What to KnowFishtival 2026Cabrillo Marine AquariumSan PedroMay 27:30-11:59 p.m.$10 adult; $5 senior, student, and child

When you’re the guest of honor at a well-attended, oh-so-popular party, you might think of doing it up a bit, all to elevate the moment.

That could mean wearing a bowtie, if you’re feeling fancy, or trying a haute hairstyle, or perhaps going with a light-catching look that shimmers in the starlight.

The grunions, those beach-spawning wonders of the ocean, don’t rock tuxedos or clothes or cool coiffures, but they do have the glimmering part absolutely wrapped up, and magnificently so.

For these shiny silversides fishes are the eye-catching favorites of fish fans each spring and summer, at least on select nights, and the ethereal opportunity to watch this age-old rite?

It feels party-worthy, truly.

So break out the bowties and elegant updos, if you’re feeling it, and make for the annual “Fishtival” at Cabrillo Marine Aquarium.

The San Pedro aquatic destination is located near a beach that gets plenty of grunion action, and, for sure, there are a few “Meet the Grunion” events on the aquarium’s 2026 calendar.

But May 2’s “Fishtival” has a little added pizzazz: Tunes provided by a KCRW DJ, food booths, food trucks, pop-up activities, and an anticipatory spirit provide panache to the salty-air’d proceedings.

As far as the anticipation goes? After savoring a burger or pizza or taco, and sipping some Chardonnay or soda, you’ll attend a talk by an ocean educator, with a stroll down to the beach to conclude the fascinating night.

Grunions only appear on certain nights near the full and new moons, so this definitely isn’t an every-evening-of-the-year kind of phenomenon. It’s also closed season, which means you cannot gather grunions (and if you do so during open season, a license is required).

Can’t make the May 2 “Fishtival” but you still want to get your grunion on and observe this millennia-spanning spawning ritual? There are a few more “Meet the Grunion” nights coming up at Cabrillo Marine Aquarium, with everything wrapping up by the end of June.