About the event
Whale of a Celebration is a joyous event dedicated to honoring the wonderful whales that grace local waters and celebrate the Santa Barbara Channel Whale Heritage Area.
The weekend festivities includes “Whales, Ales, and Cocktails” and Whale Watching aboard Condor Express.
"Whales, Ales, and Cocktails guest lectures include Jean-Michel Cousteau, world-renowned ocean explorer, conservationist, President of Ocean Futures Society, Honorary President of the World Cetacean Alliance; Julie Tumamait-Stenslie, Chumash Elder; and Sean Hastings, Policy, Management and Information Officer for NOAA's Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary.
Local wildlife filmmaker Adam Ernster will unveil a new film, "WHALES in a CHANGING OCEAN." This film explores how the Santa Barbara Channel acts as a microcosm for the vastness of our planet's oceans. Temperature variations change from year to year, currents shift, and whale migrations vary as prey abundances are dynamic. As our Oceans change, so too does its largest inhabitants.
Learn from scientists, whale watchers, and ocean lovers through the lens of blue, gray, and humpback whales and what their presence might tell us about our oceans.
The schedule
Friday, October 23rd, 2026
● 6:30 pm - Join us at the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History for a special evening celebrating the 3-Year Anniversary of the Santa Barbara Channel Whale Heritage Area! Whale of a Welcome with Co-Directors, Holly Lohuis and Luisa Hyatt. Enjoy guest lecturers Jean-Michel Cousteau & Sean Hastings. Our evening will start with a Chumash Blessing with Julie Tumamait-Stenslie.
Local wildlife filmmaker Adam Ernster will unveil a new film highlighting the changes we've seen in whale behavior in an ever-dynamic seascape.
The fee is $75. Part of the proceeds will support The Santa Barbara Channel Whale Heritage Area's ongoing education and outreach programs.
Sunday, Oct 25, 2026
● 10 am - 2:00 pm: Condor Express
Join local naturalists and scientists, including ocean conservationists, Jean-Michel Cousteau on board Condor Express Whale Watching for an unparalleled whale watching and wildlife cruise in the heart of the Santa Barbara Channel.
The whale watching tickets are $150 each. Bundle your tickets for both days and save $25! Bundles are $200!
Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History
Founded in 1916 as the Museum of Comparative Oology, the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History has grown to include more than 3.5 million specimens covering every aspect of natural history—from mammals, birds, and marine life to geology, astronomy, paleontology, and anthropology. The Museum’s constantly evolving, interactive exhibits include the newly-renovated Gladwin Planetarium. Guests learn about the Santa Barbara region’s unique and diverse natural history, and then go outside to explore nature on 17 acres of oak woodland along Mission Creek. Museum education programs serve all ages to promote scientific literacy and instill a passion for nature and learning.
SPONSORS
IN KIND DONORS
BECOME A SPONSOR
Blue Whale Sponsor- $25,000
- Recognition as the TITLE event sponsor on all marketing materials
- Prominent logo placement on all event materials and promotional channels, including social media posts.
- VIP seating and special recognition at the anniversary events
- 1 large custom whale or dolphin print from photographer Adam Ernster
- 8 tickets for both events, Friday, Oct 23rd and Sunday, October 25th
Fin Whale Sponsor-$10,000
- Logo placement on event materials and promotional social media posts
- Recognition as a major sponsor during the opening ceremony
- VIP seating at the Friday evening event
- 6 tickets for both events, Friday, Friday, Oct 23rd and Sunday, October 25th
Humpback Whale Sponsor-$5,000
- Logo placement on event materials and promotional social media posts
- Recognition as a major sponsor during the opening ceremony.
- VIP seating at the Friday evening event.
- 4 tickets for both events, Friday, Friday, Oct 23rd and Sunday, October 25th
Killer Whale Sponsor-$2,500
- Logo placement on event materials and promotional social media posts
- Recognition as a major sponsor during the opening ceremony
- 2 tickets for both events, Friday, Friday, Oct 23rd and Sunday, October 25th
Common Dolphin Sponsor-$1,000
- Recognition on the event website and in the event program
- 2 tickets for both events, Friday, Friday, Oct 23rd and Sunday, October 25th
Bottlenose Sponsor-$500
- Recognition on the event website and in the event program
- 1 ticket for both events, Friday, Friday, Oct 23rd and Sunday, October 25th
INQUIRE ABOUT A SPONSORSHIP HERE!
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