Dana Point is home to some of the best festivals and events in Southern California, bringing the community together for live music, food, culture, and ocean-inspired celebrations. Whether you're a local or planning a visit, here’s a month-by-month guide to Dana Point’s most exciting festivals and events.
🌸 Spring Festivals and Events in Dana Point
🐋 Dana Point Festival of Whales
📍 When: March
📍 Where: Dana Point Harbor
🌟 Why It’s Great: One of Dana Point’s most famous events, the Festival of Whales celebrates the annual migration of thousands of gray whales along the California coast.
🎉 What to Expect:
✅ Whale-watching excursions and educational talks
✅ Family-friendly activities, live music, and food vendors
✅ Parade, art exhibits, and a classic car show
🔗 Website: Festival of Whales
🐰 Easter Egg Hunts & Spring Events
📍 When: April
📍 Where: Sea Canyon Park (33121 Santiago Drive) & Pines Park (34942 Camino Capistrano)
🌟 Why It’s Great: A fun-filled family event with egg hunts, games, pancake breakfast, magic show, and special appearances by the Easter Bunny.
🎉 What to Expect:
✅ Egg hunts for different age groups
✅ Face painting, games, and crafts
✅ Live entertainment and food vendors
📞 For More Info: City of Dana Point Recreation Division at (949) 248-3536
🔗 Website: DanaPointEggHunts
🛍️ Redo Vintage & Maker's Market
📍 When: April
📍 Where: Del Prado Avenue, Dana Point, CA
🌟 Why It’s Great: A vibrant open-air market featuring curated vintage collections, handmade artisan goods, and one-of-a-kind finds.
🎉 What to Expect:
✅ Unique vintage treasures from hand-selected vendors
✅ Handmade goods & artisan crafts from local makers
✅ Live music & entertainment throughout the event
✅ Food trucks & local eats to keep you fueled while you shop
🔗 Website: Redo Market
🎻 Sea Coast Symphony Concert Series
📍 When: February, April, June
📍 Where: St. Edward the Confessor Catholic Church (33926 Calle La Primavera, Dana Point, CA)
🌟 Why It’s Great: Experience the magic of live orchestral music with the Sea Coast Symphony.
🎉 What to Expect:
✅ Diverse Musical Programs: Classical masterpieces to modern compositions
✅ Talented Musicians: Skilled musicians delivering high-quality performances
✅ Community Engagement: Post-concert receptions and artist meet-and-greets
🔗 Website: Sea Coast Symphony
🍷 California Wine Festival
📍 When: April
📍 Where: Laguna Cliffs Marriott Hotel (April 25) & Sea Terrace Park (April 26)
🌟 Why It’s Great: A luxurious wine-tasting event featuring top California wineries, gourmet food, and coastal views.
🎉 What to Expect:
✅ Unlimited wine tastings from California’s best vineyards
✅ Artisan cheese, gourmet food pairings, and live music
✅ Breathtaking oceanfront setting
🔗 Website: California Wine Festival
☀️ Summer Festivals and Events in Dana Point
🎬 Movies in the Park
📍 When: Summer evenings in June
📍 Where: Dana Crest Park, Sunset Park, Sea Terrace Park, & Del Obispo Park
🌟 Why It’s Great: Bring a blanket and enjoy family-friendly movies under the stars!
🎉 What to Expect:
✅ Free outdoor movie screenings
✅ Popcorn, snacks, and food trucks
✅ Kid-friendly entertainment before the movie
🔗 Website: Movies in the Park link to the first one and others are on the calendar
🎆 Dana Point 4th of July Fireworks, Water Wars & Condor Squadron Flyover
📍 When: July 4th
📍 Where: Dana Point Harbor & Doheny State Beach
🌟 Why It’s Great: One of the most spectacular fireworks shows in Orange County—plus epic water battles!
🎉 What to Expect:
✅ Fireworks over the harbor at 9 PM
✅ Condor Squadron WWII aircraft flyover at 5:55 PM
✅ Water Wars – super-soaker battle between boats
✅ Viewing from Doheny State Beach, Lantern Bay Park, and the Harbor
🔗 Website: Dana Point 4th of July
🎶 Dana Point Summer Concert Series
📍 When: Sundays in July and August
📍 Where: Sea Terrace Park
🌟 Why It’s Great: Free, family-friendly concerts featuring a wide range of musical genres.
🎉 What to Expect:
✅ Live Performances: Two bands each Sunday (2:30 PM & 4:30 PM)
✅ Food and Beverage Vendors
✅ Family-Friendly Environment
🔗 Website: Summer Concert Series
🚌 Dana Point Trolley Hop
📍 When: Select weekends
📍 Where: Various stops in Dana Point
🌟 Why It’s Great: Free rides to explore local hotspots, restaurants, and beaches.
🎉 What to Expect:
✅ Free trolley rides all summer
✅ Special Trolley Hop events with live music and deals
✅ A fun, easy way to explore Dana Point
🔗 Website: DanaPointTrolleyHop
🚗 Classic Car Show
📍 When: August
📍 Where: Del Prado Avenue
🌟 Why It’s Great: A showcase of vintage and classic cars that reflect Dana Point’s coastal charm.
🎉 What to Expect:
✅ Classic cars, hot rods, and custom builds
✅ Live music, food vendors, and local shopping
✅ Family-friendly activities
🔗 Website: Dana Point Car Show
🍂 Fall Festivals and Events in Dana Point
🎶 Ohana Music Festival
📍 When: September
📍 Where: Doheny State Beach
🌟 Why It’s Great: Founded by Eddie Vedder, this major music festival features top artists and beachfront vibes.
🎉 What to Expect:
✅ Three days of live music on the beach
✅ Eco-conscious vendors and art installations
✅ VIP experiences and sunset performances
🔗 Website: Ohana Festival
⛵ The Great Tie-Up by Dana Point Yacht Club
📍 When: Sunday before Labor Day (September)
📍 Where: Dana Point Harbor
🌟 Why It’s Great: A floating party where boaters tie up and celebrate on the water.
🎉 What to Expect:
✅ Hundreds of boats tied together
✅ Floating parties, live music, and games
✅ One of Dana Point’s most unique boating traditions
🦃 Dana Point Turkey Trot
📍 When: Thanksgiving Day
📍 Where: Dana Point Harbor
🌟 Why It’s Great: One of the largest Turkey Trots in California, combining fitness with fun.
🎉 What to Expect:
✅ Scenic 5K, 10K, and kids’ races
✅ Festive atmosphere with costumes encouraged
✅ A great way to start Thanksgiving morning
🔗 Website: Dana Point Turkey Trot
🎄 Winter Festivals and Events in Dana Point
🚢 Dana Point Harbor Boat Parade of Lights
📍 When: December (2 weekends)
📍 Where: Dana Point Harbor
🌟 Why It’s Great: Festively lit boats bring the holiday spirit to the harbor.
🎉 What to Expect:
✅ Dozens of boats decorated with lights
✅ Holiday music, hot cocoa, and festive cheer
✅ Great viewing along the harbor
🔗 Website: Dana Point Harbor Events
🎄 Holiday at the Harbor & Santa Photos
📍 When: December 1–31
📍 Where: Dana Point Harbor
🌟 Why It’s Great: The harbor becomes a magical holiday wonderland with lights and photo ops.
🎉 What to Expect:
✅ Walk-through light tunnels and festive displays
✅ Free Santa meet-and-greets for kids
✅ Holiday shopping, live entertainment, and seasonal treats
🔗 Website: Dana Point Harbor Holidays
🎟 Tips for Enjoying Dana Point Festivals and Events
✔ Arrive early to get the best parking and viewing spots.
✔ Check event websites for tickets, reservations, or early-bird discounts.
✔ Bring a blanket or chairs for beach festivals.
✔ Plan your food stops—many events feature food trucks and vendors.
✔ Follow the festival’s social media for updates and insider tips.
Dana Point is home to some of the most exciting festivals and events in Southern California, bringing the community together to celebrate music, food, art, and ocean culture year-round. Whether you’re looking for live concerts, holiday festivities, food & wine events, or unique seasonal experiences, Dana Point has something for everyone.
📅 Mark your calendar and don’t miss out on these amazing celebrations!
