2015 Summer Festivals in Alaska to Watch Out For

One of the best parts of summer is the free and fun socializing. Once the warmer weather hits, everyone begins to come out of their hibernation and hit the streets with fresh vivacity. Of course, there are always festivals to draw even more people out of their hiding and onto the roads in their Alaska car rental.

Alaska has plenty of festivals and events to draw residents and guests out of protection from the rigid winter months. If you’re visiting, you’ll find a lively culture with people out and about to enjoy the warmth while it lasts. There are plenty of places to bring your Alaska car rental to, and no end to the people you’ll meet. So get out, embrace the sun, and enjoy the festivals that Alaska has to offer.

Great Alaska Craft Beer & Homebrew Festival 2015

Taking place from May 22-23 in Dalton City, this is an event you won’t want to miss. At the Craft Beer & Homebrew Festival, you’ll be given the opportunity to sample a wide range of beers from the state and surrounding region. The brew tasting is accompanied with live musical performances, and plenty of food to try. Just make sure that you assigned a designated driver if you’re bringing your Alaska car rental!

Kodiak Crab Festival

Since you’re enjoying a few nice brews, why not venture to another Alaskan city to grab some good eats? In Kodiak, the Crab Festival will be running from May 21 to May 25. Who doesn’t love a delicious crab leg? This festival is the favorite of many Kodiakan, and tourists who have had the pleasure to visit this scrumptious event. Even if you’re not staying in Kodiak, it’s well worth the journey in your Alaska car rental.

Fish Catch Contests

Since salmon is so common around Alaska, there are several tournaments, derbies, and contests to catch the largest fish. In Sitka, you’ll find the Sitka Salmon Derby running from May 22 to May 24, then again from May 30 to May 31. The Haines King Salmon Derby runs from May 23 to May 25, then again from May 30 to May 31.

From June 5 to 7, you’ll find the Pelican King Salmon Derby running with a prize of $2,500 for the lucky fisher who catches the largest salmon.

Another big fishing industry in Alaska is in halibut. Throughout the month of July, you’ll find the Homer Jackpot Halibut Derby going on. With tagged fished worth thousands of dollars, you’ll even have the opportunity to compete if the whim catches you.

Sitka Summer Music Festival

If you’re already in Sitka for the Salmon Derby, then you can keep the Alaska car rental parked to enjoy the Summer Music Festival. The Sitka Summer Music Festival runs for most of June, beginning on May 31 to June 27. There’s a wide variety of music for every person to enjoy.

Starting at the beginning of June is also the Sitka Fine Arts Camp. From June 7 until July 4, the Sitka Fine Arts Camp will offer kids from ages 12 to 18 an enriching experience in a variety of arts. The camp offers study in theatre, dance, music, visual arts, writing, and Alaska Native arts.

Kenai Saturdays

Every Saturday, watch out for the Kenai Saturdays that take place at the Kenai Visitors and Cultural Center from 10 am to 5 pm. This is a great weekly event to learn a little more about Kenai if you’re already in the area. Even if you’re close, a short drive in your Alaska car rental is worth it to learn about this culture.

There are many more events in the area, so keep an open eye for anything else that may interest you in your travels. Summer is a great time to get out, explore, and meet some resident Alaskans.