Annual Events
Juneau events offer a year-round invitation to experience Alaska’s capital in all its energy, culture and natural beauty.
The year kicks off in February with the Wearable Art Extravaganza. Creative artists send incredible designs down the runway made from everyday materials like wood, recycled bottles, paper, living plants and plane parts. March brings the Gold Medal Basketball Tournament, a Southeast Alaska tradition where generations come from near and far to play, cheer and take home village bragging rights.
In April, the Alaska Folk Festival turns downtown into a musical playground with live performances, dances and open jam sessions that foster community connection. The Juneau Travel Fair offers a one-day chance to meet Alaska tour operators, get insider travel tips and plan adventures across the state. Then in May, Juneau Jazz & Classics Festival showcases a mix of jazz, classical and blues with high quality performances.
Summer comes alive along the waterfront with outdoor events. Juneau Maritime Festival celebrates the people’s connection to the working harbor, complete with food, ferry rides, live music and even a tug-of-war competition. June brings Gold Rush Days with mining and logging games, fair food, and kids’ activities. Parades wind through downtown and Douglas Island during the annual 4th of July Celebration, and fireworks light up Gastineau Channel at dark. Juneau Marathon and Half Marathon (formerly the Frank Maier Marathon) challenges runners along scenic routes. The Golden North Salmon Derby sends boats out at dawn, with spectators lining the docks to see massive king salmon hit the scales.
Kick off fall at the best party of the year! Sip and snack your way through Capital City Brewfest featuring craft beer from breweries all over Alaska. Just in time for the holiday season, Juneau’s Public Market transforms Centennial Hall into a hub for Alaskan-made gifts and one-of-a-kind treasures. Finally, December wraps the year with the Holiday Gallery Walk, where downtown galleries stay open late and visitors enjoy Christmas performances while sipping hot cocoa by the fire.
From winter markets to Juneau festivals, every season offers something unique for visitors to explore. Check out our Calendar of Events for more.