Right Whale Festival

10/24/2026

Their Future, Our Fight: International Day of Climate Action!

The devastating climate change facing our planet reaches far beyond rising temperatures.

Rising sea levels and ocean temperatures are affecting marine ecosystems, coastal communities, and wildlife. The North Atlantic right whale is one species facing the challenges of a changing ocean, as shifts in food abundance and ocean conditions affect where whales feed and migrate.

As right whales move into new areas in search of food, they may encounter places where protections are limited or where boaters, fishers, and coastal communities are less familiar with their presence and how to protect them. These changing patterns create new conservation challenges and reinforce the importance of adapting protection efforts as the whales’ habitat use changes.

International Day of Climate Action is a reminder that protecting our planet requires action at every level. At the Right Whale Festival, you can learn more about how climate change is affecting right whales and what you can do to help protect them in a changing ocean.

Join us at the 2026 Right Whale Festival on November 7–8 at Main Beach Park in Fernandina Beach, Florida!

10/23/2026

Their Future, Our Fight: Sanctuary Day!

Sanctuaries provide safe spaces where wildlife can thrive, ecosystems can recover, and people can learn how to better protect the environment! These places of refuge help safeguard important habitats and the species that depend on them.

For North Atlantic right whales, protected and responsibly managed ocean habitats can play an important role in supporting feeding, migration, and reproduction.

Gray’s Reef National Marine Sanctuary will be at this year’s Right Whale Festival! Be sure to stop by their exhibit and talk with their team about the importance of Gray’s Reef and its location within the North Atlantic right whale calving grounds, and learn more about how national marine sanctuaries help protect important ocean habitats.

Join us at the 2026 Right Whale Festival on November 7 & 8 at Main Beach Park in Fernandina Beach, Florida!

10/23/2026

Their Future, Our Fight: In the Spotlight… The Calvin Project!

Today, we're shining the spotlight on an amazing grassroots organization from the northernend of the North Atlantic right whale's migration route!

For over two decades, The Calvin Project has been inspiring the next generation of ocean advocates through education, research, and outreach. Founded by Bill McWeeny in Castine, Maine, the project empowers young people, known as the Calvineers, to become passionate ambassadors for North Atlantic right whale conservation.

The Calvineers don't just learn about whales…they take action! They collaborate with scientists, attend the annual North Atlantic Right Whale Consortium meeting, visit active research stations, and share their knowledge with others. They also advocate for conservation solutions, including safer fishing rope technologies that can help reduce the risk of whale entanglements.

The Calvin Project is a powerful reminder that you're never too young to make a difference! By giving young people the knowledge, experience, and confidence to become conservation leaders, they're helping create a brighter future for North Atlantic right whales.

Join us at the 2026 Right Whale Festival, November 7–8, at Main Beach Park in Fernandina Beach, Florida! Discover more inspiring grassroots organizations working to protect right whales and learn how YOU can make a difference.

10/21/2026

10/18/2026

Their Future, Our Fight: Festival Feature…Live Music!

Get ready to dance the day away! Local musicians are bringing their talent and energy to the stage at the 2026 Right Whale Festival all in celebration of North Atlantic right whales! 🐋🎸

From funk and soul to rock, R&B, indie jams, and songs you know and love, we’ve got a fantastic lineup all weekend long!

🎵 Str8Up Band
This Jacksonville-based, high-energy party band knows how to keep a crowd dancing! Str8Up plays your favorite R&B, pop, soul, and funk and has shared the stage with music legends including Little Richard, Wilson Pickett, George Clinton, The Atlanta Rhythm Section, and Jennifer Holliday.

🎵 Gilberto ’77
Fernandina’s homegrown band blends genres to create improvisational, melodic indie-funk fusion jams. Their laid-back originals sound the way a sunset on the beach feels.

🎵 The Islanders
An Amelia Island-based band focused on one thing—FUN! Enjoy songs you know from bands you love. Sing along, dance, or just tap your toes…there’s no wrong way to have a great time!

🎵 For Reels
For Reels is so much more than jigs and reels. They do sea shanties, drinking songs, rebel music – as well as beloved popular tunes. For Reels are crowd pleasers for sure!

🐋 Join us November 7 & 8 at Main Beach Park in Fernandina Beach, Florida, for the 2026 Right Whale Festival!

Check out the full band lineup and schedule of events:
https://buff.ly/UL6paiC

10/17/2026

Their Future, Our Fight: Festival Feature.....Beach Yoga!

Breathe in the ocean air, move your body, and enjoy yoga on the beach during the 2026 Right Whale Festival!

🌅 Saturday, November 7 at 6:00 p.m.
Join Centred on Yoga for a sunset yoga flow on Main Beach as we close out the first day of the festival. This easy, all-levels outdoor flow is perfect for beginners and experienced yogis alike. Registration is free, with optional donations benefiting the Right Whale Festival and its mission to celebrate and protect North Atlantic right whales. Please register using this link: https://buff.ly/Eotk6LR

🧘‍♀️ Sunday, November 8 at 9:00 a.m.
Start your Sunday with our annual beach yoga class hosted by Deb Cunningham! No registration is required; just come out and enjoy a peaceful morning by the ocean before the festival begins.

For both classes, please bring a yoga mat that you’re comfortable using directly on the beach, plenty of water, and comfortable clothing.

🐋 Join us November 7 & 8 at Main Beach Park in Fernandina Beach, Florida, for the 2026 Right Whale Festival!

Come move, breathe, and connect with the ocean as we celebrate and protect North Atlantic right whales.

10/15/2026

Their Future, Our Fight: Festival Feature… Kids Program!

At the Right Whale Festival, kids can embark on an exciting adventure to discover the amazing world of North Atlantic right whales!

This year’s Kids Program will be passport-style! Kids can pick up their passport and explore the festival grounds, visiting dozens of educational exhibitors to find answers and learn more about North Atlantic right whales.

In keeping with this year’s theme, Their Future, Our Fight, the passport will highlight the many ways that everyone, including kids and families, can help protect right whales.

Once all the questions are answered, kids can bring their completed passport back to the Information Tent and choose a special prize from our treasure chest!

It’s a fun and interactive way for kids to explore the festival, meet our educational exhibitors, learn about right whales, and discover how they can be part of protecting their future.

Join us at the 2026 Right Whale Festival on November 7 & 8 at Main Beach Park in Fernandina Beach, Florida!

10/14/2026

Their Future, Our Fight: Festival Feature.....Sighting Training!

Join Blue World Research Institute for Right Whale Sighting Training and learn how you can help protect North Atlantic right whales.

During this training, you'll learn how to identify right whales, recognize their behaviors, report sightings, and contribute valuable information that supports conservation. Sightings help scientists better understand whale migration and keep whales protected.

This training will take place at 6 p.m. on November 9th at the Courtyard Amelia Island! No advance registration required. Refreshments are available for purchase at the hotel bar prior to the start of the event.

Join us at the 2026 Right Whale Festival on Nov. 7th & 8th at Main Beach Park, Fernandina Beach, Florida to speak with Blue World Research Institue about the importance of attending this training!

10/14/2026

If you’re local or staying in town after the Right Whale Festival, MARK YOUR CALENDAR for these two free events on Monday, November 9:

🪸 3 p.m. — The Beauty of Coral Reefs
Join Heather Starck, Executive Director of the Coral Reef Alliance, at Story & Song Bookstore Bistro for a presentation about efforts to save and protect one of the most beautiful habitats on earth with a reception to follow. Registration is required through the Story & Song website: https://tinyurl.com/4ma6637h

🐋 6 p.m. — Right Whale Sighting Training
Join Blue World Research Institute at the Courtyard Amelia Island to learn how to spot right whales from shore and report sightings. Your reports can help protect these endangered whales from vessel strikes. No registration is required.

We hope you’ll join us for another day of learning and ocean conservation!

10/14/2026

I spoke with Cheryl S. Munday, the Right Whale Festival coordinator. She shared a lot of great information and enthusiasm for the event , which takes place from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 7, …