Juneau Events, Things to Do and Festivals 2014 / 2015

(Juneau, Alaska - AK, USA)

Just as the weather begins to improve after Juneau's harsh winter, the Alaska Folk Festival comes to town, heralding the start of spring and longer days.

The Folk Fest was first held in the early 1970s and has grown to become one of the capital's biggest events, featuring concerts with numerous different acts, music-themed workshops, dances and other performances, all of which are completely free of charge. A springtime visit also means that you will be able to avoid the crowds of summer tourists from the regular stream of cruise ships.

The following month sees the arrival of both the Juneau Jazz and Classics and the city's very own Maritime Festival, while in July, the OysterFest usually takes place the week after Independence Day (July 4th) and includes the fresh produce from oyster farms at nearby Angoon, Hoonah and Yakutat, as well as the Prince of Wales Island.

The Alaska String Band regularly performs during the summer, including shows at McPheters Hall, within the Holy Trinity Episcopal Church. Other notable summer events include the Local Food Festival in August, and in September, the Seafood Gala, the Capital Brewfest and the Juneau Day of Play.

Juneau Calendar of Festivals and Events 2014 / 2015

January

• Polar Bear Dip - January 1st, New Year's Day afternoon at the Auke Recreation Area, when locals take a swim in the freezing cold water at roughly 13:00 in the afternoon. If you would like to watch or participate, then be sure to arrive at least 30 minutes before the dip, since the parking spaces quickly fill up.
• First Friday Gallery Walk - first Friday of each month. Galleries, museums and shops hold special events showcasing local artwork.

February

• Eaglecrest Winter Fireworks Spectacular - held at the Eaglecrest Ski Area in mid-February, featuring a torchlit parade, live music and fireworks.
• Wild and Scenic Film Festival - organized by the Juneau Watershed Partnership, this event includes a kid's film festival, a silent auction and a beer garden.

March

• Scandinavian Cultural Fair - a celebration of Scandinavian culture and heritage, including Norwegian culinary specialities, games and crafts.
• Zach Gordon Easter Egg Hunt - March / April at the Thunder Mountain High School. This children's gathering has been held since 1984.

April

• Alaska Folk Festival - a seven-day event held the second week of the month. This free festival has 15-minute performances from each of the 140+ amateur and professional acts, as well as dances and workshops.

May

• Juneau Jazz and Classics - held early May over 16 days, this music fest has been running since 1987.
• Juneau Maritime Festival - mid-May, a family themed celebration of the city's rich maritime past. The event includes boat tours, a tug of war contest, fish filleting demonstrations, live music and general entertainment.

June

• Celebration - a biennial event held on even years, organized by the Sealaska Heritage Institute since 1982, celebrating Native traditions and customs.

July

• Independence Day Celebrations - July 4th, fireworks and a float parade.
• OysterFest - an event designed to promote the Alaskan oyster industry, with a popular beer garden and oyster crawl.

August

• Local Food Festival - held at the Arts and Culture Center on the last Saturday of the month. The table top sale of local home and commercially grown produce is a real highlight for many.

September

• Seafood Gala and Fundraiser - an elegant gathering with an auction to raise money for the Bartlett Regional Hospital.
• Capital Brewfest - held mid-September, at the Juneau Arts and Cultural Center (JACC). Originating in 2012, the event successfully incorporates beer, food and music.
• Juneau Day of Play - held mid-September, at parks and recreational facilities throughout the city. The Day of Play was established in 2010, and families can attend events and play areas for free.

October

• October Fest for Breasts - Fundraiser for Cancer Connection at the Hangar Ballroom, including a garter and silent auction.

November

• Thanksgiving - late November, a day for families and loved ones to get together, enjoy some roast turkey and then perhaps watch an afternoon football match on television.

December

• Juneau Public Market - early December, with more than 150 stalls selling local arts and crafts, photos, paintings, jewelry, books, toys, hot food and all kinds of items suitable for Christmas gifts. The market is based at Centennial Hall and also within the annex of the Juneau Arts and Culture Center.
• New Year's Eve Parties - December 31st, held at various venues all over the city, such as an annual barn dance at St. Ann's Parish Hall and Merchants Wharf. There is also the chance to 'swing' in the new year with the Thunder Mountain Big Band. Many local taxi cab companies provide free journeys home, between the hours of 09:00 and 03:00.