North Coast KelpFest!

October 3-6, 2025
Art + Science + Food + Film

MENDOCINO + FORT BRAGG

Check back in August for the full schedule.

Photo by Marco Mazzo

Bull kelp forests are an immensely valuable part of the ocean’s ecosystem, absorbing carbon dioxide, mitigating storm erosion along the shoreline, and providing food and habitat for an abundance of sea creatures. These dense underwater forests stretch along the North American coast from Big Sur to Alaska.

Since 2014, bull kelp forests have been devastated by warming oceans and other impacts, with losses exceeding 96% along California’s North Coast. But through community awareness, research, and recovery efforts, kelp forests can again thrive off of our shores.

Image from The Mysterious World of Bull Kelp website, courtesy of Above/Below

Photos from the 2024 North Coast KelpFest

Science panel during the closing event

Opening circle hosted by Xa Kako Dile: for KelpFest! art opening

Weavings dyed with urchin dye

Song, story, and words from Xa Kako Dile:

Tristan McHugh from The Nature Conservancy speaks at the art opening

Chef Janelle Weaver

Trey, Donna, and Sheile from Noyo Center for Marine Science

Guests enjoy the art show

Art installation by Doug and Siobhan

Basket by Corine Pearce

Close up of basket by Corine Pearce

Knitted wall piece

Panel discussion during the Mendocino Film Festival

The science panel takes questions

Ocean-inspired food during the closing event

Ocean-inspired food during the closing event

Guests mingle on the deck of the Noyo Center Field Station

Healthy Bull Kelp Forest, photo by Patrick Webster

North Coast KelpFest! is a community led initiative powered by volunteers.

Noyo Center for Marine Science

Mendocino Film Festival

City of Fort Bragg

Sea Grant California