Coast Ballet Theatre hosts a free afternoon of dance and dance-themed activities for children Saturday, Sept. 10, from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. at the Dana Point Community Center, 34052 Del Obispo Road. Includes crafts, storytelling and dance workshops. (714) 498-3760.
TALLSHIPS FESTIVAL
Note: Times for sailing events are approximate, as they are dependent on wind conditions. For more information, call the Marine Institute at (714) 496- 2274 . For tickets to sail in one of the races or the opening parade, call Dana Wharf Sportfishing (714) 496-5794. Limited tickets are available, and advance purchase is strongly suggested. * Parade of Tall Ships
Vessels from San Diego to San Francisco accompany the brig Pilgrim into Dana Point Harbor.
When: Saturday, Sept. 10, about noon.
Best viewing: On the breakwater next to the Marine Institute, 24200 Dana Point Harbor Drive.
Free. Spectators may view the parade from their boats or on board one of the participating ships by purchasing a ticket through Dana Wharf Sportfishing, 34675 Golden Lantern.
* Port Royal Privateers Encampment
Members of the Riverside-based living history group stage mock weddings and trials and display "tools of the pirate trade." Bilge-rats-in-training may take part in children's treasure hunts both days.
When: Saturday, Sept. 10, and Sunday, Sept. 11, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Where: Outside the Marine Institute.
Free, but treasure hunts are $3 each.
* Great Schooner Race
Four schooners will depart from Dana Wharf for a race just outside the harbor.
When: Saturday, Sept. 10, from 3:30 to 6 p.m.
Where: Dana Wharf, 34675 Golden Lantern.
Free. Visitors may also buy passage aboard one of the boats in the race through Dana Wharf Sportfishing.
* Buccaneer Schooner Rendezvous
The Port Royal Privateers engage in some "friendly" confrontation under sail. Cannon play is probable; mutinies are a certainty, and weddings performed at sea are good only for the duration of the sail, says the Marine Institute's Daniel Stetson, director of maritime affairs.
When: Sunday, Sept. 11, from noon to 3 p.m.
Where: Depart from Dana Wharf.
Free. Again, visitors may "sign aboard" one of the vessels by buying a ticket through Dana Wharf Sportfishing. (Peg legs are optional.)
* Tall Ship Tours
Most of the tall ships moored at the Marine Institute's dock will be open for tours after the parade and remain so through the festival. Schooners moored at Dana Wharf will be available before and after the race and Sunday's buccaneer rendezvous. Crew members on many ships will be dressed in period costumes.
When: Saturday, Sept. 10, from 1:30 to 5 p.m.; Sunday, Sept. 11, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Where: Dana Wharf and the Marine Institute's dock.
Suggested donation: $1 for children, $3 for adults or $5 per family.
* Chantey Sings
Chanteys and forebitters, traditional songs of the 1800s sailor, will be performed both days. Audience participation is encouraged.
When: Saturday, Sept. 10, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Sunday, Sept. 11, from noon to 5 p.m.
Where: Institute grounds, in front of the Pilgrim.
Free.
* "Gilbert and Sullivan on the High Seas: The Best of Pirates and Pinafore"
Orange County Light Opera Company presents excerpts from "The Pirates of Penzance" and "H.M.S. Pinafore."
When: Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 10 and 11, at 6:30 and 8:30 p.m. (Additional performances Monday and Tuesday, Sept. 12 and 13, at 8 p.m. and Saturday, Sept. 17, at 6:30 and 8:30 p.m.)
Where: On board the brig Pilgrim.
Tickets: $20, advance purchase through the Marine Institute is suggested.
* Displays and Demonstrations
Inside the Marine Institute, there will be artist demonstrations of scrimshaw (intricate carvings on fossilized whale bone and teeth) and a collection of nautical cannons. The institute's marine biology stations, including a large touch tank and a new ray exhibit, will be available.
When: Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 10 and 11, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Marine Institute.
Free.
NEWPORT SEAFEST
* Wooden Boat Festival
This event kicks off SeaFest with parade of wooden vessels from the Newport Harbor entrance up the main channel to the turning basin in Lido Village, and a dinner-dance. Continues Saturday and Sunday with "Nail and Sail" boat-building contests and a regatta, as well as contests, parties and fishing tournaments for children.
When: Friday, Sept. 9, at 5 p.m. (parade starts). Friday, Sept. 9, at 5:30 p.m. (dinner-dance at Balboa Pavilion). Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 10 and 11, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. (contests, boat tours and kids parties).
Where: Balboa Fun Zone (Balboa Boulevard at Main Street on Newport Bay).
Wherewithal: Events range from free to $55.
(714) 675-2645.
* Nautical Art Exhibit
Twenty-five works with Newport Harbor theme.
When: Saturday, Sept. 10, through Sunday, Sept. 25 (museum open Wednesday through Sunday, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.)
Where: Newport Harbor Nautical Museum (1741 W. Balboa Blvd.)
Free.
(714) 673-3377.
* Arts and Crafts Display
Works by 100 local artists, live entertainment, food and drink.
