JANUARY

M AY

AUGUST

NOVEMBER

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

Heritage & Cultural Tourism Conference This conference gathers professionals and business owners from across the state to discuss cultural tourism development .

APRIL

Herring Return Every spring , witness the abundant wildlife as herring gather to spawn in Sitka Sound , turning the blue waters a milky green .

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 .

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 !

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 .

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

Holiday Markets Holiday markets happen throughout the month with locally-made art , crafts , and tasty treats .

Local Shopping Events The Sitka Chamber hosts shopping events for the holidays throughout the month , and an annual Holiday Lights Map . Rent a car and drive the route to add holiday cheer to your trip .

Learn More

Click here to browse our full list of detailed annual events .