Right Whale Festival Returns to Amelia Island, Nov. 6-8 with a Call to Action: “Their Future, Our Fight”

Community event highlights critical effort to protect species from extinction

(CLEARWATER, FL – OCT. 29 , 2026) – The annual Right Whale Festival returns to Fernandina Beach, Main Beach Park on Amelia Island, Fl, Nov. 7–8, 2026, bringing together marine scientists, conservation organizations, local businesses, artists and thousands of visitors for a weekend celebrating one of the world’s most endangered large whale species: the North Atlantic right whale.

Held annually since 2009, the festival has grown into a major community event, attracting approximately 25,000 attendees and featuring more than 100 exhibitors. The festival combines science, conservation education, family-friendly activities, live entertainment and opportunities to connect directly with experts working to protect marine wildlife.

The event kicks off the beginning of calving season, which starts mid-November, and will highlight critical local efforts to protect the species from extinction.

North Atlantic right whales are one of the world’s most endangered large whale species, with approximately 380 individuals remaining in the population. Because of that low number, protecting every whale is a priority to avoid extinction.

Each year, North Atlantic right whales return to the warm coastal waters off North Carolina through northeast Florida, giving Amelia Island locals and visitors a chance to catch sight of mothers and calves just offshore.

“The North Atlantic right whale is facing extinction, and our Southeast coast is their only known calving ground,” said Cheryl Munday, Right Whale Festival Coordinator. “With fewer than 70 reproductive females remaining, we have an incredible responsibility to protect the mothers and calves right here in our backyard.”

This year’s theme, “Their Future, Our Fight,” emphasizes the collective responsibility shared in protecting these whales, and highlights the people, organizations and communities working to ensure their survival

The festival celebrates the power of grassroots conservation and demonstrates how individuals, communities, scientists, businesses and organizations can work together to make a meaningful difference.

The Festival will kick off Friday, Nov. 6, with “Their Future, Our Fight” Lecture Luncheon at Story & Song Center for Arts & Culture at 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. This special luncheon highlights grassroots conservation organizations working to protect North Atlantic right whales throughout their migratory range. Attendees will hear from individuals and organizations from the Southeast making a difference through research, education, outreach and community engagement. Tickets are $25 on website, including lunch.

The Festival Opening Celebration, “A Whale of a Party,” will be held 7:30 p.m. at the Tigre Room, Amelia Island. Kick off the festival weekend with live music, drinks, raffles and a celebration of the return of North Atlantic right whales to the southeastern coast. A $10 donation at the door includes one raffle ticket. No advance registration is required.

Day one of the Festival is Saturday, Nov. 7, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Main Beach Park.
Highlights include:
• 9 a.m. – Community beach cleanup with Keep Nassau Beautiful. Sign-up online.
• 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. – Exhibits, interactive activities, marine science education, food trucks and entertainment.
• Opportunities to meet marine mammal experts and conservation leaders.
• CMA will bring its H20 Mobile Classroom for tours and education.
• 1 p.m. – Skateboard contest in partnership with Friends of Fernandina Skatepark and Amelia Surf Co.
• 6 p.m. – Sunset beach yoga with Centred on Yoga.

Festival Day Two is Sunday, Nov. 8 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Main Beach Park.
Highlights include:
• 9 a.m. – Beach yoga with Deb Cunningham.
• 10 a.m. – #LiveLikeJessica Memorial Ride, a 35-mile cycling event. Sign-up online.
• 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. – Festival exhibits, educational activities, live music and food vendors.
• Noon – The popular Right Whale Festival Dog Parade, featuring dogs and their owners celebrating marine conservation. Registration is $15.

This year’s children’s program features a special Right Whale Festival Passport, encouraging young visitors to explore exhibits, interact with conservation organizations, and discover fascinating facts about right whales and their habitat.

Children will learn how they can help protect marine mammals through everyday actions, including reducing marine debris, practicing responsible boating and sharing conservation messages with others.

The festival also encourages young people to become advocates for the future of endangered whales, reinforcing the idea that conservation is a responsibility shared across generations.

For a schedule of activities and detailed information of activities, visit RightWhaleFestival.com.

The event is hosted by NOAA Fisheries and Clearwater Marine Aquarium. Sponsors include the Amelia Island Tourist Development Council and the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW). A complete list of sponsors is available on the website: https://rightwhalefestival.com/sponsors.

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Media Contact: Marsha Strickhouser | mstrickhouser@CMAquarium.org | (727) 242-0770

About Amelia Island

Northeast Florida’s coastal treasure, Amelia Island is a barrier island rich in colorful history and breath-taking natural beauty. Amelia Island offers long, beautiful beaches, abundant wildlife, and pristine waters. Upscale resorts with world-class spas, championship golf, and exclusive dining blend effortlessly with a captivating collection of bed and breakfast inns and historic districts. The island is home to Fernandina Beach, once a vibrant Victorian seaport village, and now a charming downtown district of eclectic shops, attractions, and eateries. Forget the everyday getaway and find your unwind on Amelia Island. For visitor information and online planning, visit AmeliaIsland.com.

About NOAA Fisheries

NOAA’s mission is to understand and predict changes in the Earth’s environment, from the depths of the ocean to the surface of the sun, and to conserve and manage our coastal and marine resources. More information about our efforts to conserve the North Atlantic right whale population is available on our website, along with resources to learn more about our Southeast Regional Office.

Like us on Facebook: US NOAA FISHERIES GOV
Follow us on Twitter @NOAAFish_SERO
Follow us on Instagram @noafisheriessoutheast

About Clearwater Marine Aquarium: Clearwater Marine Aquarium (CMA) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit working marine rescue center dedicated to inspiring the human spirit through leadership in education, research, rescue, rehabilitation and release. With a mission to preserve the environment and its marine life, CMA is home to rescued bottlenose and rough-toothed dolphins, sea lions, harbor seals, sea turtles, river otters, stingrays and more. In 2024 it opened the Dr. James “Buddy” Powell Manatee Rehabilitation Center, and now treats manatee patients in coordination with the Manatee Rescue and Rehabilitation Partnership (MRP). Through Clearwater Marine Aquarium Research Institute (CMARI), CMA conducts important global research focused on protecting manatees, North Atlantic right whales and sea turtles. The major motion picture Dolphin Tale (2011) and its sequel Dolphin Tale 2 (2014) featured the true stories of rescued resident dolphins Winter and Hope, inspiring millions around the world. The mission and potential to change people’s lives differentiates Clearwater Marine Aquarium from any other aquarium in the world. CMAquarium.org.

We believe in preserving our environment while inspiring the human spirit through leadership in the rescue, rehabilitation, and release of marine life; environmental education; research; and conservation.

A Florida non-profit 501(c)(3) organization