Events

Upcoming Events


AIWA Exhibit at the Amelia Island Museum of History

December 19, 2025 – April 5, 2025

Amelia Island Museum of History 233 S. Third Street, Fernandina Beach, FL 32034

Three Presentations will be made at the museum

*December 19, 2025 6:00 pm: Presentation by Richard Timm and Scott Rowley and opening night of the exhibit

*February 20, 2026 6:00 pm: Nick Williams, local biologist and naturalist at the Ritz Carlton

*March 4, 2026 12:00 pm: Theresa Hartz, an update on the 2026 calving season

For more information and a list of presentations, please click here.


Sketch Book Night!

Let your creativity make waves! 🌊🐋
Join us for Sketch Book Night on Tuesday, February 24, 6:30–8:30 p.m. at Inkwell Art Bar in Fernandina Beach. Artist Brian Barnard will lead this relaxed, step-by-step sketching session as we draw a majestic whale swimming through the ocean.
All supplies are included—just bring your imagination. Enjoy a drink from the cash bar, unwind, and create something beautiful.
$15 per person

Scan QR Code to register!


“For the Love of Whales” Meeting

Celebrate the wonder of right whales- and the dedicated people working to protect them. Enjoy an inspiring afternoon with special guest speaker Katherine Sayler of Defenders of Wildlife, who will share powerful stories and insights from the front lines of right whale conservation… And time to catch up on the local whale news with fellow whale-lovers!

Saturday, February 7, 2026 2:00 – 3:30pm

Story & Song Bookstore & Bistro 1430 Park Ave, Fernandina Beach, FL 32034


Right Whale Baby Shower

You’re invited to a whale of a celebration! Step “Under the Sea” for an evening of music, videos, conversation, fun guest speakers, and a silent auction. Complimentary hors d’oeuvres will be provided and a cash bar will be available. It’s a joyful way to celebrate our new right whales calves and support their future. Suggested donation: $20

Wednesday, April 8, 2026 5:00pm

Tigre Island Room 10 N 2nd St, Fernandina Beach, FL 32034


Shrimp Festival Parade

Thursday, April 30


Wild Amelia Nature Festival & Opening of the Beaches

May, 16


Right Whale Festival

November 7-8, 2026


Right Whale Sighting Training

November 9, 2026


Presentations to the Community


Click the image to see presentations that have been made to the community to help spread awareness of the North Atlantic right whale.


Past Events (2025)

Fernandina Beach Public Library Presentation

Thursday, January 16, 20256:00 pm

Fernandina Beach Branch Library. 25 N. 4th Street. Fernandina Beach, FL

Discover right whale mothers and the calves that visit our waters. Learn why they come and why they’re endangered. We’ll also discuss reasons for hope and how you can help ensure their survival. The presentation will be led by Theresa Hartz of the Amelia Island Whale Ambassadors.There is no cost to participate, however, you are requested to RSVP. RSVP here, space is limited


North Atlantic Right Whale Mosaic Art

Saturday, January 25, 2025 10:00 am

Main Beach Park, Fernandina Beach, FL

Join us as we create a life-size North Atlantic right whale mosaic art installation, curated by Laurie Holton, a local artist and shell collector, using oyster shells! Let’s come together to raise awareness and celebrate the beauty of the calving season. Please collect grey oyster shells on our local beaches from now until event day… then bring them on January 25th to enjoy a fun day by the ocean with like-minded individuals of all ages. (Please keep in mind we cannot accept any freshly shucked shells due to the sharp edges.). Let’s make a positive impact on our environment and showcase our creativity as we work together to protect our whales. See you there! No RSVP is needed.


“Change the Story” Annual Meeting

Saturday, February 8, 2025 1:30 -3:30 pm

Story & Song Bookstore Bistro 1430 Park Ave, Fernandina Beach, FL 32034

Explore ways to help right whales, get an update about the right whales and calves this season, share exciting plans for 2025, and discover opportunities for you to help!


Wild Night Presentation: Right Whale Season Update and Documentary

Tuesday, April 8, 20256:00 – 7:30 pm

Fernandina Beach Golf Club, 2750 Bill Melton Rd Fernandina Beach, FL 32034

Calving Season Highlights Presentation and showing the movie, “Right Over the Edge”

Amelia Island is at the heart of the calving grounds of the North Atlantic right whale, from mid-November to mid-April. This Wild Nite will begin with the documentary “Right Over the Edge” which shows one team’s search for the North Pacific right whale. The historical footage reflects its shared past with our North Atlantic right whale, while the team’s search provides a chilling look at the future for our North Atlantic right whales if they are not protected.

The documentary is provided courtesy of the Right Whale Festival – www.rightwhalefestival.com

Richard Timm is the event’s featured speaker. Richard will balance the movie’s message with an update on the 2024-2025 calving season and other reasons for hope. Richard is a founding member of the Amelia Island Whale Ambassadors and has been teaching about North Atlantic right whales since the organization formed in 2021.

Light snacks and cash bar available.

Please register: Facebook link


Right Whale Baby Shower

AIWA Presents Our Most Joyous Event of the Year!!!The Right Whale Baby Shower

In conjunction with this special event AIWA is holding an Original Artwork Raffle

Below is more information on the Exquisite Artwork being raffled.

Custom “Baby Right Whale” Quilt… photo of the quilt in the works!! By Stacy Shelton
Custom Stained Glass “Right Whales” by Susan Dewolf
Custom Right Whale Watercolor by Lisa Timm

Raffle tickets are $10 each (or 6 for $50) and can be purchased at the Baby Shower event or on sale at the downtown boutique

Color it Green” – 301 Center St. FB, beginning March 26

Please Join Us In Celebrating our Newborn Whales

Thursday April 10th, 5-7pm Florida House Inn – 22 S. 3rd St., Fernandina Beach, FL 32034

Raffle Drawing will take place at 6:30 pm. You do not need to be present to win 

All raffle proceeds will go to the Amelia Whale Sculpture Project

Amelia Island Whale Ambassadors is working on a permanent Whale Sculpture to be prominently displayed on our Island.Buy raffle tickets and be a proud contributor to this majestic whale sculpture.

Complimentary Appetizers and Sweets, Cash Bar

Family and friends are invited!


Turtle Fest

Saturday, April 19, 2025 10:00 am – 3:00 pm

Main Beach Park 32 N Fletcher Ave, Fernandina Beach, FL 32034


Shrimp Festival Parade

Thursday, May 1, 2025


Wild Amelia Nature Festival & Opening of the Beaches

Saturday, May 17, 2025


“We Are All Whalers”- Book Discussion

Dr. Michael Moore, scientist, veterinarian, and North Atlantic right whale expert, from Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, has written an excellent and intriguing book titled, “We Are All Whalers”. You are invited to a Book Discussion of his book, hosted by Story and Song. There are two dates. You can attend one or both discussions (each will focus on different questions, but it will all be about our right whales!).

The book can be purchased in advance through Story & Song Bookstore & Bistro 904-601-2118

RSVP to Candis at cwhitney@ameliawhales.org to save your seat!

Tuesday, September 16 10am-1130am & Thursday, September 25 2pm-3:30pm

Exciting News!  We will welcome Dr. Michael Moore who will join us via Zoom this Thursday!  ALL WELCOME!

Story & Song Bookstore Bistro 1416 Park Ave, Fernandina Beach, FL 32034


Fernandina Beach Saturday Market

Visit our booth at the Fernandina Beach Saturday Market!

Saturday, September 27, 2025 Downtown Fernandina Beach


StationKeepers, Lighthouses, and Right Whales

Presentation and Discussion by Dr. Scott Rowley

ROOFTOP of the Seaside Amelia Inn – 2900 Atlantic Ave, Fernandina Beach, FL 32034

Thursday, October 2, 2025 4:00-5:00pm

Come a bit early to check out the view and our local StationKeeper installation!

Click here to learn more about StationKeeper!


Paisley Grace Makery Whale Crafts Workshop

Sunday, October 12, 2025 2:00pm

Paisley Grace Makery 1014 S. 7th Street Fernandina Beach, FL

Join us at Paisley Grace Makery for an afternoon of creating a whale-themed craft!

PLEASE Register by October 8th.

*Click here to register!

*Look through the options and select your favorite design 

*Complete any option/personalization questions.

*Go to cart and check out with your information.

*Arrive the day of the party a few minutes early to choose your colors and prepare to HAVE FUN, CELEBRATE and GET CREATIVE!!

IMPORTANT INFORMATION: All guests MUST register in advance of the party! If registration is received after the deadline shown above a $5 fee will be charged to your selection and is the responsibility of the guest not the party host.


Baleen & Brew

Sunday, October 19, 2025. 4:00pm

Disco Witch Brewing 464073 State Road 200 Yulee, FL 32097

Featured Speaker: Christina Nelson, Naturalist at the Greyfield Inn, Cumberland Island

Food and drinks will be available for purchase. Family friendly event! Join us for conversation about whales in a laid back atmosphere!


Right Whale Week

Friday, October 24 – Sunday, November 2, 2025

Visit participating shops, galleries, restaurants, and pubs celebrating our right whales!

Downtown Fernandina Beach and throughout Nassau County!


Right Whale Festival Expert Luncheon

Friday,October 31, 2025 11:30am – 1:30pm

Courtyard Amelia Island 2700-1 Atlantic Ave Fernandina Beach, FL 32034 

Dr. Michael Moore, scientist, veterinarian, and North Atlantic right whale expert, from Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, will be the honored speaker at the Right Whale Festival’s Expert Luncheon on October 31. Don’t miss this amazing man!Open to the public. Tickets will be available at rightwhalefestival.com


Right Whale Festival

Saturday, November 1, 2025 10am-6pm Sunday, November 2, 2025 10am-3pm

Main Beach Park 32 N. Fletcher Ave Fernandina Beach, FL

Volunteer with us or visit the Amelia Island Whale Ambassadors booth at the festival!


Right Whale Sighting Training

November 3, 2025 6:00-8:00 pm. Courtyard by Marriott Amelia Island 2700-1 Atlantic Avenue

Presented by Julie Albert, Right Whale Sighting Network, Blue World Research Institute

This informative 1.5 hour class will qualify you to join the Whale Alert Network! Learn what you can do to save right whales, including how to spot and report right whales from shore.

Sips & Shopping at J. McLaughlin

Join the Right Whale Festival and hostess Dr. Carol Logan for an afternoon of sips and shopping in support of the Right Whale Festival. Holidays made easy. Enjoy curbside pickup and custom gift wrap. 10% of sales will benefit the Right Whale Festival

Monday, December 22, 2025 12 -4pm

J.McLaughlin Shops at Amelia Market 4800 1st Coast Highway – Amelia Island, FL. 904-572-3254


2024 Events

Click here to see our past events!