5 of the Best Mendocino Events to Attend

Mendocino has tons of fun adventures to experience, and to make your stay even better, we also have several annual events that show off the Mendo culture! No matter what time of year you decide to visit, be sure to attend spectacular Mendocino events in celebration of our area. Before we let you in on the greatest festivals to plan your vacation around, make sure you take a look at our complimentary Vacation Guide. It includes the best restaurants, outdoor recreation, and entertainment to make your getaway full of Mendo memories!

Experience Our Community at These Annual Mendocino Events

1. Mendocino Whale Festivals in March

Celebrate the majestic creatures of the sea at the Mendocino Whale Festival, Fort Bragg Whale Festival, and Little River Whale Festival. Each town hosts their festivals on different weekends in March. The annual festivals feature a wide variety of events, and many of them are free! Stroll through art galleries, taste delicious chowders and wines, kayak in a sea cave, or go on a whale watch walk.

The festivals honor Pacific Gray whales and their newborn calves, who trek from Western Baja to the Bering Sea. Many whales don’t make the full 10,000-mile migration; some wander off from the pod, and some die from hunting. The Whale Festivals are a must if you want to learn more about these gentle giants.

2. Mendocino Music Festival in July

Music lovers will enjoy this two-week, toe-tapping event. The Mendocino Music Festival features genre-bending musicians from all over the world. Listen to fantastic jazz, orchestra, bluegrass, Celtic music, and more!

You can also enjoy sumptuous wines, delicious food, and talented artists, all while supporting the arts. Add the Mendocino Music Festival to your itinerary if you’re visiting Mendocino in July!

3. Art in the Gardens in August

Experience a day of creative expression amongst the natural beauty of Mendocino. Art in the Gardens is an annual event that takes place at the Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens. Celebrate the blooming floral displays in August and admire the amazing ceramics, glasswork, paintings, and sculptures. Then, wander through 47 acres of manicured gardens and sunflower bluffs by the ocean.

4. Paul Bunyan Days in August and September

The Paul Bunyan Days have been a tradition in Fort Bragg since 1939. The family-friendly event is geared towards those who want to channel their inner lumberjack! This four-day festival features about 30, mostly free events. Events include an ugly dog contest, logging show, kiddie parade, pie sale, and much more. Honor the history of the area and the strength of the community when you attend this rugged event!

5. Winesong in September

Give back at the Winesong Charity and Wine Tasting event in September. The Mendocino Coast Healthcare Foundation puts on the event every year and has raised more than eight million dollars to improve local healthcare over the years! Come to make a difference and stay for the delicious food and wine tastings.

Relax at Inn at Schoolhouse Creek and Spa

After attending a Mendocino event full of great company and culture, return to Inn at Schoolhouse Creek. Our inn is the perfect place to unplug and unwind after a day of activities.

Enjoy the serene surroundings of Little River when you stay in our Whale Watch Lodge Room. Rest and recharge in the king feather bed or enjoy a quiet morning on the private deck. Then, head over to our yurt-style spa for ultimate relaxation. Your Mendocino getaway awaits. Check our availability and book your stay today!