Whale of a Time in ’99

A few of the California festivals and events this year celebrating the migration of gray whales from Alaska to Baja California. Peak Southland viewing is usually December through March.

Festival: Monterey Peninsula Whalefest ’99

Date: Jan. 15-31

Phone: (831) 644-7588

Description: Two-week celebration at Monterey Bay, Point Lobos and Big Sur. Whale-themed art shows, natural history exhibits and children’s programs at dozens of sites, including free admission 7-9:30 p.m. Jan 24 to the Monterey Bay Aquarium.

Festival: Cabrillo Whale Watch Weekend

Date: Jan. 23-24, 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m.

Phone: (619) 557-5450

Description: Special speakers and exhibits. Whale-watching from station at end of Point Loma in San Diego.

Festival: Ventura Harbor Village Fourth Annual Whale Celebration

Date: Feb. 21

Phone: (805) 644-0169

Description: Educational and environmental booths, marine art, Chumash Indian culture displays, marine-life touch tanks, music and entertainment.

Festival: Oxnard’s Celebration of the Whales

Date: Feb. 12-March 14, weekends only

Phone: (800) 269-6273

Description: Entertainment and exhibits on whales at Channel Islands Harbor. Also island trips, speakers, a 10K run, tall ships display and more.

Festival: West Marin’s First Annual Whales, Wildlife and Wildflowers Festival

Date: January-April

Phone: (415) 499-5000

Description: Various events, including whale-watching from Point Reyes National Seashore; viewing elephant seals; wildflower and garden tours; art exhibits; Robert Burns Night at Muir Beach.

Festival: Dana Point’s 28th Annual Festival of the Whales

Date: Feb. 20-March 7

Phone: (800) 290-DANA

Description: Weekend events, including street fair Feb. 20-21 with parade, Orange County Marine Institute open houses, whale-watching tours, lectures, YMCA Junior Whale Run and more.

Festival: Mendocino’s 17th Annual Whale Festival

Date: March 7-8

Phone: (800) 726-2780

Description: Whale-watching walks on the headlands, wines from Mendocino vintners, chowder tasting, wooden boat show and music.

Festival: Fort Bragg’s 17th Annual Whale Festival

Date: March 20-21

Phone: (800) 726-2780

Description: 10K and 5K Whale Run; clam chowder and microbrew beer tastings; whale-watching excursion at Noyo Harbor

Festival: Cabrillo Marine Aquarium’s Whale Fiesta

Date: June 6

Phone: (310) 548-7562

Description: Sand sculpture contest, food, crafts, children’s activities, entertainment and booths on sea life issues.

Sources: California Trade and Commerce Agency and Times Staff