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Alaska Native Events
Alaska Native people share their culture, talent, generational knowledge, and deep sense of community through longstanding traditions and cultural events. The Athabascan communities of the Interior and Inupiat communities of the Western Arctic Coast have thrived for hundreds of years, passing rich cultural traditions from one generation to the next. Daily life for Alaska Native people continues to include vibrant cultural activities, impressive athleticism, and artistic practices.
The Fairbanks area hosts several Alaska Native events that showcase meaningful aspects of Alaska Native culture through dance, music, sport, and art.
Festival of Native Arts
February or March, University of Alaska Fairbanks campus 
The Festival of Native Arts features a variety of outstanding performances by Native peoples from all over the state. Festival attendees can see art demonstrations, cultural films and traditional songs and dances (and occasionally join in too). The festival is also a venue to purchase authentic arts and crafts directly from Alaska Native artisans.
The festival began in 1973 when UAF students and faculty brought to life the idea of an Alaska Native festival centered on artistic expression. Now, the festival continues as a beloved local tradition, organized exclusively by Alaska Native students at the University of Alaska Fairbanks.
Come celebrate Alaska Native culture through dance, music, and art at this beloved Fairbanks festival.
World Eskimo-Indian Olympics (WEIO)
Mid-July in Fairbanks
Every July, Alaska Native athletes gather in Fairbanks to compete and share centuries of tradition at the World Eskimo-Indian Olympics. These high-energy games offer an extraordinary experience found only in Fairbanks. Endurance, agility and skill are on full display as athletes compete for first place. Athletes hop on bare knuckles across the floor, leap to kick a sealskin ball, soar into the air during the blanket toss, and more. Prepare to be amazed!
The excitement isn’t limited to the games. Pageant events showcase talented Alaska Native women competing for a crown of walrus ivory and whale baleen. Adorable toddlers in hand-stitched moose and seal hide outfits, embellished with beads, quills and furs are also a delightful part of the pageantry. For those drawn to music and dance, WEIO delivers inspiring performances woven throughout the event. Visitors can also shop for Alaska Native arts and crafts directly from the artisans themselves.
Thrilling competition and athleticism, cultural pageantry and artistry come together at the World Eskimo-Indian Olympics to create an unforgettable celebration of Alaska Native heritage.
Athabascan Fiddlers Association Music Festival 
November, Chief David Salmon Tribal Hall
The Athabascan Fiddlers Association Music Festival celebrates a long-standing musical tradition within Alaska Native communities. In the mid-1800s, French-Canadian, English and Scottish immigrants working in Fort Yukon introduced the fiddle, inspiring generations of Athabascan musicians and dancers. Since then, the fiddle has remained an important part of music and dance within Alaska Native communities.
The Athabascan Fiddlers Association Music Festival is a must-attend event, filled with lively contra and square dancing and incredible performances. This upbeat drug-and alcohol-free festival is a fun and meaningful way for you to experience Alaska Native culture in Fairbanks.
Tribal Governance Symposium
October or November, University of Alaska Fairbanks
The Tribal Governance Symposium offers a meaningful opportunity to build understanding, relationships, and knowledge. This multi-day event brings together Tribal leaders, experts, and elders with the goal of advancing Tribal self-governance for the health and well-being of all Alaskan peoples and ecosystems.
Between panel events, elder blessings and songs are shared with the audience, weaving together tradition, discussion, and cultural practices. Level up your learning and attend this event to deepen your understanding and respect for Alaska Native communities.
Alaska Native Holiday Bazaars
Tanana Chiefs Conference Christmas Bazaar: November
Doyon Arts & Crafts Bazaar: December 
Each year, the Doyon Arts & Crafts and Tanana Chiefs Conference Christmas Bazaars feature Alaska Native-made arts, crafts and artisan goods. These events are the perfect opportunity to shop locally and support regional artists during the holiday season. Enjoy a festive atmosphere while discovering unique, one-of-a-kind gifts made by talented Alaska Native artisans.
For up-to-date information, check out the Holiday Bazaar blog.
Dena Games
March
The Dena Games feature several “traditional games played by the Indigenous Dena (Athabascan) people of Interior Alaska, Canada and the Northern Lower 48 states.” Sponsored by WEIO, the games offer an immersive and welcoming experience for visitors, with participation open to everyone regardless of ethnicity. All events are free to attend and join.
Held in March, the Dena Games highlight a variety of challenges that test endurance, agility, and skills that are important for winter life in Alaska. The Snow Snake is a game used to test winter hunting skills, challenging participants to slide long sticks down a smooth track made in the snow. The Pop Scramble is a newer, kid-friendly tradition where children run to grab as much soda pop out of the snow as they can carry. Snowshoe races are another exciting part of the event, with athletes dashing across deep snow on traditional snowshoes at impressive speeds.
The Dena Games showcase impressive endurance, taking winter athleticism to the next level by testing strength and precision in Interior Alaska’s cold and snowy environment. Visitors can watch, participate, and experience a unique celebration of Alaska Native culture in action.
Events vary by location and date.
Denakkanaaga Native Artwork Pop-up Sale
Monthly on the second Friday, Morris Thompson Cultural and Visitors Center
Denakkanaaga, a local non-profit serving as the voice for Native Elders in Interior Alaska, hosts a Native Artwork Pop-Up Sale at the Morris Thompson Cultural and Visitors Center. At the event, you’ll find beaded jewelry and artwork, handcrafted knives, slippers, earrings, leatherwork, and other beautifully crafted items for sale.
While you’re there, be sure to stop by and say hello to the Explore Fairbanks team, also located in the Morris Thompson Cultural and Visitors Center.
For current details, check out the Denakkanaaga social media channels.
For more information about Alaska Native Events, check out our events calendar.
Sources: Athabaskan Fiddle Music – Music of the Arctic, Alaska Magazine | Athabascan Fiddle Music
