Microbrew tasting and whale watching will be the featured attractions of the 26th Annual Fort Bragg Whale Festival March 15 and 16.

Along with dozens of microbrews provided by the Fort Bragg Rotary Club, the area’s top chefs will produce their favorite chowders. A marine mammal art exhibit and crafts fair are also part of the two-day festival.

With some 20,000 gray whales migrating north from birthing grounds in Mexico to their winter home in Alaska, there will be plenty of whales to view from the Pomo Bluffs Park in Fort Bragg and miles of beaches in MacKerricher State Park just north of the city.

Major events include:  

Jughandle Creek Nature Center on-site naturalist will set up guided whale watching walks by reservations and will provide spotting scopes and educational materials. Contact: Helene Chalfin, 964-4630
 

Chowder Tasting at Town Hall, Saturday from 11am till the chowder runs out, 4 tastings for $5. Corner of Main (Hwy 1) & Laurel St. in Fort Bragg. T-shirts and tote bags available during this event. Get there early to avoid long lines for chowder!
 

2008 Whale Run Sat. March 15th. 7:30am start.
10K/5K, 5K Competitive, 5K Fun Walk
 

Whale Cruises from Noyo Harbor. Call Chamber for referrals, (707) 961-6300
 

Lighthouse Activities and exhibits, Saturday and Sunday from 10-4pm. See tide pool exhibits, lighthouse history, The Frolic shipwreck artifacts, learn from the Audubon Society and Marine Mammal Center of Sausalito, fun for the whole family! And don’t forget the whale watching.
 

Arts and Crafts Fair in downtown, on Saturday from 10-5pm & Sunday from 9-3pm, free admission, at the Fort Bragg Masonic Hall, 428 N. Main St., Fort Bragg.
 

Whale Walks at the Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens on Sat and Sun at 1pm, Hwy 1, Fort Bragg
 

Guided Whale Walks at MacKerricher State Park Saturday and Sunday, call 964-8898 for more information
 

4th Annual Marine Art Exhibit at the Mendocino Art Center, featuring the original work of late, honored marine artist JD Mayhew and others, Saturday and Sunday from 10-4pm, located on Little Lake St., Mendocino
 

Whale Watching by Horseback, call Chamber of Commerce for referrals, 707-961-6300 between 9-5 on weekdays, 9-3 on Saturday
 

Microbrew Beer Tasting and Barbecue at Eagles Hall, Saturday only from 12-5 pm, $30
 

An Evening of Comedy with Stu Stuart - Stand-up comedian Stu Stuart will perform in the Sequoia Room at the North Coast Brewing Company Tap Room & Grill, Sat., March 15, as part of the Fort Bragg Whale Festival. Stu¹s credits include Comedy Central and an Evening at the Improv. Showtime is 9 p.m. Tickets are $15 and available at the front desk of the Tap Room in advance and at the door. Advance tickets are encouraged as seating is limited. No reservations taken. Those having dinner before the show should be seated no later than 7:15 p.m. The North Coast Brewing Company Tap
Room & Grill is located at 444 N. Main, Fort Bragg. This is the 20th anniversary of North Coast Brewing Company, home of many award-winning craft beers. For more information and to make reservations call 964-3400