Festival Overview

The main 2026 Right Whale Festival takes place Saturday, November 7 and Sunday, November 8 at Main Beach Park in Fernandina Beach. Festival weekend also includes special events on Friday, November 6, plus a volunteer right whale sighting training on Monday, November 9.

Festival Hours:

Saturday, November 7: 10 AM–6 PM

Sunday, November 8: 10 AM–3 PM

Throughout the weekend, visitors can enjoy educational exhibits, live music, food vendors, family activities, and opportunities to meet marine experts and learn about North Atlantic right whales.

Things to Do

There’s plenty to explore throughout Main Beach Park. See real whale bones and baleen, stand beside life-size inflatable whales, and even walk inside an inflatable North Atlantic right whale to get a better idea of its incredible size.

Marine experts will be available to answer questions and share more about right whale research, rescue, and conservation. Visitors can also get a closer look at vessels used by researchers, law enforcement, the U.S. Coast Guard, and whale rescue teams.

Kids can take part in an interactive program that sends them around the festival answering questions and learning right whale facts. Marine-themed bounce houses add even more family fun throughout the weekend.

Come hungry, too. Food trucks and vendors will serve meals, desserts, treats, and festival favorites, with sustainably sourced seafood available throughout the event.

Live Music & Entertainment

Live music keeps Main Beach Park lively throughout the weekend.

Saturday begins with Amelia Island-based band The Islanders at 10 AM, followed by Wildflowers at 12:30 PM and Str8Up at 3 PM.

On Sunday, live music begins at 10 AM with the performer still to be announced, followed by another performance from Str8Up at 12:30 PM.

Saturday also brings a Skate Contest to Main Beach Skate Park from 1–6 PM. Hosted by Friends of Fernandina Skatepark and Amelia Surf Co., the competition showcases local skateboarders while bringing together outdoor recreation and ocean conservation.

Family Fun

The Right Whale Festival makes learning about marine life fun for younger visitors. Along with the kids’ program, inflatable whales, bounce houses, and educational exhibits, families can meet marine experts and explore displays together throughout the festival grounds.

Don’t forget your four-legged family members. The Dog Parade begins Sunday at noon at Main Beach Park, inviting pups to dress in marine-themed costumes and join the fun. Registration is $15 and includes treats and goodies for participating dogs.

About North Atlantic Right Whales

Amelia Island and the surrounding coastline are part of an important seasonal habitat for North Atlantic right whales. During the warmer months, the whales spend time farther north near New England and Canada. In winter, pregnant females travel south to waters off the Southeast coast to give birth and care for their calves.

North Atlantic right whales are one of the world’s most endangered large whale species. Adults average around 52 feet long and can weigh approximately 140,000 pounds.

One of their most recognizable features is the pattern of rough skin on their heads called callosities. Each whale has a unique pattern that helps researchers identify individual animals.

The species continues to face threats including vessel strikes, entanglement in fishing gear, marine debris, ocean noise, and changes to its habitat and food supply. The Right Whale Festival gives visitors a chance to learn more about these challenges and the work being done to protect the whales.

Make It an Amelia Island Weekend

The Right Whale Festival brings together live music, family fun, marine education, and conservation for a weekend celebrating the North Atlantic right whales that return to the waters off the Southeast coast each year.

While you’re here, take some time to explore historic downtown Fernandina Beach, enjoy the coast, and visit local restaurants between festival activities. With special events happening throughout the weekend, there are plenty of ways to experience the festival while enjoying Amelia Island.

For tickets, registration information, and the latest festival updates, visit the Right Whale Festival website before your trip.