Contributed by David Stearns
There is nothing quite like an Alaska summer. Pleasant days that seamlessly roll into long nights offering endless possibilities that beckon the adventurous spirit of Alaskans and visitors alike. There is fishing, camping, boating, biking, and parties galore. There are mountains to climb, rivers to explore and glaciers to visit.
The Kenai Peninsula often has been referred to as Alaska’s playground and that’s because all the various activities that we love are available somewhere on the Peninsula. Quaint and welcoming towns dot the landscape. Hope, Moose Pass, Seward, Cooper Landing, Kenai, Soldotna, Kasilof, Anchor Point, and Homer, all have unique elements to offer visitors from near and far.
Along the central Kenai Peninsula coast sits the charming and picturesque village of Ninilchik, home of the Kenai Peninsula Fairgrounds and the newly created ARCHES Amphitheater and campground. Ninilchik has hosted one of the summer’s most dynamic weekends for over a decade. Salmonfest, widely considered the state’s largest and most compelling festival, returns Aug. 5-7 for another fabulous weekend celebrating salmon culture. Perhaps you’ve attended one of the previous festivals or maybe you’ve heard through the grapevine that it’s worth the journey. We believe that it is indeed worth joining the collective excursion to one of the most diverse and comprehensive festivals, not just in Alaska, but also in the entire country.
Headlined by 20+ nationally renowned acts, dozens of Alaska’s top bands, 100+ crafters, artists and brewers along with exquisite cuisine, the Salmonfest experience will not disappoint. There is truly something for everyone including world class music, the family friendly atmosphere (there are children’s activities each day and kids 10 and under are free), the colorful stages and costumes, and other surprises make the weekend an endless multifaceted sensory experience.
If you decided that you need a break from a steady stream of eclectic and high-octane music that is rolling on four stages virtually all weekend, you can wander the local beaches and and rivers, catch a salmon, go for a halibut fishing trip or just chill out at your campsite or cabin with family and friends, new and old. While ARCHES camping is sold out, additional camping is within walking distance or along the free shuttle route running until 2:30am Fri & Sat and 10pm on Sunday.
Now, people from the lower 48 are coming to Alaska, as Salmonfest steadily establishes a reputation as a destination event. Last year, tickets were sold in 45 states and nearly 20 countries. Many people who have always wanted to come north, in particular those who have friends and family in Alaska, are now using the festival as an incentive and an anchor date to make the trip. Whether you’ve been a part of the extended family in the past or are planning to join us for the first time this year, we can assure you we are working tirelessly to bring you the best possible experience. Whether it be an incredibly talented and diverse group of musicians, top production, delectable cuisine, unique arts and crafts, refreshing brews, or just the magic that happens when an incredible group of people gather for a special weekend, we strive to create something that cultivates spontaneous magic and lasting memories.
We hope you’ll join us August 5-7 for a weekend of song, dance, delight, a little craziness, spirit, love, fish, music, imagination, goofiness, family, friends and fun!
