23-27
Crab Fest is a time for the community to celebrate the abundant resources received from the sea. Activities include good food, games, a parade, vendors, and more. kodiakchamber.org
23-27
4-5
This is Alaska’s premier, must-see aviation event with more than 23,000 attendees, including pilots and aviation enthusiasts. Alaska is the “flyingest” state in the union with more pilots and aircraft per capita than anywhere in the world. The gathering takes place at the FedEx Hangar at the Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport. greatalaskaaviationgathering.org
11
The Barefoot Mile is a 1-mile barefoot walk where participants stand behind the cause of human trafficking and walk in solidarity with those who are the most vulnerable to trafficking. Funds raised will assist in the rescue, restoration, reintegration, and prevention of human trafficking in Alaska, the United States, and internationally. The walk takes place from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. in Town Square. alaskabarefootmile.org
18
Enjoy horse demonstrations, games, vendors, food, and more at this free horse show. Equifest is an annual event hosted by the Anchorage Horse Council to celebrate Alaska’s horses and the arrival of spring. anchoragehorsecouncil.net
2-5
This week long festival is a great experience and a wonderful sight to see. As many as 5 million shorebirds rest and feed in Cordova during the spring migration. There are opportunities for bird watching, hiking, presentations, community events, and many more activities fun for all ages. coppershorebird.com
25
Also known as Beerfest, this festival includes a Gourmet Brewers’ dinner, fun run, and connoisseur and general admission tastings, located at the Southeast Alaska State Fairgrounds. seakfair.org
9-12
More than 130 bird species migrate to Kachemak Bay. Sandhill cranes, Arctic and Aleutian terns, Pacific golden-plover, bristle-thighed curlew, horned puffins, and red-necked stint are only a few bird species visitors might see. The festival includes fun and educational activities for any level of birder and all ages. kachemakshorebird.org
3-18
Juneau Jazz & Classics celebrates its annual festival with sixteen days of soul-lifting, blues-chasing, live music by way of concerts, workshops, cruises, and free events all over town. This year’s roster includes Julie Coucheron, King Louie & LaRhonda Steele, Volante Winds, Gonzalo Bergara Trio, Eliot Fisk, Argus Quartet, and more. jazzandclassics.org
4
This is a one-day family friendly event showcasing many facets of Juneau’s maritime history, commerce, and culture, including a helicopter rescue demonstration, great seafood, activities for kids, informational and sales booths, and songs and stories for all ages. There’s also a Maritime Marinade contest, food vendors, and a beer garden, all at the Alaska Steamship dock. jedc.org/maritimefestival
3
Celebrate art and the start of a new season at the Arts Council’s annual Celebration of the Sea Art Walk. Guests will enjoy the blessing of the fleet, new art pieces by local artists, music, and refreshments. Start at any participating location and enjoy a wonderful spring evening of art. ketchikanarts.org
16-19
This festival celebrates the signing of Norway’s constitution in 1848, the coming of spring, the beginning of the fishing season, and US Armed Forces Day. The festival includes food and craft booths downtown, a parade, a Scandinavian pageant, a herring toss, a walk-run race, and Vikings and Valkyries roaming the streets. petersburg.org
25
The race welcomes both runners and walkers; this year will be the 20th anniversary of the full marathon and 8th anniversary of the half marathon. A destination race, the marathon states: “We are the race venue for those seeking a challenge and stunning scenery in a unique locale.” powmarathon.org
17-19
This festival takes place in partnership with the Seward Harbor Opening Weekend to celebrate rejuvenation, develop a creative community impact, and encourage local entrepreneurship, using the mermaid as a symbol to represent Seward’s relationship with the ocean. The festival includes vendors, live music, a swap meet, pub crawl, and more. sewardmermaidfestival.com
10-12
This is the premier Bush flying event in Alaska and includes airplane rides, static displays, local vendors and concessions, the Poker Run, a Flour Bombing, and the STOL competition, as more than 200 airplanes descend on Pioneer Field in Valdez. valdezflyin.com
30-2
One of the largest and southernmost known breeding colonies of Aleutian Terns is in Yakutat. The mission of the festival is to highlight the extraordinary natural and cultural resources of Yakutat and to stimulate the local economy by hosting a festival celebrating Aleutian Terns. Participants of the festival will enjoy birding activities, natural history field trips, art exhibits, educational events for kids and adults, and Alaska Native cultural presentations. yakutatternfestival.org 