Salmonfest
Fish, love & music on the Kenai
A three-day music festival on the Kenai Peninsula fairgrounds in Ninilchik — dozens of bands across multiple stages, blended with salmon and clean-water advocacy. Its motto: "Fish, Love & Music."
Dates
Jul 31 – Aug 2, 2026
3 days
Where
Ninilchik
Kenai Peninsula
What
Music + cause
wild salmon
Camping
On-site
weekend passes
The guide
Salmonfest
What it is
Salmonfest is the Kenai's big summer music weekend — dozens of acts across several stages at the Kenai Peninsula Fairgrounds, with a backbone of salmon and clean-water advocacy.
Plan your visit
Most attendees camp on-site for the weekend. Ninilchik is ~3.5 hours south of Anchorage on the Sterling Highway — combine it with Kenai fishing or a Homer trip.
Plan around it
Events near Ninilchik
On the calendar
Related events
Salmonfest 2026
Three-day music and salmon festival on the Kenai Peninsula with multiple stages.
Wasilla Music Festival
Live music in the Mat-Su Valley with local bands, food trucks, and mountain views.
Girdwood Forest Fair
Bohemian arts and music festival in the Chugach rainforest with live music and artisan vendors.
TicketsSalmonfest Alaska
Plan your trip
Tours & things to do
Things to Do in Alaska
Tours, adventures & once-in-a-lifetime experiences
Denali National Park Day Tour
$299+Full-day tour to Denali with wildlife spotting, mountain views, and a guided nature walk.
Glacier & Wildlife Cruise
$179+Cruise Prince William Sound to see glaciers calving, whales, sea otters, and bald eagles.
Alaska Railroad Scenic Train
$149+Ride the Alaska Railroad through mountain passes with panoramic dome car views.
Flightseeing Tour: Glaciers & Denali
$299+Small-plane flight over glaciers, Ruth Gorge, and Denali's south face.
Local partners
Where to eat & stay
Good to know
Salmonfest FAQ
When is Salmonfest 2026?
July 31 – August 2, 2026, at the Kenai Peninsula Fairgrounds in Ninilchik, Alaska.
What is Salmonfest?
A three-day Alaska music festival — dozens of bands on multiple stages — combined with wild-salmon and clean-water advocacy. Its motto is "Fish, Love & Music."
Can you camp at Salmonfest?
Yes — on-site camping is the norm, and weekend passes are the most popular ticket.
Don't miss it
Get Alaska events in your inbox
Reminders for Salmonfest and the best of what's happening across Alaska, every week.
Stay in the loop
Get the best Alaska events delivered weekly. No spam.