Events

Every June, the Adäka Cultural Festival in Whitehorse lights up with First Nations storytelling, singing, artwork, dancing, and drumming. Hosted by the Yukon First Nations Culture and Tourism Association and the Kwanlin Dün Cultural Centre, it’s a celebration of Indigenous cultures from the Yukon, the Northwest Territories, and Alaska. Dive into vibrant performances, workshops, artist demos, and cultural presentations, and connect with Indigenous traditions and perspectives. adakafestival.ca

Since its humble beginnings in 1979 with a jam session on a West Dawson farm and a dance at Diamond Tooth Gertie’s, the Dawson City Music Festival has become a legendary event. Taking place over several days in July, the festival is famous for its intimate setting, grassroots vibe, and fabulous Klondike hospitality. dcmf.com

Yukon's Pride Festival, hosted by Queer Yukon, happens in Dawson City, Whitehorse, and Watson Lake from late June to mid-August. With events like Drag Queen brunches and Queers & Beers brewery gatherings, it’s all about celebrating the 2SLGBTQIA+ community with fun and flair. queeryukon.com

Come March, Dawson City heats up as the ice melts! Thaw di Gras is a one-of-a-kind spring carnival with adult tricycle races, road hockey, dog sled races, log tosses, and snow sculpture competitions. It’s the ultimate end-of-winter party. dawsoncity.ca

Taking place each February, the Yukon Quest is our most famous dog-sledding race. In 2025, the race will follow a new route, which will run from Teslin to Faro. Teams compete for glory and honour, pushing through the forces of nature and their own limitations to reach the end of their epic journey. yukonquest.com 

Beat the cabin fever blues every February at the Yukon Rendezvous Festival in Whitehorse. From the elegant Rendezvous Queen events to the wacky Sourdough Sam contest, this festival is packed with quirky competitions like chainsaw chucking and dog howling. Celebrate the Yukon's vibrant culture with traditional games, dog sledding, snow carving, and, of course, sourdough pancake breakfasts. Sourdough bread, a gold rush staple, takes centre stage in this festival that’s all about the spirit and history of the North. yukonrendezvous.com