Calendar of Events
J A N U A R Y
Alpine Adventure Run .
M AY
Russian Christmas and
Starring, St. Michael’s
Cathedral . Russian Christmas is
celebrated by the Julian calendar.
The week-long celebration includes
a Christmas feast, the Orthodox
practice of caroling, and sharing the
joy of Christmas.
oca.org/parishes/oca-ak-sitsmk
F E B R U A R Y
Sitka Jazz Festival . Enjoy a
variety of world-class jazz provided
by students and amazing visiting
jazz musicians from across the
country. sitkajazzfestival.com
M A R C H
Sitka Wearable Art Show .
Locals of all ages hit the runway
to show off their wearable
art—stunning creations made
of everything from disco balls
and airline tickets, to picture
frames and fish bones. Each year
features a different theme and
the passionate people who spend
months creating their outfits.
sitkaartscouncil.org
Herring Fishery . Each spring,
Sitka wakes from winter slumber with
the arrival of the herring. Wildlife is
abundant as the herring gather and
spawn in Sitka waters, turning the
blue salty waves a milky green.
adfg.alaska.gov
This is one challenging but
rewarding course! Participants will
climb 2,500 feet within the first
few miles, traverse a rockslide, and
climb over the hills and valleys
of this seven-mile mountain run.
Entries are limited.
facebook.com/
Alpine-Adventure-Run-
SitkaAlaska-224092674299355/
Ocean Wave Quilters Guild
Show . Come see the amazing,
original creations of the local
Quilters Guild, a group of talented
artists who showcase their craft in
one-of-a-kind quilts.
facebook.com/groups/oceanwave
J U N E
Sitka Arts & Science Festival .
Sitka Music Festival . Experience
Alaska’s premiere classical music
festival, which presents exquisite
music in the pristine setting
of Southeast Alaska. The best
musicians from around the world
gather for four weeks of events
that will challenge and excite your
senses. alaskaclassics.org
Embark on a journey of learning and
discovery while being guided by an
extraordinary group of artists and
scientists. As busy adults, we often
fail to make time for reflection, to
think and feel deeply, to challenge
ourselves to see the world in new
and beautiful ways. Join us to re-
claim your capacity for wonder and
nature. sitkascience.org
Sitka Fine Arts Camp . This
creatively rich program develops
artistic interests and skills in an
intensive residential experience. It is
open to students anywhere, serving
elementary through high school-
aged youth, and offers a few adult
camp opportunities as well. Discover
your artistic passion here!
fineartscamp.org Sitka Seafood Festival . This
Alaska Walk & Bike Summit . Sitka Mermaid Festival .
A U G U S T
festival is a week-long celebration
of all things seafood! Join us for
farmers markets, film, games, food,
music, classes, exhibits, art, tours,
and more. sitkaseafoodfestival.com
Looking for ways to make your
community more walking and
bicycling friendly? This annual
summit is open to the public with
workshops, networking events, and
fun activities to get people walking
and on their bikes.
walksitka.wordpress.com/
category/walking-events
Taking place over a week, this
event celebrates Sitka’s unique
coastal heritage, with ocean-themed
activities combining education,
environmental awareness,
marvelous seafood, a sea-themed
marketplace, and fun.
facebook.com/sitkamermaidfestival
Change Your Latitude, 57°
North Open Water
Challenge . Still the northernmost
A P R I L
Heritage & Cultural Tourism
Conference .
This conference gathers
professionals and business
owners from across the state to
discuss cultural tourism
development. This multiday event
includes guest speakers,
cultural events, workshops, and
hands-on training.
facebook.com/TourismConference
J U LY
open ocean race in the United States
(and as far as we can tell, planet
Earth!), Change Your Latitude is a
combined 10k/6k/3k/1k open water
swim in Sitka Sound.
changeyourlatitude.org
Fourth of July Celebration .
Sitkans know how to celebrate!
Join us for a community-wide
party for our nation’s birthday
featuring food, entertainment, and
a Coast Guard search and rescue
demonstration. After the memorable
parade, visit the Old Time 4th of July
celebration with food, game booths,
and kids' activities. Then, be sure
to cheer on the participants of the
annual Sitka Fire Department vs.
Coast Guardsmen water fight next
to Totem Square.
sitkachamber.com
S E P T E M B E R
Mudball Classic Softball
Tournament . Marking its
44th year, this annual Labor Day
Weekend event is open for men’s,
women’s and coed softball
teams. This tournament uses special
rules that make the games fast
and fun, and games are played
rain or shine. The team sign-up is
open to the public, and attendance
is free. facebook.com/groups/
SitkaSoftball/events/
O C T O B E R
Alaska Day Festival . When the
United States purchased Alaska from
Russia, the actual transfer ceremony
occurred in Sitka on October 18,
1867, on Baranof Castle Hill. Annual
celebrations include a reenactment
ceremony, a period costume ball,
dances, a parade, and more!
alaskadayfestival.org
Celebrating History
A L A S K A DAY
With pomp and circumstance that takes place nowhere else in Alaska, Sitka
commemorates the October 18, 1867 Russian transfer of Alaska to the United States.
THE ANNUAL ALASKA DAY FESTIVAL
array of activities that welcome all comers.
For history and culture buffs, there is a costumed
N O V E M B E R
reenactment of the Transfer Ceremony during which the
Sitka Whalefest . Take in
presentations by world-renowned
marine scientists and experience
whale watching cruises, concerts, an
art show, a marine-themed market,
and more at this multiday festival.
sitkawhalefest.org
Russian flag is lowered and the American flag is raised. The
Annual Alaska Day Ball is open to the public, and many
attendees don Victorian costumes and dance through the
evening. Russian folk dancing is showcased through the
New Archangel Dancers’ annual anniversary performance.
Native American Heritage
Month . Over the month of
In conjunction with Alaska Day, there is also a Reconciliation
November, celebrations of Alaska
Natives, storytellers, and films as
well as a regalia showcase, parade,
and events to honor elders and
Veterans will be held. sitkatribe.org
Ceremony, which recognizes and mourns the transfer from
one colonial power to another without consent of the local
indigenous people.
For special musical experiences, you can attend a concert of
D E C E M B E R
the 9th Army Jazz Band and the Seattle Firefighters Pipe and
Sitka Artisans Market . This Drums. Across the city, you will find activities for all ages,
vibrant, spirited event features
artists, authors, craftspeople,
musicians, and chef-made cuisine,
showcasing the diversity of Sitka’s
local creativity.
sitkaartscouncil.org including interpretive programs, special lectures, exhibits,
receptions, a brewfest, and an annual fundraising pie sale.
All of these events culminate in Sitka’s largest parade, with
floats, bands, community group processions, and lots of fun
for all ages.
More detailed information can be found at
ALASKADAYFESTIVAL.ORG
You can also check out what locals are doing
on the KCAW Community Calendar at
KCAW.ORG/COMMUNITY-CALENDAR
Find out more and explore events at V I S I T S I T K A . O R G / T H I N G S -T O - D O / E V E N T S
Photos courtesy of James Poulson, Daily Sitka Sentinel
V I S I T
S I T K A
M AG A Z I N E
begins almost a week
before the anniversary of the transfer and includes a diverse
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V I S I T S I T K A .O R G
V I S I T
S I T KA
M AG A Z I N E
To find information about more events in Sitka, visit
VISITSITKA.ORG/THINGS-TO-DO/EVENTS
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V I S I T S I T KA .O R G