As the tourist season gets underway in Juneau, the area comes to life with the Juneau Maritime Festival. In 2025, the event takes place on May 3 from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. So why plan your Juneau travels around this event? Here’s the fun events and local history surrounding the event and why you won’t want to miss it.
About the Juneau Maritime Festival
Maritime culture is an important part of Juneau. Since 2010, the Juneau Economic Development Council has been organizing the festival celebrating Juneau’s commercial seafaring and military maritime role.
Juneau has strong economic ties to the seas. And once a year, the residents and tourists gather to celebrate at the waterfront.
Each year has its own unique flair based on the vendors in attendance. Last year’s festival set records with 92 vendors and a beer garden featuring local brewers. It also had the USS William P. Lawrence arrive thanks to volunteers from the U.S. Navy.
What Happens at the Juneau Maritime Festival?
The events during the Maritime Festival can vary, but it’s sure to be a good time. Head to Peratrovich Plaza at 292 Marine Way to enjoy some of these fun activities. It is free fun for the whole family.
Kids Activities
Vendors and the Juneau Economic Development Council have thought of ways to make the event fun for everyone. Don’t be afraid to bring the whole family and let children enjoy the festival just as much as you do!
Photo Booth
Get silly at the photo booth as you take home memories of your trip. You’ll find props to help you celebrate and be festive. Or, come dressed in your best maritime apparel to capture the moment.
LOOKING FOR A NICE HOTEL IN JUNEAU?
We offer full kitchens in every suite.
Tug-o-war Contest
Watch as naval officers join in a tug-o-war contest. See how the fun game works when you have skilled officers on either side of the rope.
Then test your skills. Assemble a team of six participants. You can’t have more than 4 of the same gender and all team members must be at least 16 years of age. The winning team takes home the trophy until next year. Plus, they’ll earn season passes to the Goldbelt Tram, Alaska Theatre movie passes and official Maritime Festival T-shirts.
Live Music
Sit back and relax as local artists set the tone for the event with music from various genres. Each year the performers change so watch for announcements about who the entertainers will be for 2025.
Vendors
Shop dozens of local vendors as they share their wares. Take home unique gifts for loved ones or pieces of your travels as you celebrate Juneau’s maritime history.
Fish Fillet Demonstration
Alaska Glacier Seafoods and Taku Smokeries have historically come together to donate fish and their time to do demonstrations showing festival goers how to fillet a fish.
Raffle
Help raise funds to support the event while getting the chance to win some neat prizes. In 2024, the event included raffles for 2 round-trip tickets on Alaska Airlines, a whale watching and lighthouse tour, and a framed maritime print. Tickets cost just $10 and go to a worthy cause of bringing awareness to Juneau as a maritime city.
Food (Additional Cost)
After you awaken your taste buds by trying the fresh, local fish at the fish filet station, visit one of the many food vendors to sample the unique Juneau fare. You’ll find a variety of food types to match the interests of diverse eaters. Whether you’re trying to feed your little ones or traveling with individuals with unique palettes or allergies, there’s truly something for everyone at the many food vendor tables.
Harbor Cruises (Ticketed Event)
While this part of the event does have an additional cost, in 2024, it was only $20 per person for a harbor cruise. The money goes toward keeping the festival free and open to the public. The community pulls together to make the harbor cruises economically beneficial to the event organizers by donating the vessel and fuel.
In 2024, one of the cruises was themed for kids. The Juneau Public Libraries hosted the cruise and kept it fun for the whole family.
Other Things to Do in Juneau in May
The weather starts warming in May to make it ideal for outdoor experiences and adventures. May is a great time to do just about anything in Juneau as the tourist season begins and excursion companies begin offering their services again.
Here’s a look at some activities you won’t want to miss as spring blossoms in Alaska’s capital.
1. Whale Watching
During the winter, whales migrate south to breed and give birth. But come May, they begin their triumphant return to Juneau. Book a whale-watching tour to see these incredible creatures alongside other marine wildlife during your travels.
2. Head to Mendenhall Glacier
Mendenhall Glacier is beautiful all year long. In May, the wildlife is beginning to return. You’ll see mountain goats, and Nugget Falls flows freely this time of year. It will finally be warm enough to spend the day hiking without fear of extreme cold. Just be sure you pack plenty of water and a snack to prevent fatigue and dehydration.
3. State Museum
If it rains during your visit, make it a museum day. Enjoy dozens of Russian colonial artifacts, Native Alaskan pieces, and cultural pieces highlighting the Inuit, Eskimo, Haida and Tlingit people. You’ll gain a better understanding of the early days of Alaska.
4. Mount Roberts Tramway
View Juneau from 1,800 feet. The 6-minute ride not only gives you an incredible view of the Gastineau Channel, but it’s also a prime location for shopping and dining. Head to the top to enjoy the unique gift shop and have your purchases shipped directly home if your suitcase is looking a little full.
Where to Stay for the Maritime Festival
If you want to leave the hustle and bustle of downtown behind after you’ve enjoyed the festival, consider staying at an airport hotel. Frontier Suites features a homelike stay. Enjoy a full kitchen, separate living and sleeping spaces, and room for the whole family if you’ll be traveling with multiple people. Reserve your suite now before hotels book up for this exciting weekend that celebrates Juneau’s heritage.
LOOKING FOR A NICE HOTEL IN JUNEAU?
We offer full kitchens in every suite.
Further reading: