The Kodiak Crab Festival

ACTIVITIES & ENTERTAINMENT

Crab Fest turns downtown Kodiak into a five-day community celebration. Seafood vendors serve crab and other local catch, and arts and crafts booths line the waterfront.

Recent festivals have included a Grand Parade along Mill Bay Road on Saturday morning, Alutiiq dance performances, family line dancing, live bands, and the Norm Holm Memorial Survival Suit Race, where teams race to suit up and swim. Kids' areas have featured inflatable slides, bounce houses, and a climbing wall.

The 2027 schedule hasn't been posted yet. Check the official Kodiak Crab Festival site for events and times as they're announced.

ON-SITE AMENITIES

The festival spreads across downtown Kodiak near the harbor, so restaurants, shops, and public restrooms are all within walking distance.

Food vendors, craft booths, and entertainment stages fill the festival area. Weather on the island changes quickly in late May, so bring a waterproof layer and warm clothes, even if the day starts sunny.

Many festival events center on the harbor and the fishing fleet, so it's a good chance to see working boats up close. Be respectful of active docks and crews as you explore.

LOCATION

The Kodiak Crab Festival takes place in downtown Kodiak along the waterfront near St. Paul Harbor. The organizer, the Kodiak Chamber of Commerce, is at 100 E. Marine Way, Suite 300, Kodiak, AK 99615. The festival runs from Thursday, May 27, to Monday, May 31, 2027.

FAQs About RVing to Kodiak Crab Festival

Can I bring an RV to Kodiak?

Yes, but only by ferry. The Alaska Marine Highway System carries vehicles to Kodiak from Homer. Reserve vehicle space early, since holiday sailings fill up.

Where can I camp near the festival?

Buskin River State Recreation Site and Fort Abercrombie State Historical Park are both a short drive from downtown. Sites are limited, so check Alaska State Parks for current rules and fees.

Can I park an RV downtown?

Downtown streets get busy during the festival. Leave the RV at your campground and drive a smaller vehicle, bike, or walk into town.

Is Crab Fest family-friendly?

Yes. Recent festivals have offered kids' attractions, a parade, cultural performances, and plenty of free events to watch.

RVING AT THE EVENT

An RV is a great way to see Kodiak. The island is known for brown bears, fishing, and rugged coastline, and having your own rig makes it easy to explore beyond town after the festival.

Plan around the ferry first. The Alaska Marine Highway System sails between Homer and Kodiak, and vehicle fares depend on your rig's length. Book as soon as schedules open, then line up your campsite.

• Buskin River State Recreation Site is near the airport, a few miles southwest of downtown, with river fishing close by.

• Fort Abercrombie State Historical Park is a few miles north of town, set in spruce forest with World War II sites and ocean views.

Hookups are limited on the island, so arrive with full fresh water tanks and plan your dump stops. Late-May temperatures are usually cool, so bring warm layers and rain gear.

If you'd rather not take your own rig across, consider renting in Anchorage and driving the Kenai Peninsula before or after the ferry. The Seward and Sterling highways are some of the most scenic drives in the state, with plenty of campgrounds along the way.

WHERE TO STAY

If you'd rather not bring a rig across, Kodiak has hotels, lodges, and vacation rentals in and around town. They book up fast for Crab Fest, so reserve early.

You can also fly into Kodiak from Anchorage and rent a car on the island. With extra time, visit the Kodiak History Museum, the Alutiiq Museum, or book a bear-viewing trip.

HOW TO GET THERE

There's no road to Kodiak. The Alaska Marine Highway ferry sails from Homer, at the end of the Sterling Highway on the Kenai Peninsula. Homer is about a four-and-a-half-hour drive from Anchorage.

Flights to Kodiak Airport leave from Anchorage. Once you're on the island, downtown Kodiak is a short drive from both the ferry terminal and the airport. Check the Alaska Marine Highway System for current sailings.

PARKING

Downtown Kodiak has public parking, but it fills quickly during festival events, especially on parade day.

Leave the RV at your campground and drive a smaller vehicle or walk into town. Arrive early on Saturday if you want a good spot along the parade route, and give yourself extra time to get back to camp after evening events.

TICKETS & PRICING

The Kodiak Crab Festival is a community street festival, and many events, like the parade and cultural performances, are free to watch. Food, carnival attractions, and some races and contests cost extra.

Check the official festival site for 2027 event details, race registration, and vendor information as the festival gets closer. Bring some cash for smaller vendors, just in case.

WRAP UP

The Kodiak Crab Festival brings king crab, a parade, and five days of island fun to downtown Kodiak from May 27 to 31, 2027. Book the ferry from Homer early and set up camp at one of Kodiak's state parks.

Browse RV rentals near Kodiak and book your adventure.

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