Contributed by David Stearns, Salmonfest

One of Alaska’s most beloved summer traditions is back this August 1–3. Salmonfest 2025 will once again bring thousands of music lovers, artists, nonprofits, and families together at the Kenai Peninsula Fairgrounds in Ninilchik for a weekend celebrating wild Alaskan salmon and the habitat that sustains it. Headlining this year’s festival are chart-topping rockers The Revivalists and genre-bending powerhouse Elle King, promising high-energy performances that span soulful ballads to rootsy rock anthems. They’ll be joined by southern jam legends The Allman Betts Band and acclaimed mandolin virtuoso and two-time Grammy Award nominee Sierra Hull.

This year’s genre-defying lineup showcases nearly 60 acts across four stages, including celebrated names like The Dip, ALO, The Bridge City Sinners, and Jakobs Castle featuring Sublime frontman and son of Bradley, Jakob Nowell. Manic Focus will lead the late-night electronic experience with two unique sets, one featuring live instrumentation. National touring bands like Shakedown String Band, High Step Society, Po & The 4Fathers from Maui, Cousin Curtiss, The Builders and The Butchers, Free Creatures, and Brown Chicken Brown Cow add to a roster that represents a vibrant mix of Americana, bluegrass, rock, funk, EDM, and more.

Salmonfest is a family-friendly event, so please bring your kids. All youth 6 and younger are free when accompanied by a ticket-holding adult. Salmonfest’s Small Fry Activity Area will feature plenty of kids’ activities and arts and crafts so parents can enjoy the rest of the festival. Salmonfest is a not-for-profit festival dedicated to protecting Alaskan salmon, a species highly vulnerable to habitat loss. Our mission is to remain humble stewards of the land and sea, to care for and advocate for the protection of critical Alaskan watersheds and the precious salmon that sustain us. One of Salmonfest’s signature features is the Salmon Causeway, where guests can learn, engage, and take action on the many issues facing Bristol Bay, Alaska, salmon, and the world at large.

Salmonfest brings together the best of Alaska’s food vendors to keep Salmonfestians going all weekend. Look for tents and trucks serving up Thai food, salmon, Indian cuisine, classic American fare, gourmet sandwiches, barbecue, and more. Salmonfest is committed to sourcing and featuring local vendors, including in the beer gardens where you’ll find some of the best Alaska has to offer—dozens of taps, wine, champagne, canned cocktails, non-alcoholic choices, and more.

Hosted in the lush coastal hamlet of Ninilchik, Salmonfest is more than just a music festival—it’s a movement. A portion of proceeds supports salmon habitat protection and conservation efforts throughout Alaska, with the festival acting as both a platform and partner for advocacy groups like the Kachemak Bay Conservation Society, Cook Inletkeeper, ARCHES Alaska, Commercial Fishermen for Bristol Bay, Wild Salmon Center, and the Kenai Peninsula Fairgrounds.

Salmonfest is a fully immersive experience: think mountains, music, and meaning. In addition to a world-class lineup, attendees will enjoy on-site camping, food and craft vendors, art installations, daily parades, and family-friendly activities. Tickets are now available at salmonfestalaska.org, along with volunteer opportunities and detailed information about transportation, lodging, and the full festival experience. Come for the fish. Stay for the music. Leave inspired.

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MAT-SU VALLEY, ALASKA