Bodega Bay Fisherman's Festival

The Bodega Bay Fisherman's Festival fills Westside Regional Park, on the edge of the harbor, for one weekend each spring. Both days revolve around the water: barbecued oysters, fish and chips and clam chowder at the food stalls, a wine booth pouring more than 25 Sonoma County wines, local beer and live music on the main stage.

On Sunday morning the decorated fishing boats parade out of the harbor to be blessed by local clergy.

This is the Sonoma Coast's own party, run entirely by volunteers, with the proceeds going back into Bodega Bay area community services and local nonprofits. It feels less like an event put on for visitors than a fishing town turning out for itself, and you are welcome to join in.

Come for the boats and stay for the small pleasures: the wooden boat challenge, where teams build a vessel and race it, the craft booths, the kids' tide-pool touch tank and the pet parade. Find a place on the shoreline before the blessing begins.