SAN DIEGO -- Migrating California gray whales will be celebrated at the fifth annual San Diego Big Bay Whale Festival, a daylong free family community event, set for Jan. 26 at the Port Pavilion on the Broadway Pier.            

Festival attendees can find out more about California gray whales and marine ecology with activities that include an interactive “walk through a gray whale,” a giant inflated obstacle course, a kids’ sea life mural coloring project and exhibits of live sea creatures. Fun-oriented children’s activities include face painting, a “jump house” castle and a trackless train.            

In addition, there will be live music from the James Gibson Band, Moon Dog and Velvet Cafe. Event participants can also meet “Capt. Sam Diego” and enjoy a performance by the Flamenco with Roots youth dance group.            

Numerous vendors will have exhibits at the festival, including whale watching cruise operators.            

Throughout January, USS Midway Museum and the Maritime Museum of San Diego will offer Big Bay Whale Days admission discounts, and a variety of Embarcadero businesses and restaurants will have coupons available with special offers during Big Bay Whale Days.            

For more information, visit whaledays.com

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