The history of Whalefest Monterey

Whalefest is looking forward to providing a 17th year of fun marine education for all ages in 2027. 

More than 30 years ago, Whalefest was sponsored by a wide range of Monterey Peninsula businesses. It took place over three weekends in January, spanning locations from Point Lobos to Pacific Grove, Cannery Row, and Fisherman’s Wharf. Over time, sponsors gradually withdrew until the Monterey Bay Aquarium remained as the sole supporter. A few years later, the Aquarium shifted its marketing priorities, and funding for Whalefest was ultimately discontinued.

In 2010, while serving as President of the Fisherman’s Wharf Association, Mary Alice Fettis was part of a group seeking ways to boost economic activity during January, typically a very slow month for local businesses. We decided to revive Whalefest—this time as a free, one-weekend event centered on and around Fisherman’s Wharf. The first revived event, held in 2011, was called Monterey Whalefest; it was later renamed Whalefest Monterey.

That first year was modest, with a handful of exhibitors on the Causeway, a single symposium speaker, and one musical performance by Nicholas Fettis and his “Orca-stra,” featuring humpback whale songs originally recorded by Roger Payne, combined with original compositions. Fettis also created the original Whalefest Monterey theme song. Today, he incorporates humpback whale recordings from Monterey Bay by Dr. John Ryan of MBARI.

We established a mission statement: Inspiring, educating, and empowering the public to protect and explore the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary.

Since then, Whalefest Monterey has grown significantly. Exhibitors now fill Custom House Plaza, with 45 participating this year. The symposium has expanded from a single presenter to as many as 14, moving between venues including the Stanton Center, Heritage Harbor, and briefly the Monterey Conference Center before returning to the Stanton Center. Performances have also flourished, now featuring 12–14 musicians and dancers.

Over the years, activities have included tours of research and rescue vessels—from the Coast Guard, NOAA, Marine Life Studies, Moss Landing Marine Laboratories, the Western Flyer, the General Pershing, and others—along with Wharf History Walks led by Tim Thomas, art activities such as origami, gyotaku, and scrimshaw, plein air painting, abalone races, beach and street cleanups, and, when possible, marine mammal releases in partnership with The Marine Mammal Center.

The organizing committee has grown into a dedicated group of talented individuals committed to Whalefest and ocean conservation. Most recently, Whalefest became an incorporated nonprofit with 501(c)(3) status.

The activities over the years included:‍ ‍

🛥️Tours of Research and Rescue Vessels: from the Coast Guard, NOAA, Marine Life Studies, MLML, Western Flyer, General Pershing and more.
🚶🏻‍♂️Wharf History Walks Tim Thomas
🐚Abalone Races
🎨Arts & Crafts: Origami, Gyotaku, Scrimshaw
🧹Beach and Street Clean-up
t🎪Exhibitors & Organizations
🎼Music and Performances
🖼️Plein Air Painters
🎤Symposium
🦭The Marine Mammal Center Release (when able)