Since 1984, on just one special weekend a year, Dana Point Harbor trades its usual calm for an over-the-top maritime extravaganza.
The Ocean Institute’s 42nd annual Maritime Festival is back next week from September 11 through 13, showcasing booming cannons, historic ships, and epic maritime spectacles on the water.
Here’s a closer look…
Cannon battles, mermaid shows, and more
The festival offers a range of ticketed and free experiences for all ages.
Guests who opt for the $17-20 Festival Adventure Pass can enjoy the full Ocean Institute campus: marine science exhibits, shark and tide pool touch tanks, tall ship deck tours, and mermaid and pirate story times.
Additional ticketed experiences include the School for Scallywags, where kids can get pirate training under Cap’n Will; Mermaid Swim Shows and meet and greets; and the popular Cannon Battles at Sea, where guests board ships to experience live cannon fire on open water.
Not every highlight requires a ticket, however. The Pirate Adventure Shows, featuring sword fights, comedy, and high-seas theatrics, are free to watch from the dock on Saturday and Sunday. Visitors can also peruse the vendors at Peddler’s Village and check out historic sailing vessels docked along the water.
Maritime Festival at a glance
📍 Location: Ocean Institute and Dana Point Harbor, Dana Point, California
📅 Dates: September 11–13, 2026
🅿️ Parking: Visitors are encouraged to park in the Dana Point Harbor Parking Structure and take the trolley; additional public parking is available near Baby Beach and along Dana Point Harbor Drive
🚌 Free Dana Point Trolley: Available from 9am-10p on Saturday and 9am-8pm on Sunday
🌐 Learn more: Maritime-Fest.org
