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 360 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. Free Admission - Come early and spend the day!

Schedule of Events:

November 1, 2024:

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

The 2024 Right Whale Festival Lecture Luncheon will take place at Courtyard Amelia Island, 2700-1 Atlantic Ave, Fernandina Beach, FL 32034. 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.

5:00pm - 7:00pm: River Cruise - Amelia River Cruises

Join us for a 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 right whale experts joining us on board. Space is limited; purchase your ticket Online today.

November 2, 2024:

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 - Main Beach Park

The Right Whale Festival will be held from 10am-6pm on Saturday, November 2, 2024 at Main Beach Park: 32 N. Fletcher Ave., Fernandina Beach, FL 32034.

10:00am: Live Music: Honey Baders - Main Beach Park

Classic rock by this local favorite!

1:00pm: Live Music: Brian Ernst - Main Beach Park

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 - 6:00pm: Skate Contest - Main Beach Skate Park

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! Please register Online.

3:30pm: Live Music: Truphonic - Main Beach Park

7:00pm: Movie in the Park - Main Beach Park

Free screening of the documentary Right Over the Edge. A new film about the world's rarest whale. Bring your lawn chairs and join us on the festival grounds for this extraordinary film!

November 3, 2024:

9:00am: #LiveLikeJessica Tribute Ride - Main Beach Park

North Florida Bicycle Club will be hosting a tribute ride on the morning of Sunday, November 3, 2024 at 9 am. 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. Please register Online.

9:00am - 10:00am: Yoga on the Beach - Main 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 - Main Beach Park

The Right Whale Festival will be held from 10am-3pm on Sunday, November 3, 2024 at Main Beach Park: 32 N. Fletcher Ave., Fernandina Beach, FL 32034.

10:00am: Dog Parade - Main Beach Park

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 $15 which includes yummy treats and goodies.

10:00am: Live Music: Chillakaya - Main Beach Park

A combination of island style music and upbeat dancehall.

1:00pm: Live Music: Gilberto 77' - Main Beach Park

3:00pm: Festival Ends

See you next year!!!! The next Right Whale Festival will be held on November 1 & 2, 2025!!!!

Dates and Times:

November 2, 2024: 10am - 6pm
November 3, 2024: 10am - 3pm

Location:

Main Beach Park,
32 North Fletcher Avenue,
Fernandina Beach, FL 32034.

Click here for more information.