Ocean Institute’s Maritime Festival in Dana Point

The Ocean Institute’s 38th annual Maritime Festival is set to return to Dana Point’s shores from Sept. 9-11, when attendees can explore some visiting tall ships, cannon battles, live music and more entertainment.

The Tall Ships Festival in Dana Point, in southern Orange County, CA is an annual weekend event each September. Tall ships from around Southern California converge for three days of rollicking seafaring fun. Interactive living history encampments and musical performances on land complement the pirate battles and other adventures at sea. A sunset parade of tall ships is one of the highlights. The festival is organized by the Ocean Institute.

The festival will embark with the Sails N’ Ales event from 6-9 p.m. on Sept. 9, with craft beer tasting from eight local brewers and live music by rock band The Trip. Adult tickets include an exclusive tasting cup and unlimited beer and mead tastings.

On Saturday, Sept. 10 from 6-10 p.m., the Ocean Institute will host its inaugural Pirate and Mermaid Ball. The event will feature specialty drinks, appetizers, music and games. The event is restricted to those 21 years of age and older. Food and drinks are included in the ticket price. Attendees are encouraged to come dressed as a mermaid or pirate.

From 9-10:30 a.m. on Saturday and Sunday, visitors will have the opportunity to enjoy breakfast with mermaids. Following breakfast, Mermaids from Sheroes Entertainment will provide an interactive swim show and story time. Festival admission is included with Mermaid Breakfast tickets.

Mermaids will also provide half-hour, interactive swim shows at 11 a.m., noon, 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. Tickets to the Mermaid Swim Show will include general admission to the festival.

Cap’n Jack’s School for Lil’ Scallywags will be back in session from 2-2:30 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday with pirate lessons for kids aged 8-12 years old.

Visiting tall ships Bill of Rights, Irving Johnson and Exy Johnson will be docked at the Ocean Institute and will participate in cannon battles from 4-8 p.m. on all three days of the festival. Visitors will have the chance to step aboard the historic tall ships and set sail off the coast of Dana Point.