Ahoy, mateys. It’s time to get ye down to the Ocean Institute’s annual Maritime Festival in Dana Point: A Celebration of Tall Ships with fun for the whole family. Friday, Sept. 12 through Sunday, Sept. 14 at Dana Point Harbor. Entrance, parking and some events are free, while other activities require tickets.
Free things to do:
- Pirate Adventure Show: 10:15 a.m.-11 a.m. and 1:15 p.m.-2 p..m. on Saturday and Sunday. A live show on the Spirit of Dana Point, which can be viewed from the sidewalk.
- Sailor Camp: 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Saturday and Sunday 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. on the grass at Baby Beach. See traditional sailor tents, cooking equipment, blacksmiths, pirates and more and then decide if you want to be a pirate.
- Peddler’s Village: 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Located in the Fishing Wharf parking lot, the village will offer music, picnic tables, local vendors, artists, shade, food trucks and a beer garden.
- Free parking and shuttles: Running 6:30 a.m.-8:15 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Park at Dana Hills High School, 33333 Golden Lantern, and shuttles will stop by every 25-30 minutes.
- Free trolley ride: Running 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Saturday and 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Sunday. Take the free Dana Point Trolley to the harbor, and then it’s a 0.7 mile walk to the festival. Northbound stop N8 or Southbound stop S14. visitdanapoint.com/dana-point-trolley/
Stuff that’s not free but cool to do:
If you don’t mind spending a little money, note that organizers say 100% of the proceeds go to support the nonprofit Ocean Institute.
Ticketed experiences include a cannon battle aboard a tall ship, tours of the tall ships in port, a mermaid meet-and-greet and swim show, pirate school for scallywags and more.
Learn more: maritime-fest.org