Kenai Peninsula Fairs & Festivals
The Kenai Peninsula hosts a variety of fun festivals and events. The list below serves up our favorites, ranging from iconic 4th of July celebrations to showcases for Alaskan traditions!
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Fairs & Festivals
The Seward Silver Salmon Derby® is one of the oldest and largest fishing derbies in the State. Seward’s Derby is equally popular with locals, other Alaska residents, and visiting anglers from around the nation and world. Anglers vie for the largest Coho (Silver) Salmon and try to catch tagged fish worth prizes. Anglers turn their fish in daily, which are sold to raise funds for fish enhancement efforts. Derby tickets go on sale Friday night… ...more
Summer Wednesday evenings in Soldotna are times that everyone looks forward to. That’s when the famous — and free! — Levitt AMP Soldotna Music Series takes place in the beautiful Soldotna Creek Park. It happens weekly from June through August, and on top of catching some great music, it’s a fantastic chance to meet locals.
According to folklore, the tradition of the Mt. Marathon Race began when two sourdoughs argued about the possibility of climbing and descending the mountain in less than an hour. “Impossible” one said. To settle the argument, and the resulting wager, a race was held, with the loser to furnish drinks for the crowd. At the same time, enterprising merchants put up a suit of clothes and other attractions for the winner and proposed the race take… ...more
On the Fourth of July, the population of Seward swells from around 2,500 to a reported 40,000. Main Street is completely blocked off to traffic and the streets fill with people. Many come to run in or watch the Mt. Marathon Race, while others come to enjoy some of the most beautiful scenery in the world and take part in the festivities. Seward’s annual July 4th celebration features a packed holiday schedule of special events, presentations,… ...more
This unique festival in Homer, Alaska is an art-lovers dream.
The first Sunday of August brings a special event to Homer: the opportunity to step into private gardens that showcase the uniqueness of Alaskan gardening and get some real insight into what it’s like to work the land in a place where the growing season is short and the days long. Some 400 people come to Homer from all over, some of them gardeners from other parts of Alaska, and others from outside the state who simply have an interest in ...more
Seward’s Halibut Tournament, in June, offers an early-season focus on this famous fish, attracting anglers from all over Alaska and beyond
An annual, must attend event with fabulous art, live music and dance performances. Local Alaskan artisans and food vendors are featured. The Seward Art’s Council promotes this ever growing event, with a commitment to youth involvement, education, and creative inspiration; as well as a philosophy of low environmental impact. It is a family-oriented festival with children’s activities and artist’s projects throughout the weekend; including the ...more
Something magical happens in Soldotna every year during the fourth week of July. That’s when the town comes alive with Soldotna Progress Days — an annual community celebration worth planning your visit around.
An annual New Year’s Eve tradition, the Luminary Ski is a free community event on the Divide Ski Trails (at Mile 12 of the Seward Highway). The trails are lit by candlelight, and you can walk, snowshoe, or ski, depending on your preference. Hot cocoa, cider, and a campfire are provided.
Visit local galleries and shops in downtown Seward to see featured local artists and enjoy local Alaskan hospitality. See handmade jewelry, pottery, photography, paintings, metal work, carvings, clothing and more. Occasionally the event includes local musicians, dancers or drummers.
Winter festival featuring live music, food, and a beer garden held each February in Soldotna Creek Park.
An annual event with local Alaskan artists, featuring beautiful work for your holiday shopping pleasure. Don’t forget to check out the food vendors, live entertainment, holiday music and Santa! Generally the first week in December at the Dale R. Lindsey Alaska Railroad Intermodal Facility.