Salmon Fest is Alaska’s biggest and best outdoor music festival. For three glorious days, it brings together live music, delicious food, and fun in the great Alaskan outdoors. If you’re wondering when Salmon Fest 2023 is happening, you’ve come to the right place!
As a devoted Salmon Fest fan, I’ve been eagerly counting down the days until the 2023 festival. This beloved summer music tradition is not to be missed if you find yourself in Alaska in early August. Read on below for everything you need to know about the Salmon Fest 2023 dates, lineup, location, tickets, and more!
What Exactly is Salmon Fest?
For those new to the festival, Salmon Fest is an annual music festival held in early August on the stunning Kenai Peninsula of Alaska Salmon Fest boasts an incredible lineup of live music, food vendors serving up delicious Alaskan salmon, local Alaskan brews, arts & crafts, and family-friendly activities.
The festival takes place at the Kenai Peninsula Fairgrounds in the small fishing town of Ninilchik, about 2.5 hours southwest of Anchorage. The location right on Cook Inlet provides a breathtaking backdrop of the Alaskan wilderness.
Salmon Fest first started in 2004 and has grown into a beloved Alaskan institution, attracting music lovers from across Alaska and beyond. While Salmon Fest has evolved over the years, the focus has always been on showcasing Alaska’s natural beauty and local culture through music, food, and community.
When are the Official 2023 Salmon Fest Dates?
The specific dates for Salmon Fest 2023 are August 4th to August 6th, 2023.
The festival always takes place on the first full weekend of August each year. Gates open at 12 noon on Friday August 4th, with music going strong each day until late into the night.
Here is an overview of the full Salmon Fest 2023 schedule:
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Friday August 4th: Gates open at 12 noon. Music plays from approximately 1pm to 2am.
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Saturday August 5th: Gates open at 11am. Music plays from roughly 12 noon to 2am.
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Sunday August 6th: Gates open at 11am. Music wraps up around 10pm.
Be sure to mark those dates in your calendar now and start planning your Salmon Fest weekend! With world-class musical acts and the endless daylight of Alaskan summer, it really is an experience like no other.
Who’s Headlining the 2023 Salmon Fest Lineup?
While the full musical lineup for Salmon Fest 2023 has not yet been announced, we can expect another incredible roster of talent.
In recent years, Salmon Fest has featured headline artists like The Avett Brothers, Brandi Carlile, The Head and The Heart, and Gary Clark Jr. Past lineups have spanned musical genres like rock, folk, bluegrass, funk, soul, blues, and more.
Salmon Fest organizers do an amazing job curating a lineup that appeals to diverse musical tastes. No matter what your favorite genre is, you’ll find something to enjoy throughout the weekend.
The first lineup announcements for 2023 will likely happen in early 2023. Be sure to check the Salmon Fest website and social media for all lineup updates as the festival approaches. As soon as those first artists are revealed, you’ll want to get your tickets booked!
Where is the Salmon Fest Location?
Salmon Fest takes place at the Kenai Peninsula Fairgrounds located in Ninilchik, Alaska. This small fishing community is located about 150 miles southwest of Anchorage on the stunning Kenai Peninsula.
The festival grounds offer convenient camping right on site, as well as access to the town of Ninilchik, the Homer Spit, and the surrounding natural areas. The setting allows you to truly immerse yourself in Alaska’s wild beauty while enjoying world-class music.
Here are a few key details about the Salmon Fest location:
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Address: 43961 K-Beach Rd, Ninilchik, AK 99639
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Driving time from Anchorage: approximately 2.5 hours
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Driving time from Homer: approximately 1 hour
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Flight time from Anchorage: there are small plane charters available that can get you to the festival grounds in about 30 minutes
Getting to Ninilchik is all part of the Salmon Fest adventure. The journey takes you through pristine wilderness and the quaint towns of the Kenai Peninsula. Many festival-goers make a full vacation out of the experience by exploring Kenai Fjords National Park, going salmon fishing, or even taking a glacier cruise tour after the festival wraps up!
How Can I Get Tickets to Salmon Fest 2023?
If you’re ready to start planning your Salmon Fest 2023 trip, purchasing tickets will be your first step. Here is what you need to know:
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Ticket sales: General admission tickets typically go on sale in late April. The earlier you buy, the better deal you’ll get. Tickets can sell out, so don’t wait too long!
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Ticket prices: In 2022, general admission weekend passes started at $189 if purchased early. Single day tickets, late-buy tickets, and VIP options are also available.
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Where to buy: Tickets can be purchased online through the Salmon Fest website once sales open up.
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Kids and teens: Children 10 and under get in free with a paying adult. Discounted tickets are offered for ages 11-16. Kids will love the festival’s family activities!
Along with your tickets, you’ll want to look at booking camping, travel and accommodation if coming from out of town. The earlier you can lock things in, the more choice and savings you’ll get.
Start Getting Excited for Salmon Fest 2023!
As you can see, Salmon Fest 2023 is shaping up to be another epic weekend of music, fun, and community in the Alaskan wilderness. Mark those calendars for August 4-6, 2023 and get ready for a one-of-a-kind festival experience.
From the stunning location to the incredible musical acts, Salmon Fest offers the perfect opportunity to experience Alaska’s natural beauty while enjoying fantastic live entertainment.
Follow along with the Salmon Fest website and social media for all the latest updates on tickets, lineup announcements, and more as the festival approaches. See you there!
FAQ
How much are the tickets for Salmonfest?
Right now, the cheapest price for Salmonfest Alaska tickets is $252.
Where is Salmonfest located?
Salmonfest has become widely recognized both nationally and within the state as the most compelling and dynamic event in Alaska. Every year more than 8,000 people turn the Kenai Peninsula village of Ninilchik into a small city as families and friends fill the region with fish, love, and music.
What’s the best salmon festival in the US?
Issaquah Salmon Days Festival, Issaquah, WA
Every year, as many as 150,000 people flock to Issaquah. They come to enjoy the arts and crafts, local food, the parade, live entertainment, and much more. You could say that the festival puts Issaquah on the tourist map. The town’s leadership would definitely agree.