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Alutiiq Museum

The history of Kodiak Island's indigenous people is told through artifacts, artwork and displays. The museum traces 7,500 years of cultural history.

Where: 215 Mission Road, Suite 101

When: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mondays to Fridays, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturdays

Cost: $3 adults, children younger than 12 free

Phone: 1-907-486-7004

Web: www.alutiiq museum.com

Baranov Museum

The museum building itself is filled with history. The log building, a National Historic Landmark, was constructed around 1808 by Russian American Co. manager Alexander Baranov as a warehouse for sea otter pelts. The museum is home to a large collection of artifacts representing Alutiiq, Russian and early American culture. It has rare works of art and historical photographs of Kodiak bears, the 1964 earthquake, the 1912 volcano eruption and the Russian Orthodox influence on the landscape and lifestyle of Kodiak Island.

Where: 101 Marine Way

When: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily, mid-May to Labor Day

Cost: $3 adults, free for children younger than 12

Phone: 1-907-486-5920

Web: www.baranov.us

Bear Country Music Festival

The 10th annual musical extravaganza includes bluegrass, country, folk, rock and Alaska music. About 100 musicians from Alaska and the Lower 48 are slated to perform on three stages. There are about 15 vendors featuring a variety of wares and Alaska seafood. Camping is available.

Where: State Fair and Rodeo Grounds

When: July 22-23

Cost: $10 July 22, $15 July 23; $20 for weekend

Phone: 1-907-486-4829, 1-907-654-6007

Web: www.kodiak.org/bearcountry. html

Independence Day Celebrations

At midnight July 3, a large fireworks display over Chiniak Bay marks the beginning of Independence Day celebrations. Island communities celebrate with parades and special observances. In Kodiak, a parade celebrates the community's diverse mix of races and cultures.

Where: Kodiak

When: July 3-4

Cost: Free

Kodiak Crab Festival

The festival is a celebration of spring and life on Alaska's Emerald Isle. Highlights of the festival include fresh king crab legs, a survival suit race, a blessing of the fleet, concerts, a golf tournament, parades, carnival rides, events for children, bicycle races and running races.

Where: Downtown Kodiak

When: May 26-30

Cost: Free

Phone: 1-907-486-5557

Web: www.kodiak.org/crabfest.html

Kodiak Silver Salmon Derby

The fishing contest is sponsored by the Kodiak Lions Club. The top three anglers receive prizes, with payouts of $500, $300 and $200. Last year, one winner received a Polaris four-wheeler in a drawing.

When: Aug. 26-Oct. 10

Phone: 1-907-486-3900

Web: www.kodiak-outfitters.com

Kodiak State Fair and Rodeo

The rodeo and special contests take center stage at the fair. Events include calf roping, steer dressing, barrel racing, bull riding, team roping and a Li'l Miss Rodeo contest. Special contests include bubble-gum blowing, a tug of war, pie eating and needle in the haystack.

Where: State Fair and Rodeo Grounds

When: Sept. 3-4

Cost: $10 adults, $5 seniors and youths ages 6-12, free for 5 and younger

Phone: 1-907-486-6380

Kodiak Island Convention and Visitor's Bureau

This is the home base for plenty of information about the island. The center offers maps, brochures and helpful details for vacationers.

Where: 100 Marine Way, Suite 200

When: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekends, also open when state ferry is in port

Cost: Free

Phone: 1-800-789-4782

Web: www.kodiak.org