Gustavus Events

MAY 

• Brat &Beer Fest Memorial Day weekend with band and good times!
• Sandhill Cranes start to show up by the 1000’s to fill the air with their primordial songs. Visit the Critical Habitat site or watch in awe as they fly overhead.
• Hummingbirds frequent the feeders of Gustavus as they migrate back to Alaskan towns in anticipation of massive fields of flowers.
• Tours of Glacier Bay National Park begin Memorial Weekend .
  Don’t miss this majestic World Heritage Site with innumerable wildlife sightings extraordinaire!

JUNE

• Humpback and Minke Whales return to the food rich waters of Icy Strait throughout the summer.  Be sure to take a half day tour morning or afternoon.
• Local Chefs begin the process of acquiring the best foods for fine dining experiences with the freshest seafood possible from Alaska’s purest waters.
• Hike & Bike & Paddle the Wonders of our Alaskan wilderness .  Learn from the very best naturalists in Southeast Alaska.
• Eagles in their nests can be seen in plain sight and don’t miss the annual birth and nursing of Moose calves wandering the meadows of Gustavus with their protective Moms.  Scientific studies continue annually and talks often occur in the local Library to share the latest facts about various species, such as moose and wolves.
• Strawberries are abundant most summers and pickers are seen down at the beaches for the first ripe crops.
• Spruce tips are harvested for their limey green buds which go into seasonal beers for natural flavor enhancement.  Note the weird shapes of trees post–harvest that lose.new growth.
• Kayak the protected waters of the cove or consider guided Paddling with the Whales.

JULY

• Visit the Huna Tribal House, see the Raven and Eagle totem poles representing the 2 moieties, the Healing Pole and the Tribal House and screen sharing the histories and stories of the Tlingit Homeland peoples. 4 richly carved interior poles tell the intricate history of 4 tribes and their experieces in their lands.  Available all season.
• Alaska Native Voices interpreters hope to engage in “talk story” in the community of Gustavus.  It is so enriching to learn from the shared knowledge of  this resilient culture. Daily talks are scheduled at the Tribal House, generally.
• Fishing the abundant waters of Alaska is a thrill for fishermen of all ages and families.  Guides can take you either deep sea fishing or river fishing in town or on distant river systems or wet a line on your own.  Various delicious species of Salmon, rockfish and renowned halibut are part of the worldclass offerings in this region.
• 4th of July Extravaganza is an all-encompassing event involving the whole town and feels like a step back in time to more innocent days of wholesome family time.  The Pie in the Morning sale raises monies for our local community center, the Declaration of Independence is read aloud by young and old with each sharing a line, flags are raised by scouts, the parade is a tradition and is creative and colorful, auctions with great bargains can be had, and food fundraisers occur all day long.
  Don’t miss the 3 mile Run, Slow Bike Race, Puffin Relay, 3 Legged Race, Bubblegum Blowing Contest, Rubber Duckie race and horseshoe competition and More.

AUGUST

• Hike and bike in this town of well-paved roads and flat land with bikes that are readily available, for the most part. Be sure to enjoy the Nature Conservancy inspired “Nagoonberry Trail” all season long or trek to the Hydro or Ditch Trails.  Many visitors peddle to the beautiful Gustavus Beach and dock which is only a mile from the center of town, known as “4 Corners”, and take.in the sunset.over the inspiring Fairweather Mt Range.
• A Harvest Festival typically occurs in August and allows avid gardeners to share their skills in gardening, composting and companion planting or creating cloches or grow boxes. Food sampling is a highlight
• Enjoy gathering famous Gustavus Nagoonberries or Blueberries which make a great liqueur or pies.

SEPTEMBER

• This is a time for many anglers to wet a line and enjoy brisker days ahead. Colors start to appear in the deciduous trees and Sandhill cranes often appear overhead in huge numbers, signaling the start of fall migration.
• Gustavus is a Birders’ Paradise. Hike with local naturalists and afterwards sample homemade muffins and jam OR learn how to get the best photographic outcomes with a skilled professional photographer. Availability varies throughout the summer season.