Salmon festivals are a popular event in coastal towns and cities across the United States. In 2025, there will be several salmon festivals taking place in different parts of the country. From Alaska to California, these festivals celebrate the mighty salmon and all that it represents for the region.
In this blog post, we’ll take a look at some of the most popular salmon festivals happening in 2025 and what you can expect to see and do at each one.
What Are Salmon Festivals?
A salmon festival is a type of event that celebrates the salmon, a fish that is highly revered in many cultures, including in the US. Salmon festivals typically feature a variety of activities, including cooking competitions, demonstrations, and educational seminars.
Some festivals also include musical performances and other forms of entertainment. Salmon festivals are usually held in the spring or summer when the salmon are running upstream to spawn.
When And Where Are The Salmon Festivals In The Us?
There are salmon festivals held all across the United States, Canada, as well as in other countries, too. These festivals celebrating the return of the salmon are a great way to learn about this popular fish and the vital role it plays in the ecosystem.
So, when and where are the salmon festivals in the US? Here is a list of some of the most popular festivals, complete with dates and locations:
- The Kenai River Salmon Festival in Alaska is held every year in early July.
- The Salmon Festival in Kodiak, Alaska is held every year in mid-July.
- The Salmon Bake Festival in Portland, Oregon is held every year in late July.
- The Salmon Days Festival in Issaquah, Washington is held every year in early September.
- The Sonoma County Salmon Festival in California is held every year in late September.
(See more salmon festival information at the bottom of this post.)
What Can You Expect At A Salmon Festival?
If you’ve never been to a salmon festival, you might be wondering what to expect. Salmon festivals are a great way to learn about the fish, how they’re caught, and how they’re prepared. You can also find salmon products like smoked salmon, canned salmon, and salmon jerky.
Festivals usually have a few different events going on. There might be cooking demonstrations, delicious food, and live music.
If you’re thinking of attending a salmon festival, here’s an example of what you can expect:
Fresh seafood: Of course, the highlight of the festival is the food. You’ll find all sorts of seafood on offer, but of course salmon is the star of the show. There will also be plenty of opportunities to try traditional dishes like chowder and fish tacos.
Live music: There’s nothing like live music to get you in the festival mood. You can expect to hear a diverse range of genres, from country and folk to rock and blues.
Fun activities: As well as eating and drinking, there will be plenty of other things to do at the festival. Kids can enjoy face painting and balloon animals, while adults can try their hand at crab races or test their knowledge in a seafood trivia quiz.
How To Get Involved In A Salmon Festival
Salmon festivals are a great way to celebrate the amazing fish that sustain our coastal communities. And there are many ways to get involved, whether you’re a fishing enthusiast, a foodie, or just looking for a fun activity.
Here are a few ideas on how you can get involved in your local salmon festival:
- Volunteer to help with event set-up or clean-up
- Serve food at a salmon bake or barbecue
- Give a presentation on salmon fishing or ecology
- Help run a kids’ activity tent
- Enter your best salmon dish in a cooking competition
- Join a salmon fishing derby
With so many ways to get involved, there’s sure to be something for everyone at a salmon festival. So don’t miss out on all the fun – get involved!
Salmon Festivals – The Wrap Up
In conclusion, there are numerous annual salmon festivals in the United States, Canada, and beyond. These festivals are a great way to celebrate the salmon industry and learn more about this amazing fish. To find out more information about these festivals, click on any of the links in this article.
And if you want to check out even more salmon festivals, here are more for your consideration: