Dogsled Race Japan Cup in Wakkanai This is the biggest winter event in Wakkanai and is held on the last weekend (including Friday) of February in the Kukokoen (airport) Park. Many people and dogs from all over Japan participate in this event. It feels as if the heat from the dogs, riders, and participants will melt the surrounding snow.

Minato (port) Nankyoku (southpole) Festival This is a festival held around Wakkanai Station in mid-August is a highlight of the short northern summer. This festival was named after the famous Karafuto species dogs Taro and Jiro who were taken to the south pole on an expedition and left there to die. They somehow survived the harsh winter and were found by the Japanese expedition team the next year. Wakkanai was the home of these two dogs. Fireworks light up the night sky and the local people dance the "Hokkai Teppen" dance.

Wakkanai Snow and Ice Festival This is an event held in the city in early February. Under the slogan "Winter is Our Friend," giant slides made of ice and ice statues decorate the city square. These structures are lit up at night and fireworks decorate the sky. Prizes are given to teams that make the most attractive ice statues.