November 5–9, 2026, Sitka will become a gathering place for ocean lovers from around the world. Hosted by the Sitka Sound Science Center at 834 Lincoln Street, the festival celebrates its 30th year with a powerful theme: “Generations of Giants: 30 Years of Whales, Wisdom, and What Follows”
What to Expect at Sitka WhaleFest 2026
For five days, Sitka transforms into a living classroom where science feels alive
You’ll walk into open symposium halls, chat with researchers over coffee, and even cruise through whale-rich waters all while soaking in the small-town charm that makes Sitka unforgettable.
Since its founding in 1997, Sitka WhaleFest has grown into one of Alaska’s most beloved marine science festivals, blending research, culture, and hands-on exploration.
Free and Open to the Public? Yes!
One of the best things about WhaleFest is that the Science Symposium is completely free no registration required.
Across fivedays, nine guest speakers will share groundbreaking research and inspiring stories about marine life, ocean conservation, and Alaska’s interconnected ecosystems.
Hands-On Experiences and Activities
WhaleFest is more than talks; it’s an invitation to dive into Alaska’s marine world. Whether you’re cruising Sitka Sound or sketching whales in an art class, there’s something for every kind of ocean lover.
Marketplace and Community Hub
If you love small-town festivals with heart, you’ll enjoy browsing the WhaleFest Marketplace, a blend of science, art, and storytelling.
Open Hours:
- Wednesday, Nov 5: 10:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
- Thursday, Nov 6: 10:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
- Friday, Nov 7: 10:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
- Saturday, Nov 8: 10:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
- Sunday, Nov 9: 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
With 20+ local vendors, you’ll find everything from ocean-inspired crafts to conservation exhibits, along with hands-on learning stations for families. It’s the perfect place to shop, learn, and connect.
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How WhaleFest Grew Into a Global Marine Event?
It’s hard to imagine that this world-class festival started as a small local gathering in 1997.
Since joining the Sitka Sound Science Center in 2012, WhaleFest has become an annual highlight for scientists and travelers alike.
In 2019, the Science Center recorded 14,500 visitors from May to September, a sign of Sitka’s growing reputation as Alaska’s coastal learning hub.
Even during the 2021 virtual edition, 27 students from Alaska’s RASOR program joined online.
Meanwhile, the Scientist in the Schools initiative has reached 1,601 students through 1,644 hours of direct learning, connecting classrooms with the ocean in unforgettable ways.
Also Read About: Alaska Bald Eagle Festival 2026: A Celebration of Nature and Numbers in Haines, Alaska
Why You’ll Love Sitka WhaleFest 2026
When you arrive in Sitka for WhaleFest, you’re not just attending an event; you’re becoming part of a story.
You’ll learn, laugh, explore, and leave with a deeper appreciation for how Alaska’s ocean shapes everything around it. You might spot a whale’s tail slicing through the water at dawn. You might meet a marine biologist who’s been studying orcas for 20 years.
And by the end of it all, you’ll feel exactly what “Entwined” really means.
