Where Bears Steal the Show: Welcome to Alaska Bearfest
Brown bear fishing for salmon at Anan Wildlife Observatory
It's not a costume party. It's not a carnival. This Is a Festival with Teeth. And Claws.
Each summer, Wrangell, Alaska throws a five-day celebration of what makes this place so wild and wonderful: brown bears, black bears, salmon runs, forest ecology, local art, and the kind of community spirit you can’t fake.
It’s called Alaska Bearfest, and it’s unlike anything else in Southeast Alaska. Part science symposium, part cultural celebration, part street party, all fun and exciting events! Bearfest is where biology buffs meet fisherman, artists, wilderness guides, culinary enthusiasts, students, hikers, and curious folks who just want to see a grizzly brown bear up close (safely, of course).
Bearfest Isn’t Flashy — It’s Real.
This festival wasn’t built for the crowds. It was built for the nonconforming. In a world of made-for-Instagram festivals, Bearfest is the kind of gathering where you learn something, see something wild, and leave with more than just selfies.
It’s Alaska, up close.
It’s Wrangell, elusive and imperfectly perfect.
It’s Bearfest. Come see for yourself.
What to Expect When You Show Up
Science Symposium
Get nerdy in the best way. Researchers, biologists, conservationists, and students gather for panel talks and presentations on bear behavior, habitat, salmon cycles, and sustainable ecosystems.
If you’ve ever wondered:
How do bears know when the fish arrive?
What makes Wrangell's bear viewing unique?
What’s the latest on Alaskan brown bear conservation?
...this is the perfect opportunity to learn more.
Local Art, Culture & Food
Wrangell’s artists and vendors bring their best: bear carvings, handmade jewelry, native art, photography, smoked salmon, and enough huckleberry jam to last the winter.
There’s storytelling. Totem Park walks. Film screenings. Sea to table culinary events Salmon BBQs where strangers become dinner-table friends.
Bearfest Dinner & Art Auction
Come and dine in at the Stikine Restaurant with James Beard Award winning chef, Renee Erickson and her team with Eat Sea Creatures at https://www.eatseacreatures.com/. A curated gallery night celebrating wildlife art from Alaska and beyond. Tickets are available at a first-come, first-served basis through Alaska Vistas – (907) 874-3006. Place your bid, browse, or enjoy a wonderful dinner that speaks to the wild soul.
Bearfest 5K, Half & Full Marathon
Not a race for speed. A race for good vibes. Run, walk, or jog the forest-lined course and then celebrate after you complete it. Register in advance!
Go See the Bears
While Bearfest takes place in town, many visitors plan a day trip to Anan Bear & Wildlife Observatory, one of the few places in North America where black and brown bears feed side by side, and you can watch it all from a raised viewing platform (or a photo blind if you’re lucky).
Bookings for tour operators go by fast! Plan and book your tour before you arrive so you can experience Anan without stressing about booking during Bearfest! This is real bear territory and trust us, it’s unforgettable.
Get a taste of the action with the Anan Bear Observatory Live Cam!
A Few Local Tips
Science events and meals may require RSVP
Everything is in walking distance, but for Anan - you will need a boat to access or book a tour
Bring your camera —and your questions
Check out the schedule ahead of time by visiting the Bearfest website in the button below:
Plan Your Trip to Alaska Bearfest
Where: Downtown Wrangell, Alaska
When: Wednesday, July 30th to Sunday, August 3rd, 2025
How to Get Here: Fly from Seattle, take the Alaska Marine Highway ferry, or arrive by floatplane
Book early: Wrangell fills up fast during Bearfest. Here are some options for booking a room in Wrangell: Business Directory — Travel Wrangell
Need help planning? Contact info@travelwrangell.com for local tips, places to stay, and itinerary ideas.