From Fjord to Table: Food Tours & Festivals in Alaska

Cuisine in Alaska is one of a kind. Here, tradition and innovation come together to create masterful dishes that will leave you inspired and satisfied. Local food tours and festivals boast a blend of incredible surroundings and culture, all in one. See how you can enjoy all the magnificent views and inspired cuisine that Alaska has to offer here:

Culinary and Foodie Tours

Culinary tours across the state can guide you through your foodie experience, introducing you to incredible local flair and flavors, while enjoying the culture and landscapes of the area. You’ll be able to take a stroll through historic downtowns, cities, or towns and learn more about the history, culture, and cuisine that makes Alaska what it is today.

Juneau and Anchorage are some of the most popular culinary tour destinations, with tours highlighting restaurant chefs’ passions for local ingredients and sustainable practices. You’ll experience first-hand how fresh Alaska seafood like halibut, salmon, crab, oysters, and more, along with locally-grown produce, shine with the skill and artistry of local culinary masters. 

Fairbanks and Ketchikan also offer guided food tours and historical bar tours, allowing you to enjoy both the modern flare and historical sites as you dine. Farm tours across the state, especially in the Mat-Su Valley region, offer a chance for you to get up close to the practices that bring the delicious dishes to your table. 

Bike & Brew Tours

Feeling adventurous? Brewery and distillery tours across the state are a great option to appreciate the crafting of fine beer, spirits, and wine. Add to that a chance to meet new people and pedal from destination to destination, and you’ve got yourself a bike and brew dream! Offered in summer months, Anchorage, Haines, Juneau, and Fairbanks are just some of the areas to host a scenic tour by bike. Here, fresh air and wildlife sightings in the morning and brew tours in the afternoon are all part of the experience. 

Alaska Food Festivals

Food festivals in Alaska are the highlight of the year, bringing together the sounds, sights, and bites of local areas into one glorious celebration. Locals come together to celebrate the bounty of the season, with festival timing hosted in peak seasons of each craft and cuisine celebrated. 

February

Alaska Craft Brew and BarleyWine Festival, Anchorage 

There’s no better way to welcome in the new year than with this warming, craft brew-focused festival. With over 250 drinks to choose from and with a representation of over 65 breweries, this will cure the winter blues and make dry January worth the wait!

May

Great Alaska Craft Beer and HomeBrew Festival, Haines 

Craft beers and breweries from across the state mixed with live music and local cuisine make this a fantastic and delicious spring festival.

Kodiak Crab Festival, Kodiak 

Crab lovers, rejoice! This iconic event will have you thinking you’ve gone to crab heaven. This 5-day festival brings the bounty of Kodiak’s abundant waters to its shores for all to enjoy. 

June

Taste of Homer, Homer

This 10-day culinary adventure brings the local sights and flavors to one place. With cooking classes, pairings, tours, restaurant specials, and food trucks, you don’t want to miss this unique experience in one of the state’s top foodie destinations.

July

Anchorage Beer and Bacon Festival, Anchorage 

Did someone say beer and bacon? Yes, you read that right! What better pair could there be? Indulge in craft brews and bacon infused dishes, with a bacon eating contest as a bonus! 

August

Alyeska Resort Blueberry Festival, Girdwood 

At the foot of the majestic Alyeska slopes, blueberries have their day at this inspired festival. Berry picking, pie eating contests, hiking, free live music, and local artisan crafts all make this festival one of the most magical of the year. 

Salmonfest, Ninilchik

The fat bears at Katmai aren’t the only ones rejoicing in the season of salmon! Come and enjoy this celebration of salmon and sustainability at this 3-day music festival. Savor some delicious seafood and local brews while dancing to your heart’s content.

Sitka Seafood Festival, Sitka 

Fish tote races (yes, sit yourself in a giant plastic box and paddle away!) and salmon focused food trucks and booths are just some of the exciting and delicious treats that await you at this local festival – where sustainability and fun go hand in hand!

Alaska State Fair, Palmer

This fair boasts everything from local flare to world-famous musical guests and Alaska cuisine. Food trucks and booths from all over the state come to one location for a one-stop culinary experience. Enjoy hearty fried seafood dishes, hand pies, rubens, and more, while taking a peek at record breaking fruits and vegetables from across Alaska’s farms. (For reference, the record for green cabbage is 138.25 lbs!) There’s a reason this fair is the biggest in the state!

September

Unalaska Blueberry Bash, Unalaska

This celebration of the blueberry is hosted on the remote and stunning island of Unalaska. Here, blueberries are featured in unique and tasty dishes, local art, and prizes. 

There’s no shortage to the incredible culinary experiences you can have here in Alaska!