Witness the Majesty:

Alaskan Bald Eagle Festival Awaits!

 

Next Event: November 2024

 

Every November, the Valley of Eagles becomes the majestic gathering grounds for Bald Eagles, hosting the largest congregation in the nation. Witness up to 3,000 of these awe-inspiring creatures convening along a picturesque four-mile stretch of the Chilkat River, nestled within the vast 48,000-acre Alaska Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve, just near Haines.

These magnificent eagles return to the Chilkat Valley each fall to partake in a magnificent feast during the late salmon run. Picture yourself amidst this breathtaking scene, surrounded by scores of bald eagles, framed against the backdrop of Alaska's pristine waters. It's an experience that etches itself into memory!

The annual three-day Alaska Bald Eagle Festival, held in November, is a must-attend event for enthusiasts of avian wonders and nature's marvels!

 

 

That's A Wrap!

 

The 2023 Alaskan Bald Eagle Festival has concluded, marking another successful year filled with awe-inspiring moments. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to our incredible hosts, the supportive community, local businesses, dedicated volunteers, and, of course, our cherished guests whose presence made this event truly remarkable.

Thank you for being a part of this extraordinary celebration of nature's beauty and the majestic Bald Eagles. Your support and enthusiasm are the wings that keep this festival soaring. Until we meet again next year in November 2024!

 

 

2023 Alaska Bald Eagle Festival theme

 
soaring together: celebrating community, embracing our roots

 

This year's Alaska Bald Eagle Festival embraces the theme 'Soaring Together: Celebrating Community, Embracing our Roots.' It's a time to honor our heritage, celebrate our past, and pave the way for an exciting future. While special events and programs during the festival will provide insights into our future, they'll also pay homage to our rich history.

We're coming together to revive the true essence of this festival, showcasing local talent, knowledge, and dedication while fostering an atmosphere of inspiration, education, and celebration. Join us in celebrating the valley of the eagles, their habitat, and our natural resources. Together, we'll soar to new heights, cherishing our roots and envisioning a vibrant future for all.

 

 

2023 Festival Highlights:

 

Friday, November 10th

 

Eagle Fest Meet & Greet

3-5pm @ Haines Brewing Company

Kick off the festival weekend with craft brews and captivating conversations with local enthusiasts.

Meet Mayor Tom Morphet,

Borough Manager Annette Kreitzer, and Tourism Director Reba Hylton

 

Celebrating Eagles & Their Habitat

3-5pm @ Haines Sheldon Museum

Children's Educational Program

Activities, Arts & Snacks!

 

Mini Eagle Fest Parade

5pm @ Main Street

An Eagle Mascot will lead the way, with firetrucks in tow,

as our local marching band sets the mood with 'Fly like an Eagle'!

 

Flights Forward Welcome Celebration

5-7pm @ The American Bald Eagle Foundation

Welcome Presentations hosted by the American Bald Eagle Foundation

Live Music, Bites & Local Beverages

Featured Speaker Maia Edwards

Guest Speaker Dr. Heather Huson

 

The Eagle Huntress $10

7:30pm @ The Chilkat Center for the Arts

Film hosted by the Alaskan Arts Confluence

The film follows Aisholopan, a 13-year-old girl, as she trains to become the first female in twelve generations of her Kazakh family to become an eagle hunter, and rises to the pinnacle of a tradition that has been handed down from father to son for centuries.

 

Saturday, November 11th

 

Eagle 5K Fun Run/Walk

9am @ Haines Pool Parking Lot

Town Loop Course, Entry is FREE to Everyone.

Prizes for Fastest Man, Fastest Women & Best Eagle!

 

Heritage, Habitat and Harmony: An Eagle Homage

12-2pm @ JKHC Village of Klukwan

Welcoming from Lani Strong Hotch

Special Guest Mario Benassi

Showing of PBS Iconic America: The American Bald Eagle

Presentation by Takshanuk Watershed Council:

Featured Speakers Stacie Evans & Nicholas Szatkowski

 

Eagle Vision Unveiled: Photography with Mark Bouldoukian

Doors Open 6pm @ The Chilkat Center for the Arts

Photography Presentation

Silent Auction benefiting Haines Huts

 

Sunday, November 12th

 

Dive into Pancakes: A Fest for the Flock $12

7am-11am @ Haines School Cafeteria

Pancake Breakfast with Butter and Syrup, Bacon, Coffee or Juice

(Gluten Free available)

Proceeds benefit the Haines Dolphins Swim Team

 

Legacy & Eagles: Closing Tribute

11am - 12:30pm @ Haines Borough Public Library

Celebrating the History of Preserve & Foundation

Dave Olerud: Lifetime Dedication

Special Guest Al Batt

 

 

Join Us for an Exciting Experience!

Most of our events are open to the public free of charge, unless otherwise indicated. We kindly suggest and gratefully accept donations at each program to support our non-profit event hosts, local organizations, talented artisans, and beloved local businesses.

 

Wondering about Transportation?

For our out of town guests we will be offering Shuttle Service to the Eagle Preserve throughout weekend, ensuring you have ample time to explore this breathtaking environment.

Click here to learn more about the Eagles Flight Festival Pass and transportation to the Preserve.

Complementary Shuttle Service will also be offered for festival guests from the ferry terminal to town Friday, November 10th upon arrivals and for returns from town to the ferry terminal Sunday, November 12th for ferry departures.

 

Transportation from Ferry Terminal to Town Friday, November 10th

Arrivals from JNU 11:45am

Arrivals from SGY 3:15pm

Transportation from Town to Ferry Terminal Sunday, November 12th

Departures to SGY 12:30pm

Departures to JNU 4pm

 

 

General Festival Information

To access general information about the festival and the Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve, please follow this link: General Festival Information

 

 

American Bald Eagle Foundation

Today the natural history museum is home to over 200 specimens of the natural world, and the raptor...

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