2025 Sitka WhaleFest will take place November 7th – 9th

Check back closer to the event for more details.

You can review 2024 Sitka WhaleFest events below.

 

 

Science Symposium

November 1st, 2024 

  • 12:45pm: Welcome & Opening Remarks 
  • 1:00pm to 1:45pm | Navigating Change: From Microscopic Plankton to Majestic North Pacific Right Whales | Deana Crouser
  • 2:00pm to 2:45pm | How Alaska’s Fisheries (and Science!) are Keeping Pace with a Changing Climate | Elizabeth Siddon
  • 3:00pm to 3:45pm | Are marine mammals in Arctic Alaska responding to warmer waters and less sea ice? | Lori Quakenbush

November 2nd, 2024

  • 1:00pm to 1:45pm | Nunaaqqit Savaqatigivlugich – Working with Iñupiaq Communities to understand a changing Arctic | Donna Hauser, Roberta G.T.B., & Kim Pikok
  • 2:00pm to 2:45pm | Mean and Green (or not!). European Green Crab in Southeast Alaska | Kari Lanphier
  • 3:00pm to 3:45pm | Tracking the Tusk: Using Sound to Study Narwhal Movements | Marie Zahn

November 3rd, 2024

  • 1:00pm to 1:45pm | In Support of the Coming Generations: Lessons Learned and Lessons Taught from Subsistence Hunting and Whaling Communities on the North Slope | Richard Glenn & Lee Kayotuk
  • 2:00pm to 2:45pm | Alaska Salmon in a Warming World: From too hot to just warm enough | Peter Westley
  • 3:00pm to 3:45pm | Following the arc of humans’ relationship with marine mammals in Southeast Alaska | Lauren Wild, John Moran, & Mike Miller

 

 

Marketplace & Café

Running all weekend long we are proud to feature over 20 local vendors and non-profit organizations. We are thrilled to see new marine-themed crafts, jewelry, delicious foods, and a silent auction.

For more information on becoming a market vendor, please contact the Sitka WhaleFest Manger at whalefest@sitkascience.org.

 

Tongass to Table

Culinary arts will be on display as Mary Goddard brings the forest and the ocean to our tables in salmon rice bowls.  Bring your own beautiful bowl and enjoy Mary’s creative use of harvested edibles to build a unique and delicious rice bowl.

  • Space is limited

Wednesday, October 30th from 5:00 to 7:00pm

 

Snorkel & Sauna

Explore the eelgrass beds as a snorkeler in the cool waters of the eastern channel of Sitka Sound.  Participants will be fitted completely with wetsuits and other gear needed for this experience.  Follow this bracing activity with coffee and pastries and a sauna!  The workshop is limited to 10 participants.

  • Adults only
  • Space limited

Thursday, October 31st from 9:00 am to 11:00 am

 

 

 

Student Art Show and Photography Showcase

In the weeks before WhaleFest, students from local schools and out-of-school programs are busy creating art inspired by the festival theme. On Thursday night, we display their art in the event venue and encourage festival attendees to attend this Marine Art Show before enjoying the FilmFest.

Artwork will remain on display throughout the festival during Market Café times.

Submissions are due ,by October 24th and must be submitted to jlangley@sitkascience.org. 

Opening will be Thursday, October 31st from 5:30 pm to 6:30 pm

 

 

Film Fest

This event is free and open to the public. No registration required.

Our selected Film will be “It’s All About the Happy People: A Tale of Joy and Life Around the Sea Ice” by Lloyd Pikok Jr. & Kimberly Pikok.

Thursday, October 31st from 7:00 pm to 8:00 pm

 

 

Kayaking to Kaasda Héen

Enjoy a small group paddle along the shore of Sitka National Historical Park down to the mouth of Kaasda Héen (Indian River). You will spot marine wildlife, learn paddling techniques, and talk about the cultural, ecological, and geomorphic history of the shoreline and river mouth.

Life jackets and safety equipment will be provided. Raingear and rubber boots required

Friday, November 1st from 9:00 am to 11:00 am

 

 

 

Scientific Illustration Class

Get ready to stretch your artistic and scientific observation skills!

Dust off your pen and pencil and try your hand at scientific illustration. What will you see when you lean in a little closer? Explore the world of scientific illustration and discover how important it is when learning about something new.

During this class you will study the form and structure of a scientific specimen. Expanding your observation skills, you will learn both new artistic techniques as well as how close observation is vitally important to the scientific method.

  • Norm Campbell, a highly skilled local artist will take you through the basics of rendering an object as an illustrated form. Using observation skills, you will learn new drawing strategies and techniques, to better render a realistic form onto your paper.

At the end of the class you will have a new set of skills in observing the natural world with both your artistic and scientific future endeavors.

Class is two sessions:

First session in Karsh Classroom on SSSC campus Nov 1st 9:00am to 11:30am

Second session at Harrigan Centennial Hall Nov 2nd 9:00am to 11:30am

 

 

 

 

Maritime Grind

The marine-themed Maritime Grind promises an evening of laughter, song, dance. This fun family event coordinated by the Monthly Grind crew features local talent bringing their songs and creativity to the stage in Centinnel Hall. The Maritime Grind is co-hosted by the Greater Sitka Arts Council and Sitka WhaleFest.

Friday, November 1st from 7:30 pm to 9:00 pm

 

 

 

Marine Wildlife Cruises

Join us at Crescent Harbor near the Centennial Building at 8:45 am to 11:30 am November 2nd or 3rd as we explore Sitka Sound aboard an Allen Marine Boat. Area wildlife experts will be joining us to share their insights about the sites and wildlife that we encounter on our cruise. This event supports the Sitka Sound Science Center and the Sitka WhaleFest.

This Event is Sponsored by Allen Marine Tours, Supporting Southeast Alaska Through Tourism!

Saturday, November 2nd from 8:30 am to 11:30 am

Sunday, November 3rd from 8:30 am to 11:30 am

 

 

Whale Run – 5K & 10K Fun Run + 2 Mile Walk

The WhaleFest Fun Run begins and ends at Whale Park. The run is held on the running/bike path along Sawmill Creek Road along scenic Silver Bay. Where else can a person run while watching whales?

Pre-race registration on Friday, from 5:00 – 7:00 pm at Centennial Hall and Race Day Registration on Saturday from 8:00 – 9:00 am at Whale Park. Run/Walk starts at 9 am on Saturday, Nov 4th at Whale Park.

Saturday, November 2nd from 9:00 am to 10:00 am

 

 

Marine Trivia Night

Put your marine knowledge to the test with a night of trivia! This year’s WhaleFest speakers will join your team as you compete to answer questions about the ocean. Mingle with fellow attendees, get to know scientists and experts, and enjoy food and beverages available for purchase.

Because alcohol will be available at this event, please note that all attendees must be at least 18 years old and anyone under the age of 21 must be accompanied by an adult over the age of 21.

Due to the popularity of this event, we have moved the location to Harrigan Centennial Hall this year to accommodate for more attendees. (330 Harbor Drive, Sitka, AK).

Saturday, Nov 2, 7:00-9:00pm

 

 

Behind the Scenes of Science

Learn about the past, present, and future of the Sitka Sound Science Center’s historic campus. See how this community hub for learning and innovation has grown throughout time; meet Science Center staff; and peek into all the nooks, crannies, and laboratories of this unique facility. You’ll learn about how you can be a part of the Science Center’s vision for the future of science research and education in Southeast Alaska by getting involved in the AL-G (Aquarium, Laboratories, and Grounds) Project.

Light refreshments will be served. The Science Center is at 834 Lincoln Street, Sitka, AK.

Sunday, Nov 3rd from 9:00-11:00am

 

 

Marine Mammal Necropsy

Sitka’s own, Stacy Golden, will guide you in a lively and fascinating discussion on pinniped anatomy, adaptations to a marine environment, and disease monitoring. Adults will participate in an external examination of juvenile seals followed by an in-depth necropsy of a pinniped emphasizing marine mammal adaptations and the importance of sentinel species.

  • Adults only
  • Space limited

Sunday, Nov 3rd from 8:30 to 11:30am