American Bald Eagle Foundation 2026 Events
Please call us at (907)766-3094 or send an email for more information.
WELCOME TO THE AMERICAN BALD EAGLE FESTIVAL 2026!
During the month of November, bald eagles by the thousands congregate in the Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve along the shores of the Chilkat River to feast on the late salmon run. During this time, the Chilkat River is one of the only rivers that fails to freeze over, giving the eagles a chance to gorge. Due to a geologic anomaly, warm water from deep underground comes to the surface in an area known as the "council grounds." Because of this ancient singularity, a late run of Chum Salmon evolved to spawn in November and December. It is not uncommon to see many other species of wildlife such as Grizzly Bears (Brown Bears), American Dippers, Mergansers, Mink and more feasting on the Chum.
The American Bald Eagle Foundation invites you to join us in celebrating this amazing event here in Haines Alaska.
*See Below for Information on Schedule*
To view the entire schedule of events for the Alaska Bald Eagle Festival please go to: visithaines.com
Festival Silent Auction
Opening Ceremony
Photos with Ambassador Birds
Field Trip to Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve
Festival Dinner Gala
Festival Schedule
Friday, November 6th:
- Open 10am - 2pm. $10 festival price.
- Photos with the Birds (additional fee)
- Field Trip to the Bald Eagle Preserve (additional fee). With a naturalist guide and photography expert. Advance registration suggested.
- 11am: Tlingit Regalia, More Than Fancy Clothes: Culture, Ceremony, and Identity. by Deanna Strong of Klukwan. See Speaker Series
- 1pm: Botswana Travelogue. Highlights of Botswana Safari including details on Silent Auction Botswana trip donation. Aaron Cleveland, donor & Foundation Director
- 4pm-7pm Opening Ceremony and Reception. Open to the Public.
Saturday, November 7th:
- Open 10am - 2pm. $10 festival price.
- Photos with the Birds (additional fee)
- Field Trip to the Bald Eagle Preserve (additional fee). With a naturalist guide and photography expert. Advance registration suggested. www.baldeagles.org/events/
- 11am: Lynx Biology by Elizabeth Hofer
- 1pm: Saving Endangered Species by Tim Sheilds
- 5pm-9pm: Eagle Eggstravaganza Dinner Party! featuring catered dinner by Julian's Todos Tacos, Comedian and Animal Expert, owner of Anchorage Comedy Sportz, Rich Capitan. $60. Reservations required.
- Cash bar, Silent Auction, Live Auction, Comedy FUN!
Sunday, November 8th:
- Open 10am - 2pm. $10 festival price.
- Photos with the Birds (additional fee)
- 11am Sasquatch and Cryptid Beasts of Alaska. Mario Benassi.
- 2pm Closed for 2026, see you in 2027.
Speaker Series
These guest speakers will be presenting on various topics. All talks free with Festival Admission.
Dates, times and description below.
November 6th 11:00am
Deanna Strong from Klukwan Alaska will be presenting: "Tlingit Regalia: More than fancy clothes; Culture, Ceremony, and Identity."
November 6th 1:00pm
Aaron Cleveland, Foundation Director of the American Bald Eagle Foundation will be presenting: "Botswana Africa Travelogue. Highlights of an African Safari Adventure that you can join in 2028."
November 7th 11:00am
Elizabeth Hofer will be presenting on Alaska Lynx Biology.
November 7th 1:00pm
Haines Local, Scientist and Environmental Educator, Tim Sheilds, will be presenting: "Saving Endangered Species: A Case Study."
November 7th 8pm
Rich Captain, owner of ComedySportz in Anchorage, will be joining us for a night full of animal stories and lots of laughter.
November 8th
Mario Benassi, Avian Curator for the American Bald Eagle Foundation will be presenting: "Sasquatch and Cryptid Beasts of Alaska."