There are many upcoming events of interest to Alaska Native people and Alaskans in the next few months. I publish this list each year before Native New Year, usually marked by the week when the First Alaskans Institute’s Elders & Youth Conference and the Alaska Federation of Natives Annual Convention are held.
What’s happening in the communities? I enjoy attending these events to learn more about Alaska Native culture and to visit with friends and relatives. If you know of any events happening around the state or virtually that you would like me to add, please let me know.
Upcoming Events
Athabascan Fiddlers Dances • September 11, November 13, & December 4 • The Nave Spenard, Anchorage
“Ḵutulagaaw: The Tlingit-Russian Battles” • September 11, 2026 • Thunder Mountain Middle School, Juneau ● The world premiere of the opera is set for Sept. 11, 2026. Performances will run on Friday and Saturday evenings and Sunday afternoons Sept. 11-20
Gallery Talk: Tsimshian & Haida Clothing & Ornamentation • September 11, 2026 • Anchorage Museum, Anchorage
NOVA. KNOWLEDGE KEEPERS Film Premiere ● September 23, 2026 at 9pm ET/8c on PBS (check local listings) and will stream at pbs.org/nova and the PBS App ● Vision Maker Media (VMM) is premiering a new film for the PBS science series NOVA.
Third Thursday at the Ch’k’iqadi Gallery • October 15, 2026 • Alaska Native Heritage Center, Anchorage
2026 Alaska Food Festival and Conference • October 16 – 18, 2026 • Westmark Fairbanks Hotel & Conference Center, Fairbanks, AK • Registration required
First Alaskans Institute’s Elders & Youth Conference • October 18-21, 2026 • Dena’ina Center, Anchorage • Theme: K’ets’e k’ʉdaa neehʉghleł (Denaakk’e, Koyukon Athabascan) — “We are approaching change”
The Bird Blind — Special Staged Reading • October 22-23, 2026 • Alaska Center for the Performing Arts — Elvera Voth Hall, Anchorage • New Native Theatre • Written by Iñupiaq playwright Kira Apaachuaq Eckenweiler and set in her home village of Unalakleet, Alaska • Free admission; seating is limited and advance reservations are strongly recommended • Performances: Oct. 22 at 1 pm & 7:15 pm; Oct. 23 at 1 pm & 5:30 pm
Alaska Federation of Natives (AFN) Annual Convention • October 22-24, 2026 • Dena’ina Civic & Convention Center, Anchorage • Theme: Rooted in Land and Tradition, Rising in Our Voices
Alaska Native Customary Art Fair • October 22-24, 2026 • Dena’ina Civic & Convention Center, Anchorage
Quyana Alaska I-II • Alaska Federation of Natives • October 22-23, 2026 • Dena’ina Civic & Convention Center, Anchorage
AFN Banquet & Silent Auction + Featuring musical guest, Kuya • Alaska Federation of Natives • October 24, 2026, 7 pm ● Dena’ina Civic & Convention Center, Anchorage
Alaska General Election • November 3, 2026 • Get Out the Vote!
44th Annual Athabascan Music Festival • November 5-7, 2026 • Chief David Salmon Tribal Hall, Fairbanks
Indigenous Full Spectrum Birth Helper Training • November 9-13, 2026 • Anchorage • Apply by October 4, 2026
Alaska Native Business Summit & Inaugural ANCSA Hall of Fame • December 18, 2026 • Anchorage
Please note that this is not meant to be a complete list, and event dates are subject to change. I recommend checking the provided links for the most up-to-date information and reaching out to the event organizers with any questions or concerns. I am not personally affiliated with any of these events.
Feel free to email me with any events you would like me to consider adding, or comment below.