January
- First weekend: Seward Winter Carnival: A family-friendly event featuring games, contests, and races designed to celebrate winter fun in the community center.
- Late January: Dog Mushing Day: A day dedicated to honoring the heritage of traditional dog sled mushing culture, with demonstrations and educational talks at the AVTEC (Alaska Vocational Technical Center).
February
- Second Saturday: Sweetheart Dance: An annual dance hosted by the local school district with refreshments and music for couples to enjoy.
- Third Sunday: Community Potluck Lunch: Held monthly in the community center, everyone brings something homemade to share.
March
- St. Patrick’s Day Weekend: Parades and parties held in honor of the holiday at local bars and businesses.
- End of March: Sunrise Open House Event: Hosted by the Chinook Wind Kennels to showcase new litters and educate guests on training techniques.
April
- Spring Wildflower Hike: Local guide groups lead hikes in the surrounding areas during peak bloom times to appreciate the beautiful native flora.
- Final Friday: Free Family Movie Night: Organized by local volunteers to provide entertainment for families in need at AVTEC.
May
- Memorial Day Weekend: Kickoff party for summer events with fireworks and BBQs in local parks.
- Fourth Wednesday: Midnight May Madness Run: A late night run/walk race starting at midnight under the sun’s golden hour during summertime twilight.
June
- Summer Solstice Festival: A multiday festival commemorating the longest day of the year with bonfires, art fairs, street performers, and concerts.
- Independence Day Celebrations: Firework displays and public barbecues occur on July 4th in multiple locations throughout town.
July
- Salmon Derby Competition: Annual fishing contest open to any angler hoping to land a winning catch. Prizes include cash rewards and equipment donated by sponsors.
- Third Fridays: Music & Market Series: Street performances, craft vendors, and farmers markets converge downtown
August
- Kenai Peninsula Fair: Annual agricultural fair bringing together local growers, ranchers, and crafters to display their creations. Includes competitions, carnival rides, and animal shows.
- Alaska Mountain Bike Championship: Two days of racing featuring cross country, downhill, and enduro disciplines on courses set throughout the forest trails.
September
- Harvest Moon Party: Early September gathering welcoming fall with a potluck dinner and starry skies viewing as well as telescope observation setup near the AVTEC planetarium.
- World Beachcombing Championships: A lighthearted competition inviting participants to bring the most interesting and unique beach finds to compete against each other. The best entries win gift certificates or prizes.
October
- Last Saturday: Chili Cook Off Contest: Local teams battle it out for bragging rights in cooking chili using various ingredients, flavor profiles, and levels of spicy.
- Beginning of October: Seward Shark Tournament: Three days of shark fishing that ends with a weigh-in ceremony at the port. Awards given to largest sharks caught and released, with categories separated by boat size and type.
November
- Thanksgiving: Turkey dinners served at local restaurants and cafeterias on the national holiday make sure residents have somewhere warm to eat a home-cooked meal.
- Small Business Saturday: Promoting shopping at independent boutiques and stores on the first Saturday after Thanksgiving before Black Friday.
December
- Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony: Traditional tree lighting takes place in the park or another central spot in early December. Santa Claus sometimes appears to pass out gifts and take photos with children.