 volunteers and spectators to the beautiful Dana Point Harbor. Produced by the Dana Point Chamber of Commerce and presented by the Monarch Beach Resort, this event includes scenic 5K and 10K courses, and a Kid’s 1-mile Gobble Wobble fun run. From world class competitors to recreational runners and walkers of all ages, the Dana Point Turkey Trot provides an active start to the holiday season while helping area nonprofit organizations.

The Dana Point Turkey Trot is a fun, family-friendly event featuring activities for all ages! Each year the event hosts a costume contest, with categories including Best Adult Costume, Best Child’s Costume, and Best Group Costume. Get your creative juices flowing and come dressed to win some prizes! The Turkey Trot offers on-course entertainment, featuring DJ Twerky, so you can run, walk, or boogie your way across the finish line. The two-day Health & Wellness Expo features a wide variety of vendors ready to hand out freebies, provide ways to maintain health and wellness, and of course, have a ton of fun.

In the spirit of Thanksgiving, the Dana Point Turkey Trot benefits local nonprofit organizations. This year, the Turkey Trot has chosen the Dana Point 5th Marine Regiment Support Group and the Pet Project Foundation as the local nonprofit beneficiaries for the event. A portion of each runner’s registration fee will go toward supporting their cause. The Dana Point 5th Marine Regiment Support Group provides support and outreach for the benefit of our Wounded, Families of our Fallen, and active duty Marines, Sailors and Families of the 5th Marine Regiment at Camp Pendleton and Wounded Warrior Battalion West. For almost 30 years, Pet Project Foundation (PPF) and the San Clemente-Dana Point Animal Shelter have been united in a unique partnership to provide pro-humane care to the lost and abandoned animals of these two cities. The Dana Point Turkey Trot has donated over $500,000 since it’s inception, and it’s honored to carry on this tradition to support the local community.

Run the race before you stuff your face! Don’t delay, register now and save! Online registration closes Monday, November 19th at midnight. You may also register onsite at the Health & Wellness Expo on Wednesday, November 21st and on race day, Thursday, November 22nd. Prices will increase for onsite registration. Visit TurkeyTrot.com for event details, registration, and to become a race volunteer.

San Juan Capistrano Greek Festival

“OPA!” The 6th Annual San Juan Capistrano Greek Festival, sponsored by Saint Basil Greek Orthodox Church, returns to San Juan Capistrano on Saturday and Sunday, September 29th and 30th. This year’s SJC Greek Festival will take place at a new location – The San Juan Capistrano Community Center located at 25925 Camino Del Avion, San Juan Capistrano. Guests will enjoy authentic Greek cuisine, live Greek music, traditional Greek dancing, specialty shopping at the Greek Market, and a fully-loaded Kids Zone.

Experience a delicious and authentic Greek menu with delectable favorites including Gyros, Mediterranean-seasoned Lamb Chops, Souvlaki, Spanakopita, Tiropita, Pastitsio and Greek Salad. You’ll enjoy handmade Greek pastries from traditional family recipes, like mouth-watering Baklava, powdered sugar Kourambiethes and honey-dipped Loukoumathes (Greek donut holes) along with traditional Greek coffee and refreshing iced coffee Frappés.

You won’t want to miss the “Taverna” with a sports bar twist – equipped with big screen satellite TVs where guests can sip domestic favorites, as well as Greek beer, wine and Ouzo. Stroll through the Festival’s Greek Marketplace where you’ll find an assortment of unique ingredients (including Greek olive oil, honey, teas and spices) along with an array of souvenirs, gifts, jewelry and books to tempt shoppers of all ages.

The Greek word “kefi” means the spirit of joy, fun and a passion for life. You’re sure to feel “kefi” as you’re transported to the enchanting country of Greece by the sights, sounds and culinary delights of this fun-packed Festival weekend. Within seconds, the live Greek music will have you on your feet, dancing and expressing your inner-kefi with shouts of “Opa!” and an unusual desire to break plates! (Don’t worry… easy-to-follow lessons are provided). Saint Basil award-winning dance troupes will also perform traditional dances in authentic costumes representing different regions of Greece.

Festival hours are 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. on Saturday, and 12 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Sunday. Parking is free all weekend long. The San Juan Capistrano Greek Festival will be held at its new location at the San Juan Capistrano Community Center located at 25925 Camino Del Avion in San Juan Capistrano.

For more information on the San Juan Capistrano Greek Festival, please call 949.542.3445, or visit www.SJCGreekfest.org or the event’s Facebook, Instagram and Twitter pages @SJCGreekFest.

Dana Point Lobster Fest

Come join the fun at the 2018 Dana Point Lobster Fest at Doheny State Beach on Saturday, September 8th, hosted by the Monarch Beach Sunrise Rotary Club. Enjoy gourmet appetizers, no-host bar, fresh east coast lobster, smoked tri-tip steak, desserts, live music and dancing.

Proceeds go to Charities supported by the Monarch Beach Sunrise Rotary Club including Make-A-Wish, Boys & Girls Club, Dana Point 5th Marine Support Group and more.

Last year’s Lobster Fest had over 500 patrons & volunteers in attendance and our goal this year is to make it bigger and better! Come join the fun and tell your friends!

Buy tickets today for a discounted rate. Save $15 from price at door!  TICKETS

For more information this fun event please visit DanaPointLobsterFest.org.

Sabroso Craft Beer, Taco & Music Festival

Powered By Gringo Bandito

Returns to Doheny State Beach Saturday, April 7

Headliner The Offspring & Pennywise To Perform At All Shows;
The Vandals, Against Me!, Me First And The Gimme Gimmes & Others Play Select Dates
Plus Craft Beer Sampling, Gourmet Tacos, Lucha Libre Style

Synergy Global Entertainment (SGE) and Brew Ha Ha Productions are pleased to announce the expansion of the acclaimed Sabroso Craft Beer, Taco & Music Festival powered by Gringo Bandito to include additional dates in Sacramento, Denver, Albuquerque, Tucson, Auburn, and Portland during April and May of 2018. Sabroso also returns to the scenic Doheny State Beach in Southern California on Saturday, April 7 from 1:00 P.M. – 9:00 P.M. (VIP Entry at Noon). Each date of the 5th annual taco and craft beer celebration features a music lineup headlined by Orange County, CA-based The Offspring, along with SoCal’s Pennywise. Me First And The Gimme Gimmes, The Vandals, Against Me!, Lit, Unwritten Law, Street Dogs, Los Kung Fu Monkeys, and more will perform on select dates. Visit www.SabrosoTacoFest.com for music lineup details.

Produced by California’s most successful and respected craft beer festival producer Brew Ha Ha Productionsand premier music festival production company Synergy Global Entertainment (SGE), most dates of Sabroso will also feature craft beer tastings (until 4:00 P.M.) from some of the best breweries in the country. The region’s top chefs and restaurants will serve delectable tacos and attendees can enjoy Lucha Libre style wrestling, lawn games, contests, and more. Beer tastings will vary by city according to local alcohol laws and restrictions.

Dexter Holland of The Offspring said, “Tacos and craft beer are two of The Offspring’s favorite things! We’re excited to be bringing Sabroso to new cities in 2018! See you at the shows!”

“Sabroso offers craft beer from some of the best, top-awarded breweries in the nation and pairs them with some of the tastiest tacos in the region. It’s truly an experience unlike anything seen before,” Sabroso co-producer Cameron Collins of Brew Ha Ha Productions said. “The festival will offer everything from savory carne asada and carnitas to delicious fresh fish tacos, and of course, craft beer favorites like IPAs, pale ales, stouts, lagers and more!”

During VIP early entry tastings (from Noon – 4:00 P.M.), and general admission tastings (from 1:00 P.M. – 4:00 P.M.), craft beer lovers that are 21+ can sample over 100 craft beers from the finest breweries in the nation. Tastings will feature tons of local favorites, with an initial list of well-known breweries including Avery Brewing, Pizza Port Brewing Company, Three Weavers, Abnormal Beer Co., Artifex, and Modern Times in Dana Point.

At each festival date, the taco creations will compete for the coveted Sabroso “Best Of Show,” awarded by a panel of highly acclaimed and pre-selected food judges.

Attendees are also invited to sample all flavors of Gringo Bandito—Dexter Holland of The Offspring’s top-rated hot sauce—during the event.

Lucha Libre style wrestling stars from across the globe will take to the ring battling for the title of Sabroso Champion. There will be multiple qualifying wrestling matches throughout each festival day and one final championship match at each show.

Sabroso Craft Beer, Taco & Music Festival powered by Gringo Bandito runs from 1:00 P.M. – 9:00 P.M. (VIP Entry at Noon). Tickets for all dates of Sabroso go on sale Friday, January 26 at 10:00 A.M. local time at www.SabrosoTacoFest.com and start at just $29.00 in some markets and $39.50 in others. For each ticket purchased, $0.50 will be donated to a charity in the local festival market.

The VIP Lounge + Early Entry Ticket includes (1) festival admission ticket with craft beer tastings, music festival access, VIP entry lane with one-hour early entry for craft beer tastings (21+), VIP lounge access with exclusive craft beer tastings and special taco vendors, VIP bathrooms, and VIP commemorative laminate.

The 2018 Sabroso Craft Beer, Taco & Music Festival powered by Gringo Bandito dates are as

Sponsors for Sabroso Craft Beer, Taco & Music Festival powered by Gringo Bandito include Gringo Bandito, Avery Brewing, Rockstar Energy Drink, Chronic Tacos, Milagro Tequila, Cosmic Fog and many more.

For more on Sabroso Craft Beer, Taco & Music Festival powered by Gringo Bandito, visit:

Website: www.SabrosoTacoFest.com
Facebook: @sabrosotacofest
Twitter: @sabrosotacofest
Instagram: @sabrosotacofest

Hashtag: #sabrosotacofest

Dana Point Grand Prix of Cycling

Come Along for the Ride

The 12th annual Dana Point Grand Prix (DPGP), presented by Kingston Technology^®, returns Sunday, April 29. This free, family-friendly, healthy bicycle celebration offers a unique and fun sports experience while raising money for outstanding charities. The event is hosted within the downtown Dana Point Lantern District and is considered a premier Southern California up-close bicycle racing experience for spectators, families and participants. Officially sanctioned by USA Cycling, the governing entity for professional & amateur racing, the DPGP is part of its prestigious national Pro Road Tour schedule.

Attendees will experience thrilling racing action with cyclists often exceeding speeds of 40 mph, competing within inches of one another. Referred to as “NASCAR on Bikes,” the DPGP offers fans the opportunity to watch top American and International athletes navigate a challenging and technical race circuit criterium from local restaurants, shops and expo attractions lined along the course.

In addition to the international level competition, the DPGP will once again team with the Boys & Girls Clubs of Capistrano Valley to present one of the event’s highlights, the free Youth Races beginning at 12 p.m. Kids will have the chance to ride on the same road course as the Pro’s.  Age classes start at 4 & under and go up to 10-years-old, with each participant receiving a t-shirt, medal and other cool swag that promotes a healthy, active lifestyle.

The Dana Point Community Cycling Foundation, Inc., a 501c3 non-profit organization advocating bicycle-friendly communities and safe, responsible cycling, is the organizing entity of the event. The Foundation collaborates with local charities to help organize and produce the top-notch national event.

Races take place throughout the day, with Kids Races starting at noon. The grand finale pro races will start at 2:30 and 4 p.m. for the ladies and men, respectively.  Visit DanaPointGrandPrix.com for more details.

Dana Point Harbor Welcomes
A SUPERHERO HOLIDAY
43rd Annual Boat Parade of Lights Dec. 8-16

Enjoy free holiday activities, Santa, superheroes, and more by the water’s edge

(Dana Point, Calif.) – Supervisor Lisa Bartlett, the County of Orange, OC Parks and Dana Point Harbor invite families to celebrate the season with “A Superhero Holiday” at the 43^rd Annual Boat Parade of Lights. Enjoy jolly activities with a superhero twist on select dates December 8-16 by the water’s edge.

The 43^rd Annual Boat Parade of Lights will take place on December 8, 9, 15 and 16 and feature the theme “A Superhero Holiday.” On each evening of the parade, OC Parks will host free family activities throughout Dana Point Harbor including games, crafts, photos and selfies with Santa, superhero encounters and live entertainment. Festivities begin at 4:30 p.m. and the Boat Parade starts at 7:30 p.m.

“Dana Point Harbor will welcome more holiday festivities and entertainment than ever before during the 43^rd Annual Boat Parade,” Orange County Supervisor Lisa Bartlett, Fifth District, said. “Join us for A Superhero Holiday and enjoy free, family-friendly activities that culminate each night with the spectacular Boat Parade.”

The young and the young at heart are encouraged to dress as their favorite superheroes during the Boat Parade. Everyday heroes, including first responders and military, will be collecting unwrapped toy donations for Operation Santa Claus under the corridor of lights at the pergola. Donations will also be accepted at businesses throughout the harbor.

Free trolleys for each night of the Boat Parade will be running from 3:30 to 10:30 p.m. and will be dropping off and picking up along Dana Point Harbor Drive at Doheny State Beach, The Visitor’s Center, Ocean Institute, Baby Beach, Island Way, Retail Area and back to Doheny.

The holiday season kicks off with Merry Movie Night at Baby Beach on Saturday, December 2 and will feature the holiday favorite film, “Elf.” Festive activities begin at 3:30 p.m., movie begins around 5:15 p.m.; event is free and food and drink will be available for purchase.

Sail through the harbor in holiday spirit during Boat Rides with Santa on Saturday, December 2 and Sunday, December 3 from 10 a.m. – 2. p.m; rides launch from Dana Wharf Sportfishing.

Saturday, December 2 also welcomes Santa Paws for festive photos with the furry friends in your life from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. at the El Torito Courtyard.

Celebrate the holiday season at the spectacular 43rd annual Boat Parade of Lights at Dana Point Harbor. For more information on the evening’s festivities, visit DanaPointHarbor.com.

40th Dana Point Turkey Trot

The 40th annual Dana Point Turkey Trot is an Orange County Thanksgiving Day tradition attracting 11,000 participants and 6,000 volunteers and spectators to Dana Point Harbor.  Produced by the Dana Point Chamber of Commerce and presented by Monarch Beach Resort, this event includes scenic 5k and 10k courses, a Kids’ 1-Mile Gobble Wobble race, costume contest, on-course entertainment and a two-day Health & Wellness Expo. From world-class competitors to recreational runners and walkers of all ages, the Turkey Trot provides a family-friendly, fun and active start to the holiday season while helping area nonprofit organizations.

The Turkey Trot has chosen Family Assistance Ministries and VFW Post 9934 as the local nonprofit beneficiaries for the event. A portion of each runner’s registration fee will go toward supporting their cause.  Family Assistance Ministries assists those in need in Orange County with resources for food, shelter and personalized supportive counsel and aid. The Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 9934 assists fellow veterans and their families with unexpected expenses as well as delivering thousands of pounds of food to Camp Pendleton each week.

Run the Race Before You Stuff Your Face!  Don’t delay, register now and save!  Online registration closes on November 20th at midnight. You may also register onsite at the Health & Wellness Expo on Wednesday, November 22nd and on race day, Thursday, November 23rd. Prices will increase for on-site registration. Visit TurkeyTrot.com for event details, registration and to become a race volunteer.

Dana Point Oktoberfest

Saturday, October 7th from 12 p.m. until 7 p.m.

Dana Point’s 4th annual Oktoberfest captures the true spirit of the season, combining German food, music and dancing with a bit of fun in the sun. This time-honored folk festival, which originated in Munich in 1810, delivers the Bavarian traditions you’d expect with a California-style twist!

“We’re here to celebrate!” enthuses Master of Ceremonies Peter Melton, or the “Pieter Meister,” as he is affectionately called throughout the event. “Plan to come early and stay late. We always have a rockin’ good time!”

The free, family-friendly event is produced by Eventwerks in conjunction with the City of Dana Point, and has been growing in popularity since its inception three years ago. Last year, thousands attended the festival, partying until the end of the day and drinking up every last bit of tasty German beer. This year, the same tempting array of authentic German Bratwurst, Knockwurst, German potatoes, sauerkraut, sweet treats, pretzels (the Pieter Meister’s favorite), and of course, plenty of beer – including at least 15 varieties of premium German and American brew, plus wine and non-alcoholic beverages for the kids, will be on hand.

Kona Brewing Company, along with Munich’s Famous Spaten Beer, will take center stage as sponsors of the 2017 celebration. Admission to Oktoberfest is free. Your first beer comes in a 16 oz. commemorative mug for $20; refills are $10. Several purchase options are available for those who prefer wine.

It wouldn’t be Oktoberfest without festive music! The Kalifornia Krauts, one of OC’s favorite German bands, will liven things up with a unique Oktoberfest Polka-Billy musical style. Games include musical chairs for the kids, the hilarious and now-famous sausage toss, the ever-popular chicken dance, a sauerkraut eating contest, stein holding, and beer chugging. The festivities also feature sing-a-long songs and a dance party, lending this traditional German folk festival a distinctly American flavor.

“Part of what’s made our Oktoberfest event such a success,” shares Peter, “is how we’ve combined German tradition with good, old American fun. I’ve had people come up to me, even traditional people who’ve been to Oktoberfest celebrations for years, and tell me they prefer ours greatly.”

Sea Terrace Park in Dana Point provides a stunning venue, with gorgeous ocean views of Salt Creek Beach, fresh sea breezes, grassy park areas where the kids can run around and play, and an abundance of picnic tables. For a close-up view of the stage and the Pieter Meister’s crazy brand of German-American fun, arrive early to get the best table. Many attendees come dressed in costume, but if you happen to forget your lederhosen, vendors will be selling gear and souvenirs on-site.

Most of all, come prepared to have a good time. Whether you’re German or American, have attended Oktoberfest every year or if this is your first one, you will find something to enjoy. Starting with the playful opening ceremony and tapping of the keg, the day promises a boisterous good time with family and friends, and hilarity as revelers dance, sing, and toast to the bounty of the harvest season. As the Pieter Meister says, “The dance party at the end, as it’s getting dark, is worth the trip alone!”

Dana Point’s Oktoberfest runs from 12 p.m. until 7 p.m. on Saturday, October 7th. Free parking is available on Niguel Road and Stonehill Drive, and on Pacific Coast Highway along the park. Salt Creek Beach offers parking for a fee, or if you are feeling a little VIP(ish), you can always valet at the Monarch Beach Resort. Uber and Lyft are good options and make sense after a day of taking in Oktoberfest. For more information on parking, visit the website at DanaPointOktoberfest.com.