The Klondike Visitors Association has announced that the 2026 Discovery Days festival in Dawson City, Yukon, will take place from August 14 to August 17, 2026. This year’s event is especially significant as it marks the 130th anniversary of the gold discovery at Bonanza Creek that triggered the Klondike Gold Rush.
The celebration commemorates the historical find that occurred on August 17, 1896. The Discovery Day holiday has been a territorial statutory holiday since 1911, and in 2026, the Monday holiday falls exactly on the anniversary date.
The festival includes a community parade, fastball and golf tournaments, and live music. A highlight of the weekend is the horticultural exhibition, a tradition since 1946 that showcases local vegetables, flowers, baking, and crafts such as quilting and photography.
Organizers encourage visitors to book their accommodations as soon as possible, as hotel rooms and lodging often sell out months before the festival. The weekend also features local art through the Riverside Arts Festival, which is organized by the Klondike Institute of Art and Culture.
The event provides a major economic boost for local businesses before the winter season begins and is supported by the City of Dawson. The four-day celebration offers a variety of opportunities for vendors, performers, and volunteers to participate in one of the community’s largest annual gatherings.
