The ocean is calling you to discover the secrets beneath the waves at Aberdeen’s annual International Mermaid Museum’s Mermaid Festival. Throughout March, weekends are filled with the mysteries of the deep. Experience an enchanting blend of sea and shore, from graceful mermaids to “landbound” wonders like live unicorns, gravity-defying aerial stunts and spectacular fire dancing.
Best of all, admission to these incredible performances is entirely free!
Find Family-Friendly Activities at Aberdeen’s Mermaid Fest
For those seeking the ultimate family-friendly activity in Grays Harbor, the Mermaid Festival offers activities that are perfect for kids of all ages, with plenty of shows and activities to enthrall everyone – including the parents!
Step inside the International Mermaid Museum – where admission is free for all ages during the festival! – and take part in the Pirate’s Treasure Hunt. Young explorers can solve puzzles and track down hidden riches to claim a prize of their own.
The magic continues on land as kids (and adults!) love unicorns! At the Mermaid Festival in Grays Harbor, your kids can meet real live unicorns from The PNW Unicorns.
From 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily, you can snap photos with Sky and Blue, or chat with their handler Crystal who is happy to share the secrets of unicorn lore.
Since this is a mermaid fest, don’t miss the chance to meet the mermaids from the Ono Wahini Áina Mermaid School in Rochester, Washington. They are happy to take photos and answer questions for anyone – child or adult – who has ever dreamed of trading legs for fins. Ask them questions about their school and what it takes to learn to be a mermaid!
For another magical encounter, visit Siren Circe inside the International Mermaid Museum daily between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m.
“The International Mermaid Festival is a fun opportunity for guests to connect with local vendors and artists while educating themselves about ocean life,” shares Rachel Novak, The Sailing Siren. “I’m a huge fan of the International Mermaid Museum’s objective of using mermaids in media and pop culture as a way to teach people about the ocean! I’ve enjoyed performing at this special event each year, and it has been amazing getting to see repeat attendees from previous years.”
The whole family will also enjoy shopping the over 40 arts, crafts and food vendors at the Mermaid Festival!
Death-Defying Acts at Mermaid Festival Leave All Ages Breathless
The ocean is a place of both beauty and danger, and the Mermaid Festival in Grays Harbor, brave performers capture that spirit through thrilling, death-defying acts. The entire family will not want to miss any of these incredibly talented performers.
Witness Mermaid Una as she performs acrobatic wonders entirely underwater at 11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. daily. Her mesmerizing underwater dance will leave you wondering just how she holds her breath for so long.
From the depths to the skies, catch Vertical Axis as they soar above the crowd. Performers Nick Perry and Amanda Thornton defy the winds with a breathtaking blend of music and dance, all while suspended from a 20-foot tower. Catch their high-flying shows daily at 11:30 a.m., 12:30 p.m., 1:30 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. daily.
The Sailing Siren, Rachel Novak, calms the sea while getting your heart racing with her intense fire dancing. Drawing inspiration from the shores of the Olympic Peninsula, Rachel weaves a narrative through movement that blends the elements of fire and water. “Each year, I have the opportunity to create and tell a story that incorporates elements of fire and water inspired by outdoor adventures in the Pacific Northwest,” she explains. This year’s performance tells the story of a girl with mysterious origin who transforms through her experiences to help those both above and below the waves. “I’ve created a three-part act with high-energy fire performance and a fun, inspiring story crafted for kids and adults alike!”
Don’t miss this high energy act by The Sailing Siren at noon, 1 p.m., 2 p.m. and 3 p.m. daily. Between shows, you can also browse and purchase Rachel’s incredible professional photography.
Beyond the live performances, the entire family can explore the exhibits inside the Mermaid Museum during the festival. Dive into the facts, lore and myths surrounding these legendary creatures while viewing a unique collection of artifacts gathered from across the globe!
If you’re a landlubber ready for spring, the Master Gardners will be hosting a free plant clinic each Saturday of the festival. Bring your gardening tools to be sharpened and get your seasonal questions answered by local experts!
Complete your visit by stepping into the Westport Winery located on-site to sample award-winning wines of explore their stunning sculpture garden, featuring some beautiful creations of local artists.
The Mermaid Festival is a place for the whole family to experience wonder, magic and thrills. Best of all, it’s free – that’s a rare thing to find nowadays! So come for a day, a weekend, or all three weekends and bring back your wonder.
2026 Mermaid Festival
Dates: March 7, 8, 14, 15, 21, 22, 28, and 29
Hours: 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Location: 1 S Arbor Rd, Aberdeen
Sponsored
