This time of year is prime whale watching season here on the Mendocino Coast, as the gray whales make their incredible northbound trek from their calving grounds in the warm pacific lagoons of Mexico to their rich arctic feeding grounds. Our coast has a deep connection to these majestic travelers, from the history of the Mendocino Whale Wars to the annual Whale Festival that brings the community together to celebrate and learn about whales every March. We’re proud to be part of the festival every year, pouring pints, sharing stories, and raising a glass to the whales alongside locals and visitors alike.
What were the Whale Wars?
In 1975, Greenpeace released footage of Russian whalers killing sperm whales off Cape Mendocino. When the video aired on television screens locally and across the country, it struck a nerve along the Mendocino Coast. In response, a group of local activists declared their own “Whale War,” determined to confront the whaling taking place in the Pacific. In 1976, they organized a Whale Festival aimed to serve two purposes: raising awareness about the ongoing slaughter of whales and generating funds to support an ocean voyage that would challenge the whalers directly. They also called for a boycott of Russian and Japanese products, to put pressure on the two biggest whaling countries. Although the annual Mendocino Coast Whale Festival would not formally begin until 1983, the 1976 festival marked a powerful early chapter.
J.D. Mayhew and the First Whale Festival
Among the passionate advocates working to protect local whales was J.D. Mayhew, a gifted etching artist whose work became inseparable from the movement itself. He designed the original logo and boycott posters for the very first Whale Festival, giving the young event a visual identity that still echoes today.
Mayhew’s impact reached North Coast Brewing Company as well. “I had been a fan of J.D.’s since before the brewery even came along,” co-founder Tom Allen remembers. Tom’s fascination with the scrimshaw artform began when he read about JFK’s scrimshaw collection. Mayhew’s take on the intricate etched detail seemed like a natural fit to represent the brewery as well as our flagship beer Scrimshaw. Mayhew created the original North Coast Brewing Company whale tail logo along with two other variations over the years, Tom remembers. By the time we updated our logo in 2010, the Scrimshaw design had earned a devoted following, inspiring us to incorporate Mayhew’s whale illustration into the North Coast Brewing Company logo where it remains today.
J.D. Mayhew passed away in 2004, but his influence lives on: in our town, in our brewery, and in the continued work of his family. His granddaughter carries forward his legacy, preserving and sharing his remarkable body of work. To explore more of his art and learn more about his story, visit her website.
Whale Festival Grows on the Mendocino Coast
Since its beginnings in 1983, the Mendocino Coast Whale Festival has grown into a month-long celebration spanning the entire coastline. Today, multiple towns along the Mendocino Coast host their own festivities throughout March, each offering a unique mix of coastal cuisine, craft beverages, family-friendly activities, and opportunities to learn about the annual gray whale migration. Check out the Fort Bragg events here, and for a look at other town’s Whale Festival events, check out the Mendocino Coast Chamber of Commerce page.
We’re proud to be pouring at the Fort Bragg Rotary Club’s Beer Fest during Whale Festival weekend. Stop by our booth to enjoy some of our classic favorites alongside a limited-release small batch brew we crafted just for the occasion. Even better, this is an event close to our hearts; we donate our time and beer to help the Rotary Club raise funds for the incredible work they do in our community.
And while you’re in town for the festivities, be sure to swing by our Pub. We’ll be pouring a special whale-themed brew available just for the weekend, a small-batch release you won’t find anywhere else. And if you haven’t already, check out our city’s largest mural, right on the side of our brewhouse across the street from the Pub! It’s a perfect photo stop and a stunning tribute to the whales, painted by muralist Marta Alonso Canillar from Larry Foster’s original artwork. Read more about the mural’s story on our blog.
Can’t make it to the coast this year? You can still celebrate Whale Festival from wherever you are. Raise a glass of Scrimshaw and admire J.D. Mayhew’s iconic artwork. Reach for Laguna Baja, a brew inspired by and named in honor of the gray whale’s remarkable migration path. Or pick up a six pack of Pacific Magic IPA, featuring a stunning gray whale at sunset on the label. However, you celebrate, you can still be part of the tradition.
See you at Whale Festival!
As March approaches, we can’t wait to celebrate the whales and our coastal community once again. Whether you’re coming for a glimpse of the gray whales on their journey, joining the Whale Festival festivities, or stopping by our brewery for a pint in their honor, there’s plenty to enjoy this season. Here’s to another year of making waves, sharing stories, and raising a glass to the majestic creatures that connect us all. We hope to see you there!
