The Right Whale Festival celebrates the annual return of endangered North Atlantic right whales to the warm coastal waters off northeast Florida and Georgia, where they give birth to and nurse their young. With less than 350 remaining, this family fun event raises awareness of the threats to right whales and how we can help in their recovery. The festival highlights efforts to protect these whales from extinction, as well as ocean-themed activities and exhibits that emphasize education and environmentally responsible adventures and products.

This year, we will also be celebrating the 50th Anniversary of the Endangered Species Act (ESA), a landmark legislation of 1973, which was one of the earliest to protect right whales!  Free Admission - Come early and spend the day!

Schedule of Events:

November 3, 2023

11:30am-1:30pm: Lecture Luncheon

The 2023 Right Whale Festival Lecture Luncheon will take place at Ocean Coast Hotel. During this in-person gathering, you'll have the opportunity to learn about right whales through engaging lectures presented by experts.

Tickets are $15 and include a box lunch.  Space is limited, so get your tickets ONLINE today!

4:00pm-6:00pm: River Cruise

Join us for a NEW Right Whale Festival fundraiser with Amelia River Cruises and Charters. On this river cruise, immerse yourself in the beauty of nature as you sail along salt marshes and riverbanks, spotting fascinating wildlife at every turn, as a professional nature and history expert narrates the journey. Additionally, we are thrilled to announce that we have an esteemed Right Whale expert joining us on board. Space is limited; purchase your ticket ONLINE today.

7:00pm: Kick-Off Party
Location: The Palace Saloon

November 4, 2023

9:00am: Beach Clean-up

Join Keep Nassau Beautiful in cleaning up the beaches and surrounding areas in preparation for the upcoming right whale calving season. Please register ONLINE.

10:00am: Festival Begins

10:00am: Live Music: The Wildflowers
Fernandina's only all girl rock band!

12:00pm: Live Music: Honey Badgers
Classic rock by this local favorite!

1:00pm-6:00pm: Skate Contest
Join the Friends of Fernandina Skatepark and Amelia Surf Co. for the Right Whale Festival Skateboarding Contest!  We have categories for all skaters whether you're just starting or you want to test your skills against the best this event is for you. All ages welcome! Register ONLINE!

1:30pm: Kayak Tour

Amelia Island Kayak Excursions is offering a FREE kayak tour for festival participants. Complimentary spaces are limited, so book ONLINE today usingcode WHALE23 or by calling (904) 557-5307.

2:00pm: Live Music: Hang Eleven
A surf rock band from Amelia Island.

4:00pm: Live Music: Chillakaya
A combination of island style music and upbeat dancehall.

6:00pm: Beach Yoga

Join Centred on Yoga for a Sunset Yoga flow on Main Beach. This will be an all-levels flow, suited for all ability levels. This class will be completely donations-based. Participants should register ONLINE.

7:00pm: Movie in the Park
FREE screening of the award winning documentary Entangled: The Race to Save Right Whales from Extinction! The film chronicles the efforts to protect North Atlantic right whales from extinction. Bring your lawn chairs and join us on the festival grounds for this extraordinary film!

November 5, 2023

9:00am: #LiveLikeJessica Tribute Ride
This ride is a tribute to the memory of Jessica Koelsch Bibza. Jessica was a driving force behind the creation of this festival.  This approximately 35-mile ride is for experienced cyclists, and will be at B and C paces.

9:00am-10:00am: Yoga on the Beach
Join Deb Cunningham on Main Beach for yoga. Enjoy a gentle island yoga flow with magnificent views of the ocean. A yoga practice on the beach will help strengthen your immune system and increase happy feelings and a sense of connectivity. You'll find relaxation and feel good in your body, as you breathe into a deeper peace of mind. Bring a large beach towel or mat, water, and sunscreen. All levels welcome.

10:00am: Festival Begins

10:00am: Dog Parade
TAILS FOR WHALES: Nassau County Humane Society and Tails of the Trail will be hosting a dog parade; rescue and pet dogs will be guided around the festival grounds. Participants are encouraged to dress their pets up in a marine-themed costume (not required); prizes will be awarded for the top three marine themed costumes. Please register in advance at Redbones (809 S 8th St, Fernandina Beach, FL 32034) or ONLINE. Registration is $10 which includes yummy treats and goodies.

10:00am: Live Music: Amelia Blues Project
A group of four musicians playing some of the best classic blues.

11:30am: Live Music: Brian Ernst
A multi instrumentalist who live loops acoustic guitars, didgeridoo's, beat boxing, vocal harmonies and small percussion instruments into uplifting songs with passion and purpose.

1:00pm: Live Music: Gilberto '77
Improvisational, Melodic, Indy, Funk, Fusion

3:00pm: Festival Ends
See you next year! The next Right Whale Festival will be held on November 2 & 3, 2024!

November 6, 2023

Right Whale Volunteer Training

Join Julie Albert with Blue World Research Institute to learn what you can do to save right whales, including how to spot and report right whales from shore.

Date: November 4 - 5, 2023

Time:

Saturday: 10am-6pm
Sunday: 10am-3pm

Location: Main Beach Park, 32 N. Fletcher Ave, Fernandina Beach, FL

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