If you’re looking for something fun to do this weekend — without having to travel very far — Check out the 37th Annual Maritime Festival in Dana Point.

Giving visitors a peek back into history at the days when pirates and tall ships roamed the seas, this event showcases 5 tall ships. Normally, there would be six, but the Ocean Institute’s Spirit of Dana Point is in the midst of a $1 million renovation at a Chula Visa shipyard.

Festival Details

Sponsored by the Ocean Institute, this annual event kicks off the Fall season on the high seas!

Due to health restrictions and protections, 2020’s virtual event filled in for the live one. But this year, the live event is back.

Here are the details:

The festival runs from Friday, Sept. 10, through Sunday, Sept. 12.

Friday

Cannon Battles: 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM – experience battles between the ships on the seal.

Sails ‘N’ Ales: 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM – featuring seltzer and craft beer from 8 breweries, visitors can enjoy live music from Casey Abram (American Idol) as well as Mermaids and Pirates!

Saturday and Sunday

Start your day with a Mermaid Breakfast: 9:00 AM – 10:30 AM

Then, the Festival opens: 10:00 AM and goes until 4:00 PM. You can take tours of the tall ships, learn about local marine life, explore the Intertidal Touch Tank, and the Shark Touch Tank. And, for the whole family there is good panning, learn Morse code, scrimshaw, an archeology dig, mermaid storytime, a sea monster scavenger hunt, arts and crafts and more.

Adults revel in libations in the beer garden, food trucks and vendor booths.

There is also a Mermaid Swim Show (several times in the schedule), Cap’n Jack’s Pirate School and Cannon Battles.

Find out information about tickets and parking here.

Missing Out on the Fun?

If you feel like you’re missing out on all the fun, come on down! We’d love to help you find the perfect home in one of our perfect beach cities. You can see what is available in Laguna Beach here. Or, check out these beautiful homes for sale in Dana Point.