Tall Ships Festival Sails Into Dana Point Harbor September 7-9.
Festivities include the Parade of Sail, mock cannon battles, craft beer tastings, mermaid encounters, historical reenactments and more!
The County of Orange and OC Parks in partnership with Ocean Institute, invite the community to celebrate California’s rich maritime history with the Ocean Institute’s Tall Ships Festival Presented by Toshiba. Gather friends and family for a weekend full of seaside adventures Friday, September 7 – Sunday, September 9 at Ocean Institute in Dana Point Harbor.
“History and passion come alive during the Tall Ships Festival,” said Ocean Institute CEO, Dan Pingaro. “Whether sailing on a tall ship, watching mock cannon battles or enjoying festival activities while listening to live entertainment, there’s something for all ages to engage with the history and adventure of Dana Point Harbor.”
Ocean Institute’s 34th Annual Tall Ships Festival offers multiple activities throughout the weekend. The celebration kicks off on Friday, September 7 with the Parade of Sails and the Sails ‘n Ales kick-off party, followed by a weekend full of tall ship tours, pirate voyages, mermaid encounters and vendors on Saturday, September 8 and Sunday, September 9.
“The Tall Ships Festival is a fantastic celebration of Dana Point Harbor’s maritime history,” said Orange County Supervisor, Lisa Bartlett. “Now in its 34th year, this unique event welcomes the community to explore the days of Richard Henry Dana and beyond in a family friendly atmosphere.”
On Friday, September 7 from 4 – 7:30 p.m., the Parade of Sail kicks off the historic weekend as visitors experience the sight of several iconic tall ships pass by as the sun sets behind the open sails. Visitors are encouraged to bring their cameras to capture the remarkable views.
Festival-goers can continue the festivities during Sails ‘n Ales on Friday from 6:00 – 9:00 p.m. with craft beer tastings from six different California breweries. Visitors will be able to sip craft beer and enjoy delicious eats from local food trucks while listening to live music.
The young and young at heart can enjoy a Mermaid Breakfast on Saturday, September 8 and Sunday, September 9 from 9 – 10:30 a.m. This one-of-a-kind breakfast experience will give visitors the chance to make crafts, enjoy pancakes and interact with mermaids as they swim underwater.
Experience the action of Cannon Battle Sails on board a historical tall ship! Guests ages 4 and older can end their Tall Ships Festival experience with a bang during an exciting mock cannon battle on Saturday and Sunday from 4:30 – 7:30 p.m.
The Tall Ships Festival Pass includes tours of the Brig Pilgrim, the Spirit of Dana Point and all visiting vessels from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m., 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.oceaninstitute.org. Free parking is available at the designatedshuttle lots located at Strand Vista Park and Dana Hills High School with free shuttle rides to the festival. Shuttleswill run from 8:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. from all lots.
OC Parks, Dana Point Harbor and the Ocean Institute encourage guests to embark on the ultimate seaside adventure during the Tall Ships Festival Presented by Toshiba September 7-9. For more information on activities, events, tickets, and parking visit