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Events & Festivals Alaska

Festivals & Events

Festivals & Events

From music festivals to fishing derbies, Alaska celebrates all things wild and wonderful. Scan the skies at one of Alaska’s many birding festivals, experience an Alaska Native cultural event, or cheer on the state's canine athletes at a dog mushing race. Winter or Summer, Alaska’s festivals range from quirky to creative and everything in between. Be sure to check out the Alaska Events Calendar while planning your trip. There's something for everyone!

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Upcoming Festivals & Events

Kachemak Bay Shorebird Festival Photo
May 3 - May 7, 2023
Alaska Maritime National Wildlife Visitor Center, Homer, AK

Kachemak Bay Shorebird Festival is Alaska’s largest wildlife-viewing festival, where birders from all over the world flock to Homer for workshops, seminars, and guided birding adventures. More than 100,000 shorebirds arrive at the tidal flats around Homer in early May, making it the largest bird [...]

Copper River Delta Shorebird Festival Photo
May 4 - May 7, 2023
Cordova Center, Cordova, AK 99574

We invite you to join the mass migration of Pacific shorebirds, raptors, waterfowl, and songbirds. Their shoreside respite is framed against the pristine backdrop of coastal glaciers and mountains, the breathtaking vista that we call home. Come outfitted with your binoculars, spotting scopes [...]

Wood Fest: Hands Meeting Trees Photo
May 20 - May 21, 2023
The Folk School, Fairbanks, AK 99708

Wood Fest is a celebration of wood, and the craft that surrounds this marvelous resource. During the long weekend of Wood Fest, we will have many events and demonstrations open to the public, several activities geared toward kids and families, short classes, a couple of slide presentations, and [...]

Kodiak Crab Fest Photo
May 25 - May 29, 2023
Downtown Kodiak, Kodiak, AK

The Kodiak Crab Fest is Kodiak Island's best event. First held in 1958 to celebrate the end of crabbing season, the weeklong festival in late May features a parade, a blessing of the fleet, foot and kayak races, live music, fishing skills contests, and a lot of king crab. Please Note: this event [...]

Nalukataq Photo
Jun 18 - Jun 25, 2023
Utqiagvik, Utqiagvik, AK

In Utqiagvik, the Nalukataq whaling festival is held by the Iñupiaq people in spring following a successful whaling season to appease the spirits of deceased whales so that they will return in the form of new whales the next season. In addition to dancing, singing, and food, the whaling festival [...]

Midnight Sun Festival & Midnight Sun Baseball Game Photo
Jun 21, 2023
Downtown Fairbanks, AK

Fairbanks hosts one of the best summer solstice celebrations in Alaska on summer solstice weekend, when the midnight sun shines all night long. This free 12-hour event includes a downtown street fair with arts, crafts, food, live music, and entertainment. If you’re around on the actual summer [...]

Old Time 4th of July Celebration Photo
Jul 4, 2023
Grassy Field , Cordova, AK 99574

Bring your blankets or lawn chairs and meet at the grassy field at 12:00 for the opening ceremony, where you’ll get to experience: Mayor’s Welcome US Coast Guard Presenting the Colors The National Anthem Incredible music from our very own Belle Mickelson and players ACTIVITIES AND LAWN GAMES [...]

World Eskimo-Indian Olympics Photo
Jul 12 - Jul 15, 2023
Big Dipper Ice Arena, Fairbanks, AK 99701

Each summer, Fairbanks is home to the World Eskimo-Indian Olympics, a series of traditional Alaska Native competitions of mental and physical toughness that started in 1961. This four-day event attracts Indigenous athletes from across the north who display amazing athletic abilities in contests like [...]

Copper River Salmon Jam Photo
Jul 14 - Jul 15, 2023
Ski Hill, Cordova, AK 99574

Join us in Cordova, AK for a weekend JAM-packed with live music, wild Copper River Salmon, arts & crafts, road races, dancing & fun activities for kids!

Alaska State Fair Photo
Aug 18 - Sep 4, 2023
Alaska State Fairgrounds, Palmer, AK 99645

“Everything’s bigger in Alaska” doesn’t just refer to mountains, glaciers, and wildlife. Alaska’s largest event, the Alaska State Fair, takes place in Palmer in late August and early September. Concerts, performances, exhibits, thrilling rides, and world-record-setting vegetables are all part of the [...]

Cordova Fungus Festival Photo
Sep 8 - Sep 10, 2023
Cordova Center, Cordova, AK 99574

Throughout this three-day event, Fungus Festival attendees have opportunities to learn more about local mushrooms, participate in art & handcraft workshops, and celebrate the Fish-Fungus-Forest connection. The festival includes guided forays, an identification table, expert keynote speakers, a Wine [...]

Hometown Holiday Kickoff Photo
Dec 1 - Dec 2, 2023
Cordova Center, Cordova, AK 99574

Join in the holiday fun at the Cordova Chamber of Commerce’s Hometown Holiday Kick-off on Friday, December 1st. Join the Cordova Chamber of Commerce on Main Street to share some holiday cheer while singing carols and watching Santa light the Big Tree Lighting at Cordova’s Hometown Holiday Kick-off [...]

Iceworm Festival Photo
Dec 27, 2023 - Jan 3, 2024
Main St., Cordova, AK 99574

What is the Iceworm Festival? The Cordova Iceworm Festival was created in 1961 by a few great Cordovans who were itching to lift the spirits of those down with the winter blues. Little did they know that the festival would grow to attract people from all across the world! What once was a two or [...]

Celebration Photo
Jun 5 - Jun 8, 2024
Sealaska Heritage Institute, Juneau, AK 99801

Celebrate one of the largest gatherings of Alaska Native peoples in the state at Celebration, a four-day event that occurs every other year in downtown Juneau. Alaska Native Tlingit, Haida, and Tsimshian peoples from come together to dress in traditional regalia and take part in song and dance [...]

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