When is Salmon Fest 2023? Your Guide to Alaska’s Premier Music Festival

Salmon Fest is Alaska’s best outdoor music festival. It has live music, tasty food, and fun in the great Alaskan outdoors for three days. You’ve come to the right place if you want to know when Salmon Fest 2023 is!

As a Salmon Fest fanatic, I’ve been eagerly awaiting the 2023 festival dates This beloved summer music tradition is not to be missed if you find yourself in Alaska in early August Read on for everything you need to know about Salmon Fest 2023 dates, lineup, location, tickets, and more!

What 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 offers 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 is Salmon Fest 2023?

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 Salmon Fest 2023 schedule:

• Friday August 4th: Gates open at 12 noon. Music plays from approximately 1pm to 2am.

• Saturday August 5th: Gates open at 11am. Music plays from roughly 12 noon to 2am.

• Sunday August 6th: Gates open at 11am. Music wraps up around 10pm.

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.

Salmon Fest 2023 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 Salmon Fest Located?

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:

• Address: 43961 K-Beach Rd, Ninilchik, AK 99639

• Driving time from Anchorage: approximately 2.5 hours

• Driving time from Homer: approximately 1 hour

• 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 to Get Salmon Fest Tickets

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:

• 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!

• 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.

• Where to buy: Tickets can be purchased online through the Salmon Fest website once sales open up. For 2023 tickets, check www.salmonfestalaska.org/tickets.

• 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.