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
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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In The Winter
Deciding to visit in the winter and enjoy our winter activities, don't worry there is still plenty of accommodations to choose from.