Sitka WhaleFest turns 30 this fall. The 2026 theme is “Generations of Giants: 30 Years of Whales, Wisdom, and What Follows.”
The heart of the festival is the Science Symposium at Harrigan Centennial Hall, Friday through Sunday afternoons, where whale researchers and knowledge bearers share their work in talks anyone can follow. Mornings get you out on the water with marine wildlife cruises from Crescent Harbor, plus kayaking, scientific illustration, and the WhaleFest Run at Whale Park.
The Market & Café, the student art show, and the Thursday night film fest at Centennial Hall are free. Symposium sessions, cruises, and workshops are ticketed. Things get started early with Tongass to Table at the Sitka Sound Science Center on Wednesday, November 4.
On Friday night, the Maritime Grind takes over Centennial Hall at 7:30 PM. Tickets are $5 at Old Harbor Books.
Full schedule and tickets: sitkawhalefest.org
