Festivals and family events in Alaska

Festivals are a great way to get the kids outside in a fun and safe environment. When the harsh Alaskan winter disappears, dozens of festivals make their appearance in the summer, giving you ample opportunities to entertain those young ones and yourself.

Kodiak Crab Festival

Crab is delicious and it’s also a huge part of Alaska’s economy, but this festival isn’t all about the sea creatures. The Kodiak Crab Festival celebrates the very Alaskan way of life with food, rides, a parade, art shows, vendors and more over each Memorial Day weekend, taking full advantage of those days off.

When: May
Location: Kodiak Island
Website:kodiak.org

Bear Paw Festival

A summer festival as you’d traditionally think of it. The Bear Paw Festival features events like an ice cream eating contest, a dog and owner look-alike contest, celebrity jeopardy, a salmon cook-off and more. Plus, the Golden Wheel Carnival keeps the upbeat atmosphere going throughout the entire July weekend.

When: July
Location: Chugiak-Eagle River
Website:bearpawfestival.org

WhaleFest

Celebrate the return of the whale to Sitka’s shores with this fun family event, featuring talks with scientists who discuss whale migration and the issues the largest mammals on Earth face. Don’t forget to head to the ocean to see whales, sea lions, sea otters and other lively sea life that are perfectly visible from Sitka’s shoreline.

When: November
Location: Sitka
Website:sitkasoundsciencecenter.org

Three Barons Renaissance Festival

Huzzah! Grab the kiddies and head out to a festival that throws back to the days of jousting, street musicians and ethereal dress. Witness magic shows and dancers, and hear fairy tales and traditional folklore, all while eating festival fare like enormous turkey legs.

When: June
Location: Anchorage
Website: 3barons.org

Copper River Wild Salmon Festival

As the salmon come back up the streams, Cordova locals pack the Copper River Wild Salmon Festival to get their cultural fix of art, music, road races and educational seminars. After you finish the Alaska Salmon Run, a marathon that celebrates the fish at the pinnacle of Alaska’s fishing industry, head down to the festival for some grub and fun.

When: July
Location: Cordova
Website:copperriverwild.org

More activities in Alaska

Best Alaskan campgrounds
Free activities in Alaska
Best Alaskan museums for families