Alaska Best Food and Drink Festivals
Food, Wine, Spirits and Beer Festivals listed also include surrounding areas that host signature events.
Anchorage
Juneau
Fairbanks
A True Taste of Alaska: Take an Expedition through the Best Food and Drink Festivals in the State
Alaska, renowned for its breathtaking landscapes and untamed wilderness, also boasts a surprisingly lively culinary landscape. From fresh catches of seafood to locally-sourced ingredients, and from craft brews to unique flavors, the state's gastronomic offerings are a joy to explore.
Alaska Craft Brew & Barley Wine Festival: January
Each winter, beer enthusiasts gather in Anchorage for one of Alaska's premier craft beer celebrations. The Alaska Craft Brew & Barley Wine Festival, hosted at the William A. Egan Civic & Convention Center, welcomes approximately 3,000 attendees over its three-day run. Notable breweries like Midnight Sun Brewing Co., Alaskan Brewing Company, and Kenai River Brewing Company showcase their finest barley wines and craft beers, with over 75 breweries participating annually.
Local food vendors serve Alaskan-inspired dishes including reindeer sausage, fresh salmon, and artisanal cheeses to complement the extensive beer selection. Live music fills the convention center with performances by local bands, while festival highlights include the highly anticipated barley wine competition where brewers compete for recognition in multiple categories. The festival features educational seminars on brewing techniques, beer and food pairing workshops, and opportunities to meet master brewers who share insights about their craft.
Kodiak Crab Festival: May
This annual Memorial Day weekend tradition in Alaska draws sea-loving crowds to celebrate the region's rich maritime heritage. The Kodiak Crab Festival, hosted at Baranof Park, features over 40 local vendors serving fresh-caught Alaskan king crab, Dungeness crab, and various seafood delicacies prepared in traditional and innovative ways. Local breweries like Kodiak Island Brewing Company and Alaskan Brewing Co. offer craft beer tastings, while food stands serve everything from crab cakes and chowder to traditional Russian pastries, reflecting the area's diverse cultural influences.
Maritime competitions, including the survival suit races and Coast Guard rescue demonstrations, showcase the community's deep connection to the sea. Live entertainment includes local Alutiiq dancers, regional folk bands, and traditional Native Alaskan performances throughout the four-day event. The festival welcomes approximately 20,000 visitors each year, making it one of Alaska's most significant maritime celebrations with unique features like the blessing of the fleet ceremony and the popular crab races.
Haines Great Alaska Craft Beer Festival: May
Local residents and visitors gather each summer for one of Alaska's most anticipated beer celebrations at Fort Seward Lodge in Haines. The Great Alaska Craft Beer Festival showcases over 25 craft brewers from across Alaska and the Pacific Northwest, including Alaskan Brewing Company, Midnight Sun Brewing, and Haines Brewing Company. Festival-goers, typically around 600 attendees, sample unique regional brews while enjoying fresh-caught local seafood, grilled specialties, and artisanal foods from Southeast Alaska vendors.
Live music fills the air with performances by regional folk and bluegrass bands on the outdoor stage, with past performers including Alaskan musicians like Bluegrass 101 and The Lack Family Band. The stunning backdrop of snow-capped Chilkat Mountains and Lynn Canal provides a majestic setting for this intimate festival experience. The event features guided beer tastings, brewing demonstrations, meet-the-brewer sessions, and a commemorative tasting glass for each attendee.
Whether it's the diverse brews of the Alaska Craft Brew & Barley Wine Festival, the tantalizing seafood delights of the Kodiak Crab Festival, there's a festival in Alaska catering to every palate.