Exciting Annual Events in Homer, Alaska

Perhaps the best way to immerse yourself into a community is by attending their annual events. In many places, seasonal events and festivals are a dearly-held occasion for locals. Families and friends revel in many new memories at these events each year and then reminiscing on them for years to come. You don’t have to be a local, though, to enjoy Homer, Alaska, events. Our area’s events blend Old-Alaskan hospitality with arts and culture. Get a glimpse into what life in Homer is like when you attend any one of our favorite events. Browse our favorite Homer event from each season below! Then, request a copy of our complimentary Vacation Guide for more ideas on how you can best experience Homer, Alaska, like a local. 

The Top 4 Annual Events in Homer, Alaska

Winter | Bear Creek Winery Garden of Lights 

The holiday season wouldn’t be complete without traditional light shows and displays! Homer’s iconic holiday light show is Bear Creek Winery’s Garden of the Lights. This fun-filled event takes place during two weekends, Friday and Saturday, preceding the winter holiday. 

From 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., delight in a winter wonderland of beautifully-stung lights. Enjoy various iconic holiday symbols as they twinkle under the dark skies. Then, cozy up by the on-site firepit where you can sip on delicious hot chocolate with live musicians playing Christmas tunes at the garden pavilion. 

Spring | Annual Homer King Salmon Tournament 

Fishing in Homer is one of the main attractions for visitors. After all, you can’t visit the halibut fishing capital of the world and not try your hand at catching one. No matter what time of year you visit, you can always take a half or full-day salmon, halibut, or combination fishing charter. 

The Homer Winter King Salmon Tournament is the fishing event of the year. This competition brings thousands of anglers to the Kachemak Bay waters in pursuit of the largest King Salmon. The largest prize is for the biggest King Salmon. That award alone is worth more than $10,000. For reference, last year’s biggest catch weighed in at 26.70 pounds. That’s a huge fish! Other tournaments and prizes will be won during this one-day-only fishing event. 

Summer | Kenai Peninsula Fair 

Experience traditional county fair fun, Homer-style with the Kenai Peninsula Fair. Each year, this festival draws 7,000 people from the surrounding communities for a weekend full of fun. There’s a parade, pig races, live music, food vendors, and so much more. Enjoy traditional carnival fun with a ride on a roller coaster, or experience Alaska’s western culture at the rodeo. This event is fun for adults and children alike, so it’s the perfect event to attend while on a family vacation. 

Fall | Alaska World Arts Festival 

The Alaska World Arts Festival is the latest community fall favorite. Each September, this event brings unique art forms from different cultures to Homer, Alaska. Pick and choose events that interest you during this nearly two-week-long festival. Enjoy jazz dance concerts, comedy shows, and workshops teaching different painting techniques. Travel around the globe at this autumn event in Homer, Alaska! 

Old-Alaskan Hospitality Awaits at Driftwood Inn