A Year in Kodiak, Alaska
WHAT: Russian Christmas StarringWHEN: January 7th & 8thCelebrate Christmas in December, then come to Kodiak and experience an unforgetable Russian Orthodox Christmas in January. Observed in Kodiak as well as the surrounding villages of Akhiok, Karluk, Larsen Bay, Old Harbor, Ouzinkie and Port Lions, this tradition will have you walking and singing joyously arm-in-arm with your companions. With roots in the story of the Three Wise Men, you’ll follow a twirling star that leads your on a walk from home to home singing traditional songs. Be sure to dress warm, Jack Frost bites pretty hard in January.
WHAT: Russian New Year and Masquerade BallWHEN: January 14thCome experience the Mardi Gras of the North. A wide assortment of adapted Russian foods will make your mouth water and fill you with a festive mood. After a buffet-style meal, head home and change into your costume. Then put on your best face and return for a night of dancing as you ring in the New Year Russian-style. Everyone unmasks at midnight, so be sure to scurry home before that if you prefer to remain anonymous.
WHAT: A Moonlight StrollWHEN: February 19thA fairly new annual event in Kodiak, this early evening stroll will have you snuggling up close to your loved-ones as you all enjoy an evening under Kodiak’s spectacular night sky. Suitable for all ages, it’s a wonderful way to get outside and socialize. Bring along a thermos of hot cocoa expect a good trot from Bayside Fire Station to Mill Bay Beach and back.
WHAT: Seafood Extravaganza & Oyster BarWHEN: February 20thBring your appetite and a pocket full of extra napkins! This 6-hour feeding frenzy really pulls in the crowds. The food is unbeatable and the proceeds go to fund local projects, so eat knowing you’re doing your part to help out. Sponsored by the Kodiak Lions Club, you’ll be feasting in grand style at the Elk’s Lodge in downtown Kodiak.
WHAT: ComFish AlaskaWHEN: March 17th – 19thThis is what Kodiak is all about. Come join the energetic crowds of industry-proud residents at the third largest commercial fishing show of the West Coast. Manufactures and distributors travel from all over the globe and unite to bring new technology to the frontlines of the fishing world. Whether you fish for profit or sport, this event is crammed full of solutions, products and information relevant to the fishing industry.
WHAT: Pillar Mountain Golf ClassicWHEN: March 25th & 26thEven Tiger Woods would have a hard time on this par-70, one-hole course. This tournament will have you trekking up the side of a 1400-foot mountain that boasts an unbeatable view of the beautiful city of Kodiak and the Pacific Ocean. Hand-saws and hatchets are allowed on the course, but there’s a 5-stroke penalty if their use wakes up a Kodiak Brown Bear.
WHAT: Whale FestWHEN: April 15the – 24thKodiak residents love watching whales and April is the perfect time to catch a glimpse of the migrating gray whales returning to the North. This week-long event caters to all ages with dancing, stories, performances, art, films and hands-on projects. If you’re set on waiting out the whales, be sure to bring your binoculars, raingear and plenty of snacks to keep your energy up.
WHAT: Annual Ducks Unlimited BanquetWHEN: April 16thA perfect way to spend an evening, it’s a dinner and an auction sponsored by Ducks Unlimited. This organization conserves, restores and manages waterfowl habitats and the purpose here is to raise funds to support the organization. This lively, upbeat event is a favorite among the locals.
WHAT: The Dog TrotWHEN: April 30thThis event is how Kodiak celebrates Be Kind to Animals Week. After a long winter spent mostly indoors, Kodiak dogs are ready to get outside and get some fresh air. Give Fido a bath and bring him to the Dog Trot, the social event of the year (for dogs).
WHAT: Community Clean-Up DayWHEN: May 7thWith summer just around the corner, Kodiak residents spend a day cleaning up for the tourist season. If you’re visiting Kodiak, there’s no better way to jump into the culture than picking up roadside trash, shoulder-to-shoulder with Kodiak residents. It may seem like work, but this full day event is actually a lot of fun for everyone. Refreshments are usually served when the dirty work is done.
WHAT: Kodiak Crab Festival WHEN: May 26th – 30thTo Kodiak residents, this is the most anticipated event of the year. For children (and some adults) time is measured by this marker event. We’ll sweep you up in a small town feeling just like the carnival in the movie The Notebook, except our version is cradled on the waterfront between the mountains and the sea. Our Ferris wheel will deliver an unmatched view of snow-capped mountains, eagles and an annual U.S. Coast Guard Air Show performed in the channel of St. Paul’s Harbor. The whole celebration is kicked off with a parade and followed by a week of events. Come find carnival booths, foot races, bike races, survival suit races and concerts. Stand with residents as the town rings a bell for every man lost at sea during the past year at the annual Fisherman’s Memorial. Then wish everyone well as the Blessing of the Fleet symbolizes the beginning of another fishing season in Alaska. If you can only make it to one event in Kodiak, this is the one you don’t want to miss.
WHAT: Independence Day ParadeWHEN: July 4thThis annual parade in downtown Kodiak is always followed by a barbeque lunch in the parking lot of American Legion Post #17. Come try your hand a a chili cook-off or a traditional pie-eating contest. Entertaining performances and events are never cancelled due to weather, so plan for a good time no matter what.
WHAT: Bear Country Music FestivalWHEN: July 22nd – 23rdWe may not live in a place where rock stars visit often, but we make up for it once a year at a huge Woodstock-like concert that includes tents, campfires and more than 100 musicians. Enjoy soft rock, country, folk and bluegrass from the comfort of your own sleeping bag. Two indoor stages and one outdoor stage are graciously sponsored by the Kodiak Lion’s Club.
WHAT: Salmonberry FestivalWHEN: July 31stTake a drive down the unpaved Chiniak Highway and turn off at Kodiak Island Winery for the newest addition to Kodiak’s annual events – the Salmonberry Festival. Craft tents, food vendors and live music are sure to tickle your fancy while the kids are entertained with crazy contests such as fish-throwing. Prizes are awarded for the best berry creations and the free booth space always insures a great turnout.
WHAT: Pink Salmon Jamboree for KidsWHEN: August 6thThe title says it all, so if you’ve got a kid, get them geared up and down at the Buskin River early for this awesome sport fishing event. Expect lots of prizes for the little ones and a picnic at the pavilion when the day is done. Sponsored by the Kiwanis.
WHAT: Saint Herman’s PilgrimageWHEN: August 7th – 8thThis is a celebration of Russian missionary Father Herman. He was a hermit who lived on Spruce Island and often protected and cared for orphans as well as nursed the sick. Now a Saint of the Russian Orthodox Church, an annual pilgrimage to Spruce Island celebrates his canonization. Tourists report it’s a wonderful way to experience Kodiak.
WHAT: Race Against the RockWHEN: August 20thYou didn’t want to relax on vacation, did you? Come challenge yourself at the Emerald Isle Eco Challenge. Brush up on your land navigation, distance trekking, all-terrain biking, rafting and running because you’ll be competing with Alaska’s finest outdoor athletes. Not recommended for couch potatoes.
WHAT: Kodiak State Fair & RodeoWHEN: September 3rd – 4thPack your cowboy boots and don’t forget your hat, this is a blue ribbon weekend sure to give you that down-home country feeling. In addition to typical rodeo events, this one includes contests for halibut cleaning, bubble gum blowing and a Little Miss Rodeo. What’s best, the weather is usually pretty agreeable!
WHAT: Christmas BazaarsWHEN: November 5th, 12th, 18thA variety of Christmas Bazaars get Kodiakans in the spirit of the season. It simply doesn’t feel like the holidays until you’ve enjoyed a wide variety of home made goods. Jams, jellies, quilts, crafts and Christmas-themed treasures are the talk of the town. We jump start festivities with the first and largest bazaar sponsored by the American Association of University Women. Held at the high school, it’s usually followed within the week by the Kodiak Senior Center Bazaar and then the Beta Sigma Phi Bazaar which is held inside the National Guard Armory building.
WHAT: Tree Lighting Ceremony & CarolsWHEN: November 25thJust show up at the Harbor Master’s building in downtown Kodiak for a festive tree-lighting ceremony. Bring the whole family to join in on the carols that follow.
WHAT: Harbor StarsWHEN: December 11thYou’ve never seen a parade like this before. Come early to get the best view of this unique boat parade. Skippers, owners and crew members spare no expense decking out their decks for the holiday season. Christmas lights dance on the water as this huge fleet glides through the harbor delighting both the young and the old.
WHAT: Currier & Ives Old Fashioned ChristmasWHEN: December 18thWhen the weather is bad, Harbor Stars will be delayed to coincide with this event, making it a night to remember. The whole family is encouraged to join in on the ice skating, hayrides and sleigh rides. Come sing around a huge bonfire and enjoy an assortment of refreshments, too. The Currier & Ives celebration seeks to remind all of us of the importance of community and the values of a simple life.
