Haines Fairs & Festivals
Immerse yourself in a tapestry of music, food, and local traditions as you join in the excitement of Haines’ renowned festivals. Experience the Alaska Bald Eagle Festival to witness the graceful flights of these majestic birds, or check out the lively Southeast Alaska State Fair to enjoy food, rides, and entertainment.
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Fairs & Festivals
Separated from the Alaska mainland by fjords and steep mountains, Southeast Alaska developed its own “state fair” 50 years ago. In the words of one of its annual themes, the Haines-based fair really does “soak in Southeast.”
The annual Alaska Bald Eagle Festival takes place in Haines during the second week of November at the peak of the largest congregation of eagles in the world. Drawn by a late run of chum and coho salmon, some 2,000 to 4,000 eagles converge on the Chilkat River Valley.
The “Haines Beerfest,” as its known by locals, is very popular, and tickets sell out weeks in advance. It kicks off with a gourmet dinner, paired with beer tastings. The following day, the crowd descends on the Southeast Alaska State Fairgrounds, where craft beer and homebrew samples abound.
The Kluane Chilkat Bike Relay takes place in June, right around the longest day of the year (the summer solstice). The 8‑leg relay starts in Haines Junction, Yukon, and ends in Ft. Seward in Haines, a distance of 150 miles. It attracts a wide range of enthusiasts, from serious bike racers to local teams simply out to have a good time.
You probably call them “snowmobiles,” but Alaskans call them “snowmachines.” The Alcan 200 is billed as the “fastest snowmachine race on earth.” Machines have been clocked over 110 miles per hour as they zoom along the 154-mile course, from the Canadian Border to Dezadeash Lake, Yukon Territory. Portions of the Haines Highway are closed during the race, and plenty of partying takes place in town before and after this January event.