A full slate of Alaska Day Festival and other activities will lead up to Alaska Day itself on Sunday, October 18.
The packed schedule will include the Alaska Day Ball, parade, and a re-enactment of the October 18, 1867, transfer ceremony atop Castle Hill, along with fundraisers, educational events, open houses and official events organized by the Alaska Day Festival Committee.
The theme selected by the Alaska Day Committee this year is “Our City, Our Story.”
Alaska Day commemorates the transfer of Russian claims to Alaska to the U.S. on October 18, 1867, and “celebrates the diversity of cultures and historical perspectives of our people,” the Alaska Day Festival schedule of events says.
“As we focus on the annual commemoration of Alaska Day, we hope to inspire a deeper exploration into the cultures and history of the 1867 era. We aim to stimulate the imaginations of our current generation and to look beyond our own histories and to better appreciate the experiences of others.”
Tickets to events, and the schedule are available at Harrigan Centennial Hall. A copy of the schedule is also posted on the Alaska Day Festival Facebook page.
Tonight
7 p.m.: New Archangel Dancers end of season performance of traditional folk dances from Russia, Ukraine, and Moldova. Price: 16 years & older: $10 / 5-15 years old: $5 /Under 5: Free
Saturday, October 17
11 a.m. - 1 p.m. Sitka Fire Department Open House at the Fire Hall
1 - 2:30 p.m. Sitka Historical Society’s BBQ Brisket Meal Service. Brisket contest winners announced and meal provided to those with tickets for the Brew Cruise. (Contact: Hal Spackman@907-738-3766)
3 - 6 p.m. Sitka Historical Society’s Alaska Day Brew Cruise (Contact: Hal Spackman@ 907-738-3766)
7-11 p.m. Alaska Day Ball seating opens at Centennial Hall. Dance music provided by Langdon. Complimentary hors d‘oeuvres by Sitka Emblem Club. Cash bar by The Nugget. Appearance by Seattle Firefighters Pipes & Drum Band. Adults over 21 only. Period costume, regalia or semi-formal. Admission $35. (Contact Kate DesRosiers @ 907-738-6886)
Sunday, October 18 - Alaska Day
l0 a.m. - 1 p.m. (or until sold out): Sitka Lutheran Church Alaska Day Pie Sale. Whole pies for sale. Pie sales will be through the back door of the church off Harbor Drive. Foot traffic only down the driveway
10 am-2:30 p.m.: Sitka Lutheran Church Quilt Sales. Lutheran Church, 224 Lincoln Street
11 a.m.: Military Memorial Service by U.S. Army Chaplain at Sitka National Cemetery. Representation by all Military Services. Fly-over by U.S. Coast Guard Air Station Sitka. (Contact Jon Berge @ 907-738-2640)
Noon until sold out - St. Michael’s Sisterhood Fish Pie and slam chowder luncheon, pickup, Cathedral entrance. Come see why pirok (fish pie) has been a Sitka tradition for centuries! Lunch includes the pie, salad, and fried bread.
noon - 3 p.m.: National Park Service Tea @ the Russian Bishop’s House
12:30 p.m.: Line up for parade along Lincoln Street between the National Park & SJ Campus. Registration required, but no fee.(Contact Marsha Lysons @ 907-738-6490)
1:30 p.m. Alaska Day Parade commences. Parade of bands, military and civilian marching units, decorated vehicles, classic cars, costumed individuals, and re-enactment groups. Parade Route starts at Jeff Davis/Lincoln Street and ends at Totem Square. Fly-over by U.S. Air Station Sitka. Theme: “Our City, Our Story.” Prizes will be awarded in a variety of categories. (Contact Marsha Lysons @ 907-738-6490)
Immediately following parade:
Transfer Ceremony 1867 commemoration on Castle Hill. Lowering of Russian flag and Raising of American flag. Roll call of States as admitted to the Union with rifle salutes. Raising of Alaska Flag. Ceremonial band music. (Contact Ted Allio @ 907-752-0556)
2:30 - 4 p.m. Alaska Day - Sitka Pioneer Home Variety Show with Tea & Cookies. A variety of entertainers will perform including New Archangel Dancers, The Six Birds, Sitka Studio of Dance, Seattle Pipes and Drums and more. A 50/50 raffle fundraiser and refreshments will be offered to the community. The event will be held in the SPH Main Lounge and Gold Miner Diner. (Contact Skye Workman @ 907-747-2103)
2 p.m. - 5 p.m. Sitka Economic Development Association 10th Annual Brew Fest & Chili Cook Off at Harrigan Centennial Hall; $25 adults, kids free. (Contact Tiffany Pearson @ 907-738-8161 for info)
6 p.m. Annual Alaska Day Auction at the Pioneer Bar. Proceeds to benefit Sitka Little League.
2026 Festival Trustees are Marsha Lysons, chairman; Joan Berge, vice chairman; Mindy Lowrance, secretary and treasurer; Lisa Langenfelt, Kat DesRosiers, Verna Peterson and Laurie Nesheim.
