Tall Ships Festival

Dana Point Harbor September 8-10

Enjoy a weekend of festivities including mock cannon battles, tall ships tours, mermaid breakfasts, pirate adventures, historical reenactments, live music and more!

The County of Orange and OC Parks in partnership with Ocean Institute, invite the community to celebrate California’s rich maritime history during the Ocean Institute’s Tall Ships Festival in Dana Point Harbor. Gather friends and family for three days of events Friday, September 8 – Sunday, September 10 and experience the ultimate seaside adventure!

“The Tall Ships Festival is a truly unique combination of events that welcomes ocean lovers of all ages to watch history come alive,” commented Ocean Institute CEO, Dan Pingaro. “Dating back to the days of Henry Dana and beyond, visitors and locals can experience the history of Dana Point Harbor. From mock cannon battles to educational activities to live music and food, there’s something for everyone at the Tall Ships festival.”

The Tall Ships Festival at Dana Point Harbor includes three days of events and entertainment for festival-goers of every age, prices vary per event. Festivities and the Tall Ships parade kicks off on Friday, September 8 and Tall Ships tours, pirate adventures, mermaid encounters and several other activities await guests on Saturday, September 9 and Sunday, September 10.

“The Tall Ships Festival is a longstanding important tradition for our community, celebrating the origins of this vibrant port city,” said Orange County Supervisor Lisa Bartlett, “I’m excited that the County of Orange can support this wonderful event.”

The Parade of Sails on Friday, September 8 from 4:00 – 7:30 p.m. kicks off the festival and invites guests to join the armada as they adventure aboard a historic tall ship to work with the crew hailing up sail or to sit back to enjoy the ride.

The fun continues with Sails ‘n Ales on Friday from 6:00 – 9:00 p.m. with a craft beer tastings from Sierra Nevada, Mother Earth, Bottle Logic, Lost Winds, and Laguna Beach Beer Company. Guests can sip craft beer, feast on delicious eats from local food trucks, enjoy live music from dance-fusion band Afrolicious, and watch 6 majestic tall ships over 130 feet in size sail in from the coast as the sun sets.

Mermaid lovers of all ages can enjoy the Breakfast with a Mermaid  Saturday, September 9 and Sunday, September 10 from 9:00 – 10:30 a.m. Guests will enjoy brunch, story time, and crafts and then watch our mermaids swim underwater in a nearby tank.

Experience the Tall Ships Festival on board a historical tall ship during Cannon Battle Sails! Guests ages 4 and older are invited to participate in a dramatic mock cannon battle on Saturday and Sunday from 4:30 – 7:30 p.m. with blasting cannons, towering rigging, and bustling decks.

The Tall Ships Festival Adventure Pass grants guests all day admission into the Festival and includes tours of the Brig Pilgrim, the Spirit of Dana Point, and all visiting vessels in addition to access to pirate encampments, exhibits, crafts, the craft beer garden and much more.

Prices vary per event and can be found at www.ocean-institute.org. Free parking is available at the designated shuttle lots located at Strand Vista Park and Dana Hills High School with free shuttle rides to the festival. Shuttles will run from 8:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. from all lots.

OC Parks, Dana Point Harbor and Ocean Institute welcome guests to enjoy an unforgettable seaside adventure during the Tall Ships Festival September 8-10. For more information on activities, events, tickets, and parking visit https://www.ocean-institute.org/tall-ships-festival.