What to KnowFishtival 2026Cabrillo Marine AquariumSan PedroMay 27:30-11:59 p.m.$10 adult; $5 senior, student, and child<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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? <\/p>\n
It feels party-worthy, truly.<\/p>\n
So break out the bowties and elegant updos, if you’re feeling it, and make for the annual “Fishtival”<\/a> at Cabrillo Marine Aquarium.<\/a><\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n 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).<\/p>\n