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Every spring, as the icy grip of winter loosens and the salty breeze starts to smell like summer, one event brings Alaska’s southern coast to life, the Kodiak Crab Festival. And in 2025, it’s back with more flavor, fun, and festivities than ever before!
📅 Festival Dates & Theme
- When? May 22–May 26, 2025 (Memorial Day Weekend)
- Where? Kodiak, Alaska
- Theme? “It’s Otter Chaos!” 🦦
- Logo by: Jeannie Watkins
- Poster Art by: Tara Cox
🎉 Top Events and Unmissable Moments
The Kodiak Crab Festival isn’t just about great seafood, it’s about community, adventure, and culture. Here’s what you can look forward to:
🦺 Norm Holm Survival Suit Race
Watch contestants scramble into survival suits, dive into the harbor, and swim to a life raft. It’s part competition, part chaos and 100% Alaska.
🚁 Coast Guard Rescue Demos
Feel the adrenaline as real-life heroes showcase air rescues with helicopters and rescue swimmers in the harbor.
🎨 Crab Festival Art Show
From local paintings to crafts, see the community’s creativity come to life.
🦀 Kodiak Fish Toss
Because what’s more fun than flinging fish as far as you can?
🏃 Marathon & Half Marathon
Run alongside Kodiak’s stunning coastlines. Beginners and seasoned athletes alike are welcome!
⛵ Blessing of the Fleet
A moving tradition where Orthodox priests bless local vessels with holy water for safety and abundance.
🎺 Grand Parade (May 24, 10 AM)
Think classic cars, Coast Guard units, 4H clubs, Harleys, school bands, and lots of floats!
🍽️ Crab, Cravings & Culinary Delights
When it comes to food, this festival delivers. Here’s a peek at what you’ll be tasting:
Food Highlight | What to Expect |
Crab Heaven | King crab, Dungeness, and Tanner crab dishes galore |
Brew & Burger | A savory hand pie with a burger inside |
Doughboys | Fried bread topped with cinnamon & sugar or honey |
Seafood Staples | Fish and chips, tacos, and creamy clam chowder |
Global Bites | Filipino BBQ, Mexican tacos & more |
Carnival Classics | Cotton candy, kettle corn, and turkey legs |
Local Sips | Try the glacier water sodas, refreshing and unique! |
Here’s a visual breakdown of the food diversity:
🕒 Festival Hours of Operation
Date | Day | Time |
May 22 | Thursday | Noon – 8 PM |
May 23 | Friday | 10 AM – 8 PM |
May 24 | Saturday | 11 AM – 8 PM |
May 25 | Sunday | 10 AM – 8 PM |
May 26 | Monday | 10 AM – 5 PM |
Note: Hours may change—check the official site closer to the event!
✈️ Travel, Transportation & Discounts
Getting to Kodiak is part of the adventure. Here’s how you can make it smooth and budget-friendly:
✈️ By Air
- Airline: Alaska Airlines
- Discount Code: ECM0162
- Travel Dates: May 19 – May 29
- Valid From: Any U.S. city served by Alaska Airlines (excludes Hawaii, Mexico, etc.)
🚢 By Sea (Ferry)
- Ferry Line: Alaska Marine Highway
- Arrival: May 21 at 10 AM
- Departure: May 26 at 11:30 PM
- Booking: Available online
- Ride Duration: ~10 hours from Homer to Kodiak
🚐 RV & Camping Info
Want to stay closer to nature?
🏕️ RV Campsites:
- Buskin River State Rec Area
15 dry campsites, 40-foot max RV, 14-day limit
- Pasagshak State Recreational Site
Similar setup, 7-day stay limit
🎟️ Tickets & Wristbands (“Crab Passes”)
- Entry Fee? Most events are free to attend!
- Paid Activities? Some rides or games require tickets (prices TBD)
- Presale Passes? Yes! Available until May 16, 2025
This isn’t just a small-town event, it’s an experience. You’ll find:
Lifelong Alaskans sharing stories and seafood
Live music, art displays, comedy shows, and even pickleball
A welcoming spirit, locals love showing off their coastal culture
📌 Quick Facts Recap
|
Feature |
Info |
|
🎉 Festival Edition |
67th Annual |
|
📍 Location |
Kodiak, Alaska |
|
🗓️ Dates |
May 22–26, 2025 |
|
🧭 Distance |
136 miles off the mainland |
|
⛴️ Ferry Time |
10 hours from Homer |
|
🎟️ Ticketing |
Mostly free, rides may require tickets |
|
💬 Theme |
“It’s Otter Chaos!” |
|
✈️ Flight Discount |
Alaska Airlines code ECM0162 |
🧭 Final Thoughts
The Kodiak Crab Festival 2025 is more than a weekend event, it’s a celebration of heritage, community, and one of Alaska’s tastiest exports. Whether you’re tossing fish, eating doughboys, cheering at the parade, or just soaking in harbor views with a glacier soda in hand, one thing’s for sure…
FAQs
The festival is scheduled for May 22 to May 26, 2025.
Key events include the Norm Holm Survival Suit Race, Coast Guard demonstrations, the Crab Festival Art Show, Kodiak Fish Toss, Marathon & Half Marathon, Blessing of the Fleet, and the Crab Fest Parade.
Entry to the festival is generally free, but some rides and activities require paid tickets. Presale wristbands called “Crab Passes” are available, though specific ticket prices have not been posted yet.
Visitors can fly via Alaska Airlines (with a discount code ECM0162 valid May 19–29, 2025) or take the Alaska Marine Highway ferry, which arrives May 21 and departs May 26.
The festival offers a wide variety of seafood, including king crab, Dungeness crab, and Tanner crab, plus other foods like fish and chips, Filipino barbecue, Mexican tacos, and classic fair foods.
