SITKA , ALASKA | 2023 Calendar of Events
JANUARY
Russian Christmas and Starring , St . Michael ’ s Cathedral
Celebrate the Feast of the Nativity , or “ Russian Christmas ,” with week-long festivities , including caroling , feasts , and sharing the holiday spirit .
FEBRUARY
Sitka Jazz Festival Enjoy world-class jazz provided by professional jazz musicians and talented students .
Sitka Wearable Art Show Come watch locals share their wearable art on the runway , showcasing outfits made of everything from disco balls to fish bones .
MARCH
Herring Return Every spring , witness the abundant wildlife as herring gather to spawn in Sitka Sound , turning the blue waters a milky green .
APRIL
Heritage & Cultural Tourism Conference This conference gathers professionals and business owners from across the state to discuss cultural tourism development .
M AY
Ocean Wave Quilters Guild Show See an array of stunning quilted creations , and vote for your favorites at the local Quilters Guild .
Sitka Salmon Derby
Catch prize-winning fish in this angling competition on the sparkling waters of Sitka Sound .
JUNE
Sitka Music Festival Enjoy Alaska ’ s premier classical music festival , where the best musicians from around the world gather for four weeks of concerts in Sitka .
Sitka Fine Arts Camp
This creatively rich program develops artistic interests and skills within an intensive residential experience for all ages .
Alaska Walk & Bike Summit
This annual summit is open to the public with workshops , networking events , and fun activities to get people walking and on their bikes .
JULY
Fourth of July Celebration
Join the celebration of our nation ’ s birthday , featuring a parade , a Coast Guard search and rescue demonstration , and the Sitka Fire Department versus Coast Guard water fight .
Alpine Adventure Run
Ascend 2,500 feet within the first few miles , traverse a rockslide , and climb over hills and valleys in this seven-mile mountain run !
Sitka Arts & Science Festival Embark on a journey of learning and discovery while being guided by an extraordinary group of artists and scientists .
AUGUST
Change Your Latitude , 57 ° North Open Water Challenge Still the northernmost open ocean race in the United States , this event is a combined 10k / 6k / 3k / 1k open water swim in Sitka Sound .
Sitka International Cello Seminar Bringing together top collegiate cellists from around the world , this event includes master classes and public performances around town .
SEPTEMBER
Mudball Classic Softball Tournament This annual Labor Day weekend tournament -- played rain or shine -- is open for men ’ s , women ’ s , and co-ed softball teams .
OCTOBER
Alaska Day Festival Commemorate the transfer of Alaska from Russia to the United States with a reenactment ceremony on Baranof Castle Hill , a period costume ball , a parade , and more .
NOVEMBER
Sitka Whalefest Take in presentations by worldrenowned marine scientists and experience whale watching cruises , concerts , art shows , and a marine-themed market at this multiday festival .
Native American Heritage Month
Over the month of November , celebrations of Alaska Natives , storytellers , and films will be held , as well as a regalia showcase , parade , and events to honor elders and veterans .
DECEMBER
Sitka Artisans Market
This vibrant event features artists , authors , craftspeople , musicians , and cuisine to showcase the diversity of Sitka ’ s local creativity .
BROWSE ANNUAL EVENTS
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