6th Annual Flying Fish Festival 2013

In celebration of the annual return of Catalina Island's famous flying fish, Catalina announces the 6th Annual Flying Fish Festival, May 30th — June 2nd, a four day festival of family fun.

From late May to September every year, Catalina Island welcomes the famed flying fish. This spectacular fish soars out of the water at heights of up to 30 feet and glides for distances as long as ¼ mile. The flying fish visit the Island for only a few months a year and best shows itself at night when lured with lights. It is only fitting that Catalina celebrates their arrival by honoring them as special guests with a four day long weekend of festivities.*

The Flying Fish Festival kicks off on Thursday, May 30th, with the Taste Around of Avalon. It's a chance to explore some of Avalon's finest eateries and taste their most delectable menu items — all in one night! Participate by voting for your favorite food and beverage for Best Taste of Food, Drink (with and without alcohol) & Dessert. Activities are plentiful throughout the rest of the weekend as the events and entertainment roll out to celebrate the fantastic flying fish. The festival also kicks off the start of Avalon Restaurant Week, from May 30th - June 6th. Enjoy prix fixe menus at some of Avalon's favorite restaurants.

Event Highlights

Activities

Thursday, May 30

5pm-9pm: Flying Fish Festival Kick-off, the 9th Annual Taste Around of Avalon event. Come out and taste a bit of Avalon and vote for your best food, drink and dessert!

7pm: Avalon High School Theater Department presents Annie, Avalon High School Auditorium

8:45pm: Flying Fish Tour, Santa Catalina Island Company. (310) 510-TOUR (8687)

Friday, May 31st

Through June 6th: 1st Annual Avalon Restaurant Week

Throughout the day: "Gil" the Flying Fish strolls through town

9am-5pm: Sand Sculpture creation at Wrigley Stage

12noon-4pm: USC Marine Touch Tanks at the Tuna Club

3:45pm-5pm: Family Kayak Relay Race, Descanso Beach, free activity - Must sign up in advance to participate.

7pm: Avalon High School Theater Department presents Annie, Avalon High School Auditorium

7:30pm: Afishinados Famous Flying Fish Tour Afishinados Charters (310) 510-2440.

8:30pm: Movie on the Beach-Lilo & Stitch- sponsored by CHOICES, Catalina Island Vacation Rentals & Catalina Island Real Estate

8:45pm: Flying Fish Tour, Santa Catalina Island Company. (310) 510-TOUR (8687)

Saturday, June 1

Through June 6th: 1st Annual Avalon Restaurant Week

Throughout the day: "Gil" the Flying Fish strolls through town

7am-9am: Kids Fishing Derby at the Mole, bring your own fishing gear and bait. Prizes awarded to the winners!

9am-5pm: Sand Sculpture at Wrigley Stage.

10am-1pm: Wooden Boat Building Competition - sponsored by Chet's Hardware & Pebbly Beach Building Supply

10am-4pm: USC Marine Touch Tanks at the Tuna Club

10am-4pm: Street Theater — Charles Frederick Holder and his boatman

10am-5pm: Gill the Flying Fish welcomes visitors/strolls through town

10am-5pm: Flying Fish Street Fair, Crescent Ave.

11am-2pm: Hands-On Science Activity for kids, Crescent Ave.

11am-3pm: Exploring Art History Craft for kids, Crescent Ave.

1:45pm: Wooden Boat Building Races at South Beach - sponsored by Chet's Hardware & Pebbly Beach Building Supply

2:30pm: Guided tour of the Wrigley Memorial & Botanic Garden with Blanche Trask (free) (Trolley from Tour Plaza at 2pm -$)

6pm-7pm: Beach Bingo on South Beach, Catalina Kid Ventures

7pm: Avalon High School Theater Department presents Annie, Avalon High School Auditorium

7pm: Beer Garden Opens by Wrigley Stage

7:30pm: Afishinados Famous Flying Fish Tour Afishinados Charters (310) 510-2440.

8:00pm-10:00pm: Free Concert & Street Dance. Xceptional Music Productions presents Xceptional 80's, Wrigley Stage, Crescent Ave.

8:45pm: Flying Fish Tour, Santa Catalina Island Company. (310) 510-TOUR (868gg7)

Sunday, June 2

Through June 6th: 1st Annual Avalon Restaurant Week

Throughout the day: "Gil" the Flying Fish strolls through town

9am-12noon: Sand Sculpture completed at Wrigley Stage.

10am-4pm: USC Marine Touch Tanks at the Tuna Club

10am-4pm: Flying Fish Street Fair, Crescent Ave.

11am-2pm: Hands-On Science Activity for kids, Crescent Ave.

11am-3pm: Exploring Art History Craft for kids, Crescent Ave.

2:30pm: Guided tour of the Wrigley Memorial & Botanic Gardens with Blanche Trask (free) (Trolley from Tour Plaza at 2pm - $)

3pm: Golf Ball Drop (Rotary) Tickets $5 each

7:30pm: Afishinados Famous Flying Fish Tour Afishinados Charters (310) 510-2440.

7:45pm- 9pm: Flying Fish Kayak Tour, Descanso Beach-$45pp, Advance reservations are required

8:45pm & 9:30pm: Flying Fish Tour, Santa Catalina Island Company. (310) 510-TOUR (8687)

Thank you to our sponsors!

Scheduled events are subject to change. Check back regularly for updates!

* Flying Fish are, of course, wild, and do not necessarily perform on cue! While the fish are usually in Catalina Island waters between May and September each year, there are no guarantees that the fish will be seen on any given Flying Fish Trip.

For more information about this event, or for info about
transportation and/or lodging contact the Catalina Island Chamber
of Commerce at 1-866-772-9592.