Ask a dozen Homer, Alaska fans what attracts them to the coastal destination and receive a dozen different answers. There is no end to the reasons and seasons you should visit Homer. This enchanting town on the shores of Kachemak Bay offers year-round activities and attractions, including quite a few annual Homer, Alaska events.
Homer is well known for its excellent fishing, to-die-for food and drink, once-in-a-lifetime bear viewing, outdoor adventure, and stunning mountain and glacier vistas. What you may not have known is that it’s also a hot spot of events the whole year ’round. A diverse collection of celebrations honoring everything from halibut fishing to peonies, art to shorebirds, summer to winter.
Some of the events are so popular, people plan their entire visit around them!
No End to the Fun
One of the biggest Homer, Alaska events is the Homer Winter King Salmon Tournament. This annual spring competition draws thousands of hopeful anglers to Kachemak Bay. With cash and merchandise prizes worth more than $160,000, who can blame them?
The Homer Halibut Festival, held in June, is another popular draw. The month-long celebration features Alaska’s longest running halibut derby, the Big ‘But Ball and a celebration of Summer Solstice.
The Homer Winter Carnival Celebration, held the second Friday in February, is popular with residents and visitors alike. The week-long event includes a parade, a chili cook-off, basketball tournament, and other fun events. A great way to brighten the season and get to know Homer.
The Kachemak Bay Shorebird Festival, held 4 days in early May, celebrates the return of thousands of migrating shorebirds. Attendees enjoy bird-related art works, guided birding, expert presentations, and more. It’s the largest wildlife festival in the state.
The Alaska World Arts Festival showcases Homer’s lively arts community with a 2-week celebration held mid-September. Mediums include visual arts, theater, music, dance, film storytelling, comedy, and literature.
There’s also the Homer Peony Celebration, Kachemak Bay Highland Games, Taste of Homer, the 4th of July Parade, and many others.
2024 Homer Alaska Events
70th annual Homer Winter Carnival Celebration & Parade – February 10
30th annual Homer Winter King Salmon Tournament – March 23
32nd annual Kachemak Bay Shorebird Festival – May 8-12
A Taste of Homer – May 17-25
Homer Halibut Festival – June 1-30
Homer Summer Solstice Festival – June 20
5th annual Homer Peony Celebration – July 1-30
Homer Independence Day Parade – July 4
Kachemak Bay Highland Games – July 6
6th annual Alaska World Arts Festival – September 5-14
Homer Fall Festival – October 26
Pioneer Ave Trick or Treat – October 31
Homer Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony – December 5
Visit www.homeralaska.org for a full list of annual and current Homer, Alaska events.
Homer Alaska Lodging
A Homer, Alaska getaway takes many shapes but they all have one thing in common: you’re going to need somewhere to stay. Let the Homer Bed & Breakfast Association be your guide with listings for only the best Homer inns and B&B’s, Homer cabins and vacation rentals, and Homer lodges and boutique hotels.
Our members provide the very best in Homer lodging because they adhere to the highest standards of hospitality. Why settle for just any accommodations when you can stay at the best? Find your Homer, Alaska home away-from-home today!