EVENTS

Museums, Shows, and Events in Seward, Alaska

Alaska Sealife Center

The Alaska SeaLife Center offers an unrivaled up-close and personal experience with Gulf of Alaska marine wildlife. Witness 1000 pound Steller sea lions gliding past underwater viewing windows, fins diving in a carefully crafted naturalistic habitat, and harbor seals hauled out on rocky beaches. Alaskan king crab, sea stars, and Pacific octopus also await you, as well as a whole variety of inter-tidal creatures and deep sea fishes. There is lots of good information on the Sealife Center at:
https://www.alaskasealife.org/

Mt. Marathon Race

Experience the Thrill of the Mount Marathon Race in Seward, Alaska
Get ready for an exhilarating mountain race like no other in the stunning town of Seward, Alaska. The Mount Marathon Race takes place every Fourth of July and offers a truly unforgettable experience.

Starting in downtown Seward at Fourth and Adams, right in front of the First National Bank Alaska, the race winds through challenging terrain before reaching its dramatic finish just a block south at Fourth and Washington. The race showcases the incredible natural beauty of the area, with breathtaking views and heart-pumping action throughout.

The race course covers a distance of approximately 3.1 miles (5 kilometers) and reaches an elevation of 2,974 feet (906 meters) above sea level at the halfway point on Mount Marathon. Leading racers complete this leg in an impressive 33-40 minutes and the final stretch, from the turn to the finish line, in just 10-15 minutes.

Prepare to be amazed as these extraordinary athletes push themselves to the limit, navigating steep uphill slopes at an average speed of 2 mph, and then descending with lightning speed at an average of 12 mph. The race is a true test of strength, endurance, and determination.

As racers cross the finish line, you may witness the toll the race has taken on them. Some may be injured or bleeding, while others will be covered head to toe in mud. It’s a testament to the intense challenge they’ve overcome and a testament to the spirit of the Mount Marathon Race.

Whether you’re a participant or a spectator, the Mount Marathon Race is an event you won’t want to miss. Witness the excitement firsthand, cheer on the runners, and soak in the unparalleled natural beauty of Seward, Alaska. Join us for an unforgettable Fourth of July celebration in this breathtaking destination.

Silver Salmon Derby Week

Seward, a paradise for anglers, is well-known for silver salmon. Silver salmon start showing up in mid-July and peak in August just in time for the Silver Salmon Derby week. This year the derby will be August 8th (starting at6:00am and ending -August 16th (at noon), 2015. The annual Seward Silver Salmon Derby draws anglers from around the world who try their luck at catching silvers and winning prizes totaling over $150,000. The derby includes daily prizes, mystery fish drawings, tagged fish worth up to $50,000 and prizes for the 50 heaviest silvers. Fish can be caught from shore or from a boat. Charters and boat rentals are available, but be sure to make reservations early.

Seward Museum

The museum is full of wonderful historical information and artifacts of Seward. The hours are 9:00am to 5:00pm seven days a week in the summer with a $2.00 admission fee. There are exhibits ranging from the 1964 earthquake; to the artist Rockwell Kent, who spent a Christmas on nearby Fox Island in 1918-1919; to an Iditarod trail display, telling the story of the sled dog route from Seward -ocean gateway to Alaska-to the gold fields of the Interior in the early 1900's; to information about Seward during World II; to a excellent collection of Native baskets. At 7:00pm on Monday, Wednesday and Friday there is a one hour film about the Iditarod trail.

The Jackpot Halibut Tournament

Seward is one of Alaska's hot fishing spots for big halibut. It's common to catch fish between fifty and eighty pounds. The big ones come in between two hundred and three hundred pounds. Cash prizes totaling $875 are awarded to three winners each week for the 14 week tournament. Prizes are awarded based on random target weights ranging from 60 to 120 pounds. A grand prize jackpot winner is determined at the end of the tournament. There are also special prize, tagged fish, merchandise prizes and more! The Jackpot Halibut Tournament runs the month of June.

Special Films

The library shows a wonderful film on the 1964 earthquake. At 7:00pm on Monday, Wednesday and Friday there is a one hour film about the Iditarod trail at the museum. This begins Memorial Day weekend and ends Labor Day weekend.

Polar Bear Jump-Off

The 3rd Saturday of January is the Polar Bear Jump-Off. It is a fund raiser for donations to the American Cancer Society. People dress up and jump into the icy, icy sea for contributions. It has become a big activity in Seward and it is growing. Many of the activities include: Dog Sled race, children games, Ice Bowling; Seward Parks & Recreation' Basketball Tournament, waitress & waiter contest, Karaoke contest, seafood feed, Bachelor/Bachelorette Auction - assisting Kenai Peninsula Children with Cancer, arts & crafts fair, book sales, rummage sales, oyster slurping, and parade. Sunday the activities are at the Seward Military Recreation Resort -winter goofy golf tournament, dog weight pull, cross country skiing, snow machine rides and the ugly fish toss.