AVALON — The wait is nearly over for one of Catalina Island’s most whimsical celebrations yet. In just days, Avalon will transform its scenic waterfront into an oceanic dreamscape for the first-ever Catalina Island Mermaid Festival, which takes place October 25 and 26, 2025.
Presented by the Catalina Art Association, this brand-new, family-friendly event promises to capture the island’s creative spirit through art, music, food, and a full weekend of mermaid magic. Excitement is already building across the island, as residents and visitors anticipate an unforgettable weekend that celebrates Catalina’s long-standing connection to the sea.
The festivities will begin Saturday, October 25, at 10:00 a.m. along Crescent Avenue, where nearly 20 ocean-themed artist and craft booths will line the waterfront. Families can enjoy interactive activities, face painting, crown and costume making, and plenty of photo opportunities with mermaids. A highlight of the day, the Rubber Ducky Derby fundraiser at noon on South Beach, will add a playful splash to the afternoon, while appearances by “Madison the Mermaid” and friends bring the fantasy to life for children and mermaid enthusiasts alike.
As the day continues, the energy will rise with a family dance party hosted by DJ Constance, a mermaid sandcastle contest, and live music filling the harbor from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. The evening will conclude with a fitting tribute to the ocean-inspired theme: an under the stars community screening of Disney’s “The Little Mermaid” on South Beach, presented by the City of Avalon.
On Sunday, October 26, the celebration continues with more art, food, and live entertainment, including Margaritas & Mermaids at IMMERSED in the Tour Plaza and a Mermaid Paint & Sip in the Beer Garden from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. Organizers note that schedules are still being finalized, but festival-goers can expect a weekend brimming with creativity, community, and coastal fun.
“Catalina has always been a place of magic and imagination, and what better way to celebrate that spirit than with a festival dedicated to mermaids,” said Lola DiMiele, festival organizer and president of the Catalina Art Association. “We wanted to create something whimsical, welcoming, and family-friendly that brings locals and visitors together while showcasing the creativity of our island community.”
Supported by the City of Avalon, Love Catalina Island Tourism Authority, Avalon Smokehouse, and partners including Madison the Mermaid and Catalina Island Mermaids, the event marks a new chapter in the island’s cultural calendar. More than just a festival, it’s a reflection of Catalina’s enduring charm and imaginative spirit, a place where maritime history and fantasy meet on the shoreline.
The Catalina Island Mermaid Festival is free and open to the public, with some activities and crafts requiring a small fee.
For full details and schedule updates, visit lovecatalina.com or follow @CatalinaArtAssociation on social media.
