Scroll below for workshop registration.

Science Symposium

November 7th, 2025 

• 12:45pm: Welcome & Opening Remarks 
• 1:00pm to 1:45pm | Through many lenses: community-based science in Alaska | Michelle Johannsen
• 2:00pm to 2:45pm | Killer whales and killer contaminants: researching toxic pollution in the ocean’s top predator | Chloe Kotik
• 3:00pm to 3:45pm | Restoration & Healing: past, present, and future for Keex | Dawn Khaaxwáan Jackson

November 8th, 2025

• 1:00pm to 1:45pm | Lose the Loop: A 25-year journey of pinniped entanglement research, prevention, response, and global collaboration | Kim Raum-Suryan
• 2:00pm to 2:45pm | Ways of Knowing: Community Connections with Sea Otters and Abalone | Taylor White
• 3:00pm to 3:45pm | Reducing Seabird Bycatch: An Alaskan Success Story | Robert Suryan

November 9th, 2025

• 1:00pm to 1:45pm | Marine debris cleanup: A messy way to make meaningful connections | Kristina Tirman
• 2:00pm to 2:45pm | The science behind solutions: What we learn from large whale entanglement reports and response | Michelle Dutro
• 3:00pm to 3:45pm | Our knowledge entwined upon the land and sea | David Kanosh Yooḵis’kooḵéik

 

 

 

 

Student Art Show

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.

Opening reception Thursday, Nov 6th, 5:30 pm to 6:30 pm at Centennial Hall

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

 

 

Film Fest

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

This year’s film will be Sitka’s Hidden Wonders created by Award-winning filmmaker Ben Hamilton. Ben will take us on a journey beyond the beaten path, uncovering the fascinating connections that sustain life here. Explore Sitka’s mysterious ocean, discover the secret nightlife of offshore bird colonies, and witness extraordinary wildlife, from the tiniest organisms under a microscope to majestic creatures that define this rugged land.

Thursday, Nov 6th, 7:00 pm to 8:00 pm at Centennial Hall

 

 

 

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

• $80 per person

Friday, Nov 7th, 8:30 am to 11:30 am at the Science Center Mill Building

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Entangled Marine Mammal First Responders Training 

The best way to help an entangled marine mammal and keep people safe, is to train and equip responders. In any response to an entanglement, there are many roles from first responders to disentanglers. Large whale entanglement responders are authorized by NOAA Fisheries, and are categorized into five levels, based on training and expertise. This workshop is a Level 1 training course. First responders are trained to spot, and report entangled large whales and may be asked to assist in tracking and documenting entangled whales from a distance.  Whalefest speaker, Ed Lyman will lead participants in Level 1 training.  This 3-hour workshop will authorize you as a Level 1 responder.  Expect a high energy, informative experience with Ed who has participated in 140 disentanglements in his role as Regional Large Whale Entanglement Response Coordinator for the Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary.  

• $30 per person

Saturday, Nov 8th, 8:30 am to 11:30 am in the Science Center Karsh Classroom

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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.

Two separate classes | Space is limited

• $50 per person, all supplies provided

Saturday, Nov 8th, 9:00 am to 11:30 am

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Sunday, Nov 9th, 9:00 am to 11:30 am

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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.

• $5 tickets at the door

Friday, November 7th from 7:30 to 9:00 pm

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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.

• $20 per person

Saturday, Nov 8th, 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm

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