Visit Sitka Magazine 2021-22 | Page 6

Calendar of Events

Find out more and explore events at VISITSITKA . ORG / THINGS-TO-DO / EVENTS
JANUARY
Russian Christmas and Starring , St . Michael ’ s Cathedral 
 Celebrate the Feast of the Nativity , or “ Russian Christmas ,” with weeklong festivities , including caroling , feasts , and sharing the holiday spirit . oca . org / parishes / oca-ak-sitsmk 

FEBRUARY
Sitka Jazz Festival Enjoy world-class jazz provided by professional jazz musicians and talented students . sitkajazzfestival . com 

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 . sitkaartscouncil . org 

MARCH
Herring Return Every spring , witness the abundant wildlife as herring gather to spawn in Sitka Sound , turning the blue waters a milky green . adfg . alaska . gov
APRIL
Heritage & Cultural Tourism Conference This conference gathers professionals and business owners from across the state to discuss cultural tourism development . facebook . com / TourismConference 

M AY
Ocean Wave Quilters Guild Show See an array of stunning quilted creations , and vote for your favorites at the local Quilters Guild . facebook . com / groups / oceanwave 

Sitka Salmon Derby 
 Catch prize-winning fish in this angling competition on the sparkling waters of Sitka Sound . facebook . com / Sitka-Salmon- Derby-219533411398857
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 . sitkamusicfestival . org 
 

Sitka Fine Arts Camp 
 This creatively rich program develops artistic interests and skills within an intensive residential experience for all ages . fineartscamp . org 
 

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 . walksitka . wordpress . com 

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 . sitkachamber . com 
 

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 ! facebook . com / Alpine-Adventure-Run-Sitka- Alaska-224092674299355 
 

Sitka Arts & Science Festival 
 Embark on a journey of learning and discovery while being guided by an extraordinary group of artists and scientists . sitkascience . org 
 

AUGUST
Sitka Seafood Festival 
 Experience the best seafood in the world during a month of farmer ’ s markets , films , games , exhibits , music , classes , tours , and more . facebook . com / sitkaseafoodfestival
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 . changeyourlatitude . org
Sitka Mermaid Festival 
 Celebrate Sitka ’ s unique coastal heritage with a week of ocean-themed activities combining education , environmental awareness , seafood , and fun . facebook . com / sitkamermaidfestival
SEPTEMBER 

Mudball Classic Softball Tournament This annual Labor Day weekend tournament -- played rain or shine -- is open for men ’ s , women ’ s , and coed softball teams . facebook . com / groups / SitkaSoftball / events 
 

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 . alaskadayfestival . org 
 

NOVEMBER
Sitka Whalefest Take in presentations by worldrenowned marine scientists and experience whale watching cruises , concerts , art shows , and a marinethemed market at this multiday festival . sitkawhalefest . org 
 

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 . sitkatribe . org 
 

DECEMBER
Sitka Artisans Market 
 This vibrant event features artists , authors , craftspeople , musicians , and cuisine to showcase the diversity of Sitka ’ s local creativity . sitkaartscouncil . org
Sitka Wearable Art Show Photo Credit : B . Jordan Photography