January

Russian Christmas & Starring – (regionwide) From the story of the Three Wise Men following the eastern star, the Russian Orthodox faithful developed the tradition of Starring. Parishioners follow a twirling star singing sacred music of the season. The Russian Orthodox Church still follows the Julian calendar so, Christmas and New Year’s come two weeks after those holidays as observed by the Gregorian calendar Russian Orthodox holidays are observed in many villages and towns throughout Alaska’s Southwest. Always January 7-9. More about the Russian Orthodox Church of Alaska.

Russian New Year & Masquerade Ball – (regionwide) Many communities celebrate the New Year with a Masquerade Ball. In Kodiak, the event features a smorgasbord style dinner of many varieties of Russian food. After all have eaten; people go home and return a few minutes later fully masked. There is dancing and judging of the costumes. Unmasking takes place at midnight. Always on January 14.

February

Nushagak Classic Sled Dog Race – (Dillingham) A mid-distance dog sled race, usually in mid February. A qualifying race for the Iditarod. (907) 842-5115

WinterFest - (Naknek, King Salmon, South Naknek) Second weekend of February - runs Thursday thru Sunday. A community-wide winter celebration that includes a Penguin dip, outhouse races, sled-dog pull, poker tournament, chili cook-off, and SPAM carving and cook-off, fireworks show and MORE! More Information

March

Beaver Round Up Festival – (Dillingham) The tradition of local trappers bringing bring their furs to town to sell. Starting with a parade the Festival, which lasts five days, is full of events. From a chili cook-off, traditional arts and crafts shows, games, fireworks, dances, snow machine races, skijoring competitions, and arm wrestling contests. More Information

Western Alaska Sled Dog Championship - (Dillingham) Usually held in conjunction with the Beaver Round Up, these are sprint (shorter distance) races and everyone lines up to cheer on their favorite musher. More Information

APRIL

MAY

JUNE

“A Century of Salmon” – (Dillingham) Tour a 100+ years old operating salmon canning facility tour from late June through late July. More Information

JULY

Independence Day Celebrations – (regionwide) Traditional celebrations of the Fourth of July holiday take on a special feel in the villages and towns of Alaska’s Southwest. Fireworks displays, picnics, parades, and other celebrations of patriotism and cultural diversity take place throughout the region.

Dillingham Chamber of Commerce Salmon Bake – (Dillingham) Community salmon bake. More Information.

Fishtival - (Naknek, King Salmon, South Naknek) Second weekend of July - Runs Thursday thru Sunday. A community-wide celebration of all things fishy – parade, salmon fileting contest, fish fry, bazaar, fun run, sack races, poker tournament, truck & 4-wheeler raffles, and MUCH MUCH MORE! More Information.

AUGUST

"NO-SEE-UM" Festival – (Dillingham) If you can’t beat ‘em – join ‘em! Those pesky, almost invisible bugs can’t dampen the merriment at this old-time street carnival with plenty of food, games and fun. Dillingham Chamber of Commerce. More Information.

SEPTEMBER

OCTOBER

National Wildlife Refuge Week - (regionwide) In celebration of the nation’s vast Wildlife Refuge system, most refuges in the region offer family activities, art shows, lectures, and other events to celebrate wildlife and the habitat that supports them. See individual community calendars or visit each refuge’s web site.

NOVEMBER

DECEMBER