My Essential Alaska Travel Resources :
There are plenty of travel companies out there, but these are my favorite websites and resources for planning an unforgettable trip to Alaska. This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Car rentals, arguably the best way to see Alaska, are best through Discover Cars! I always use Expedia's to compare the best rates & stays in the state. If you're traveling internationally, I use Airalo’s easy to purchase eSIM’s (no installation required). For fun things to do, I recommend Viator or Get Your Guide to find the best tours in the area. Just in case, Safetywing is the insurance I always use for travel insurance. Lastly, my packing list for your travels to the great state of Alaska.
What Is the Burning Basket in Homer, Alaska?
What is the Burning Basket?
The Burning Basket is a unique, annual event in Homer, Alaska. Each year at the end of the summer season, locals gather together for a week in September to not just create and weave together the basket, but also to fill it up with special notes and light it all on fire at the end of the week. The event started in 2004, when local artist Mavis Muller wanted to create a way for locals and strangers to connect. She's been creating baskets since 2004, and since then has created over 34 baskets around the world. The event is meant to bring people together, through a reminder that all things are temporary. It invites people (visitors too) to write down any wishes, hopes, burdens, negative thoughts, or notes to loved ones that have passed and add them to the basket before it is all burned on Sunday evening at sunset. It's not just symbolic but also a physical act to let go of grief, pain, and make room for a more hopeful future or new beginning.
When and Where Is the Burning Basket?
The Burning Basket event is located in Homer, Alaska, at Mariner Park right at the beginning of the Spit. Dates change each year, but you can typically expect the event to happen about mid-September. The event lasts for an entire week, when volunteers come together to build the basket, which the final burning on Sunday evening at sundown. If you're visiting Homer for the event, you'll likely want to have a place to stay Sunday night rather than driving back to Anchorage or another city. Although hotels and Airbnbs are ok, my husband and I used Vanderlust Vans for this trip and it worked out perfect. Because the event happens after the peak summer season, campgrounds are much emptier and having a campervan allowed us to stay right on the Spit nearby Mariner Park, plus it was just super convenient.
My Favorite Tours in Homer :
- Katmai National Park Bear Viewing - Kachemak Bay Wildlife Tour - Grewingk Glacier Guided Hike
What to Expect at the Homer Burning Basket
Arriving at Mariner Park
Even though the parking lot at Mariner Park is typically shared with a campground, during the night of the Burning Basket parking was completely open for any event attendees. However, I'd recommend going at least 1 hour early to get a parking spot if you don't want to park on the shoulder of the main road. Before the burning begins, artist and basket creator Mavis Muller will give a short Artist's Speech on the year's basket theme and history of the event.
The Drumming and Community Gathering
As it gets closer to the beginning of the Burning Basket (usually around 7:00 or 8:00 pm), you'll see more and more people arriving and gathering around the basket. Up until the event begins, you can add messages and notes to the basket on the day of the event, and to the side you'll see a small tent and table with papers and markers to use. You can add wishes and hopes, burdens and negative thoughts, or notes to loved ones that will all go up in flames during the burning. Locals and strangers gather together here to celebrate community, walk the beach, make new connections or rekindle old ones, and listen to the drum circle.
The Burning of the Basket
Once the event starts, it's honestly mesmerizing. Attendees are asked to stand behind a line of raked weeds about 30-40 feet from the basket (in order for event organizers to get their fire permit) and some extra volunteers are asked to put bundles of wood and branches in after the basket goes down. You'll want to keep an eye on flying ashes and embers (my hair slightly caught on fire once) as you enjoy the burning, and look out for the fireworks at the beginning as the basket is lit. After the basket completely burns, there is a fire dance to enjoy with the sound of the drums. 
Is the Burning Basket Worth Adding to Your Homer Trip?
If you're already visiting Homer in September, or live in Alaska and can easily plan a roadtrip to Homer around that time, it's definitely worth looking into. You may be able to align your trip with that year's annual Burning Basket event, and it's a great way to experience local culture and meet Homer locals as well. If you're looking for a unique, Alaskan event, this is an incredible one to be a part of.
Watch My Burning Basket Experience Here!
Other Alaska blog posts you might be interested in :
-> 12 Best Things to Do in Homer -> 48 Hour Weekend in Homer -> Best Places to Eat in Homer
Pin this Festival Guide for Later!
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Hi, I'm Deborah! In 2022 my husband convinced me to move to Alaska. After living here for a year (then leaving to take a year long world trip) we realized there was no place we loved more. So now we're back - and I'm here to share all my best tips and hidden gems to make Your Alaskan Adventures the best they can be. \\\ My blog is free to read, but some links may be affiliates. This means I may earn a small commission if you make a purchase — at no extra cost to you. Learn more here. \\\ 
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