Annual Events

There are many events (natural and man-made) that occur each year on the Mendocino Coast. Here’s a list of those events by season.

Spring : an explosion of colorful wildflowers!

Whale Watching (December through April)
Mendocino Coast Whale Festivals (March) 707-961-6300
Native rhododendrons bloom everywhere (April)
Harbor seal pupping season at MacKerricher State Park (April, May) 707-964-8898
Mendocino Film Festival (May) 707-937-0171
Rhododendron & Azalea Garden Tour (May)
Gloriana Musical Theatre Young Performers Musical (May)

Summer : the time to get outdoors!

Father’s Day Chicken BBQ by Comptche Fire Dept. (June)
Mendocino Fourth of July Parade (July) 707-961-6300
World’s Largest Salmon BBQ (Fourth of July Weekend) 707-962-0548
Fort Bragg Fourth of July Fireworks (July) 707-961-6300
Mendocino Music Festival (July) 707-937-2044
August: peak for begonias, fuchsias, and dahlias.
Gloriana Musical Theatre Summer Musical (August – September)
Local blackberries (August – September)
Art in the Gardens (August) 707-964-4352
Paul Bunyan Days (September) 707-964-8687
Winesong! (September) 707-961-4688

Fall : Indian Summer is a beautiful time to visit!

Annual Abalone Cook-off, Van Damme State Park (October) 707-937-4700
Thanksgiving Fair at Mendocino Art Center (November) 707-937-5818

Winter : Stormwatching and whales!

Whale Watching (December – March) 707-961-6300
Stormwatching (watch 25-foot waves!) (December – February)

Recurring Events

Here are some pointers to organizations who sponsor recurring events. Current times can be found on the Chamber of Commerce Calendar of Events or local radio station, KOZT The Coast.

Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens: Seasonal nature walks and guided tours.
Mendocino and Fort Bragg Farmers Market: Summer months only
Guided, historic walk through the Village of Mendocino: Audio tours for rent; guided tours on weekends and holidays. Kelley House Museum, 45007 Albion St., Mendocino.
First Friday Gallery Receptions: Galleries and businesses open their doors on Main, Laurel, and Franklin Streets in Downtown Fort Bragg.
Second Saturday Gallery Receptions: Galleries in Mendocino & Little River have receptions for their new shows each month.
Mendocino Area Parks Association: Host nature and wildflower walks. Inquire at Ford House Visitors Center, Main Street, Mendocino.
Guided Walks at Point Cabrillo Light Station & Nature Preserve: Point Cabrillo Lighthouse hosts seasonal walks. Tour historic structures, and view the marine wildlife exhibit and site of the Frolic shipwreck, as well as watching wildlife on this 300-acre preserve.