Festival General Admission
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Pirate and Mermaid Ball
September 14 @ 6:00 pm - 10:00 pm
Avast Ye! An Invitation to a Special Event!
Date: Saturday, September 14, 2024
6:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Location: Ocean Institute
Suggested Attire: Pirate and/or mermaid garb or cocktail attire.
Ahoy, mateys and merfolk! Join us for a night of swashbuckling fun and underwater enchantment at our Pirate and Mermaid Ball!
Indulge in island-themed food stations, relax in sea-inspired lounges, dance to the rhythm of a live band, and marvel at thrilling pirate shows. Capture magical moments at the photo booth, participate in our silent auction, and explore the Tacori Treasure Trove for elevated experiences and more!
Heavy appetizer food stations and specialty drinks are provided with the purchase of your ticket.
Upgrade to the Captain’s Quarters – VIP Package for an enhanced experience! This exclusive package includes 4 tickets, a reserved high-top cocktail table with chairs, tableside service for drinks, and access to a private lounge with a perfect view of the live band.
Pirate and Mermaid Ball FAQ
Date, time, and location of the Pirate and Mermaid Ball?
Date: Saturday, September 14, 2023
Time: 6:00 pm – 10:00 pm
- To maximize the experience, we suggest arriving at 6:00pm.
Location: Ocean Institute
24200 Dana Point Harbor Drive
Dana Point, CA 92629
Is there parking at the event?
Ocean Institute will be providing a professional valet service, complimentary for guests. We also encourage the use of ride-share services like Uber and Lyft, to get to the event.
If you would like to self-park, the only parking lot available to do so in would be the Parking lot located to the south of Baby Beach and in front of the OC Sailing and Events Center 34451 Ensenada Pl, Dana Point, CA 92629.
What is the dress attire?
We highly encourage coming to the ball dressed as a Pirate or Mermaid! Pick a pirate, pick a mermaid, or do a mix of both!
If you’d prefer less-costume clothing, we suggest cocktail attire.
Is food and drinks included in the ticket/table purchase?
Yes, we will have food stations throughout the event for guests to enjoy.
All food, alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages are included with the ticket purchase.
Are dietary restrictions being accommodated?
There will be a variety of choices that meet various dietary needs.
If you have a severe dietary restriction and have a specific question about what will be served, please email oi@oceaninstitute.org.
Are children welcome at the Pirate and Mermaid Ball?
While we are known for serving families, this event is exclusive to those 21 and older.
Do I need to bring an ID to drink alcohol?
- In compliance with the Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) we are required to ID all guests attending this 21+ event. (Even if you “look” old enough )
- If IDs are forgotten, you can still enjoy the event, but you will not be able to receive a wristband that allows you to drink. Pictures of ID’s are not sufficient evidence.
- Acceptable form of ID’s are as follows:
- Driver’s License
- Passport
- Passport card
- CA Real ID
- U.S. Military Identification Card (with photo)
Where do proceeds from the event go?
100% of the proceeds go to supporting Ocean Institute’s educational programs.
Ocean Institute, founded in 1977, is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that offers in-depth marine science, maritime history, and outdoor education programs. Its mission is to use the ocean as its classroom to inspire children to learn. Ocean Insitute provides high-quality science education about marine life, conservation and the habitats and species of the California Pacific Coast. Ocean Institute’s diverse program inventory includes STEM programs aligned with California’s content standards. Learn more at www.oceaninstitute.org.
What additional activities will be at the Pirate and Mermaid Ball?
During Pirate and Mermaid Ball, we will have live Sea Shantys sung by a Pirate band, photo booth, silent and live auctions, and a paddle raise. As additional fund raisers during the night, we will have a Tacori Treasure Trove, where everyone is guaranteed to win a high-end piece of jewelry, and a Davey’s Locker Wine Wall.
Will you be taking cash at the event?
We do not take cash on payments for items (auction, jewelry, etc.), but do accept cash tips for the bar tenders and any donations that are made to Ocean Institute.
Will I have a good time?
100%
Dear Friends and Supporters of the Ocean Institute,
We are thrilled that one of our most exciting events of the year is on the horizon it will not only be a night of enchantment but also a means to make a meaningful impact in the lives of young learners.
We are delighted to invite you to the Ocean Institute’s Maritime Festival Pirate and Mermaid Ball, a gala dedicated to supporting our Adopt-A-Class initiative. As many of you know, our mission is to “Use the ocean as our classroom, inspiring children to learn.” To fulfill this mission, we are committed to ensuring that educational opportunities are accessible to all, regardless of their socioeconomic background.
Our Adopt-A-Class outreach program specifically targets Title I schools and provides students from low-income communities with the chance to engage in our transformative education programs. These programs not only impart crucial knowledge about marine science, ecology, and maritime history but also instill a sense of wonder and curiosity about the world around them.
The Pirate and Mermaid Ball, scheduled for September 14, promises to be a night filled with enchantment, live entertainment, exquisite dining, and the opportunity to make a profound difference. By attending this gala, you not only support the Ocean Institute’s vital educational mission but also help pave the way for a brighter future for these young minds.
Your attendance at the Pirate and Mermaid Ball will directly contribute to scholarships, program development, and the expansion of our reach to more Title I schools. It is through your generosity and commitment that we can continue to inspire children to learn through the ocean’s wonders. We encourage you to join us for this exceptional evening, not only for the festivities but also for the knowledge that your support will be a beacon of hope for countless young learners.
Thank you for your continued support, which enables us to transform lives through education. Together, we can ensure that every child has the opportunity to discover the wonders of our ocean and the world around them.
If you have any questions or require additional information, please do not hesitate to contact our team at the Ocean Institute.
Fair winds and following seas,
Ocean Institute