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 a vibrant, multi-weekend celebration sponsored by a wide range of Monterey Peninsula businesses. Each January, it stretched across the region - from Point Lobos to Pacific Grove, Cannery Row, and Fisherman’s Wharf - drawing visitors and locals alike. Over time, however, funding challenges caused the event to fade away.

That changed in 2010, when Mary Alice Cerrito Fettis, then President of the Fisherman’s Wharf Association, created a marine conservation-minded committee determined to bring new energy to the Wharf during the typically quiet month of January. Their solution? Bring Whalefest back—reimagined as a free, one-weekend event centered on and around Fisherman’s Wharf. Led by Ms. Fettis, the new Whalefest Monterey made its debut in 2011.

That first year was humble but full of heart: a handful of exhibitors on the Causeway, one symposium speaker, and a single musical performance featuring humpback whale songs woven together with original compositions—including the Whalefest Monterey theme song composed by Nicholas Fettis.

From the beginning, the mission was clear: inspiring, educating, and empowering the public to protect and explore the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary.

Since then, Whalefest Monterey has grown into a major community event. Exhibitors now fill Custom House Plaza, with 45 participating in 2026. The symposium has expanded from one presenter to as many as 14, with venues over the years including the Stanton Center, Heritage Harbor, and the Monterey Conference Center before returning to the Stanton Center. The entertainment lineup has also blossomed, now featuring more than a dozen musicians along with dancers.

Activities have become a hallmark of the event, offering something for everyone. Visitors can explore research and rescue vessels from organizations like the Coast Guard, NOAA, Marine Life Studies, Moss Landing Marine Laboratories, the Western Flyer, and the General Pershing. Popular features also include Wharf History Walks with Tim Thomas, hands-on art such as origami, gyotaku, and scrimshaw, plein air painting, lively abalone races, beach and street cleanups, and, when possible, inspiring marine mammal releases in partnership with The Marine Mammal Center.

Behind it all is a passionate and growing committee dedicated to Whalefest and ocean conservation. One of the organization’s proudest milestones has been becoming an incorporated nonprofit with 501(c)(3) status.

Looking ahead, Whalefest is excited to continue making waves—bringing marine education, conservation, and fun to audiences of all ages for years to come.

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
🎪Exhibitors & Organizations
🎼Music and Performances
🖼️Plein Air Painters
🎤Symposium
🦭The Marine Mammal Center Release (when able)