February 26 - March 23 - World Ice Art Championships, Fairbanks - Consist of three ice-sculpting competitions. The competition features the best ice sculptors in the world, sculpting what Fairbanksans proudly proclaim is the best ice in the world. Ice sculptures are created in several competitive classes - including abstract and realistic work. Past work has run the gamut, from dragons and castles to scenes from Alice In Wonderland, as well as completely expressionist abstract work. All ice sculptures are finished and lighted the day following the end of the competition. The compeition also features a kids' park with slides, castles and ice animals for kids to play on. (907) 451-8251 (839)
March 1 - 17 - Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race, Anchorage - The Last Great Race on Earth. You can't compare it to any other competitive event in the world! A race over 1,150 miles of the roughest, most beautiful terrain Mother Nature has to offer. (907) 274-3531 (1878)
March 28 - 30 - Camai Dance Festival, Bethel - Held the last weekend of March, the Camai Dance Festival is a welcoming festival of Alaska Native dance. In the Yup'ik language, camai means "hello." In the past 15 years, this traditional form of expression has seen a resurgence, with many villages sponsoring youth
dance groups led by village elders who teach the songs, drumming and movements. The Bethel High School gym is filled to capacity during the three days and nights of dancing. (907) 543-2911 (1877)
April 7 - 13 - Alaska Folk Festival, Juneau - The Alaska Folk Festival brings the entire town of Juneau together for performances ranging from school groups to professionals to at-home hobbyists. Many people come from miles away to see and participate in this festive week-long event. The Festival is held in mid-April, and admittance is free. (907) 463-3316 (1879)
April 9 - 13 - GCI Arctic Man Ski and Sno Go Classic, Paxson - One of the world's toughest downhill ski races, and an exciting snowmobile race, all in one. The skier begins at a summit elevation of 5,800 feet and drops 1,700 feet in less than two miles to the bottom of a narrow canyon where he meets up with his snowmobiling partner. The snowmobiler meets the skier, on the go, with a tow-rope and pulls the skier 2-1/4 miles uphill at top speeds of up to 86 mph. The skier and the snowmobile then separate and the skier goes over the side of the second mountain and drops another 1,200 feet to the finish line. Truly the ultimate adrenaline rush for spectators and competitors alike. (907) 456-2626 Summit Lake (834)
April 18 - 30 - Kodiak Whalefest, Kodiak - Celebrates the migration of Gray Whales past the Kodiak Islands. Visible from shore, thousands of Gray Whales follow their northerly migration route along the shallow western coast from the warm lagoons of Baja, Mexico to their summer feeding grounds in the cold Bering Sea. Kodiak is one of the best locations along the migration route for people to view the whales because they swim so close to shore and boats are not required. The 10-day WhaleFest features daily events for all ages with most free to all. (907) 486-4782 (835)
April 23 - 27 - Stikine River Migratory Bird Festival., Wrangell - The festival celebrates the arrival of the largest springtime concentration of Bald Eagles in North America on the Stikine River Delta, as well as the history of Garnet Ledge.
Some of the events this year will include: special discounts by local charters to tour the Stikine River, photo contest, Quilt display, Arts & Crafts Fair, Science Fair and key note speaker, Dr. Richard Lanctot.
(907) 874-3901 Stikine River Delta (838)
April 24 - 27 - Stikine River Garnet Festival, Wrangell - The Stikine River Garnet Festival is held annually, every 4th weekend in April. (907) 874-3901 (1880)
May 8 - 11 - Copper River Delta Shorebird Festival, Cordova - The Copper River Delta Shorebird Festival provides the ideal opportunity for bird watchers to be part of this epic migration. Many activities, workshops and community events are offered throughout the festival. (907) 424-7260 (1881)
May 10 - June 8 - Wrangell's 56th Annual King Salmon Derby, Wrangell - Prizes include: 1st prize for largest king salmon is $6,000, 2nd prize is $4,000 and 3rd prize is $2,000.
(907) 874-3901 (2012)
May 15 - 18 - Little Norway Festival, Petersburg - The Little Norway Festival is held the third weekend in May, and is Petersburg's celebration of Syttende Mai - Norwegian Independence Day - May 17. Petersburg was settled by a Norwegian commercial fisherman in the late 1800s and is steeped in Norse traditions. The festival is held in downtown Petersburg, and features food, dances, craft booths, a parade, a pageant, the Fish-O-Rama Seafood Feast and much more. (907) 772-4636 (1882)
May 16 - 25 - Juneau Jazz & Classics, Juneau - Juneau Jazz and Classics is a nine-day celebration featuring music performed
by classical, jazz and blues musicians at various venues in the magnificently beautiful capital city of Juneau. After nearly two decades, Juneau Jazz and Classics consistently presents world-renowned artists in concert on stage, on cruise ships, in workshops, in free events and in family events. Juneau Jazz and Classics is held during the third week in May. (907) 463-3378 (1883)
May 22 - 26 - Kodiak Crab Festival, Kodiak - A celebration of Spring and King Crab fishing from the Emerald Isle. Seafood Cookoff, parade, food & carnival booths and midway, running events, golf tournament, bicycle and survival suit races, a blessing of the fleet ceremony, concerts, USCG demonstrations and much more. (907)486-5557 Kodiak Island (1884)
June 6 - 27 - Sitka Summer Music Festival, Sitka - A land of snow-covered peaks, beautiful islands and spectacular wildlife comes alive during the month of June as world-class chamber music emanates from Harrigan Centennial Hall in the Southeast Alaska town of Sitka. (907) 277-4852 (1885)
June 28 - 29 - Arctic Thunder Air Show, Anchorage - Hosted each year by Elmendorf Air Force Base, the two day open house features aerial acts and demonstrations, exhibits, a wide range of aircraft
open for kids and adults alike to explore, food and the highlight - an elite aerial team that puts on an awe-inspiring show. (907)552-7469 Elmendorf Air Force Base (1886)
July 1 - 5 - 4th of July celebration, Wrangell - Events include: logging show, log rolling, parade, fun run, junior Olympics, street games, fireworks, Coronation Ball, Live entertainment and Scrapfish Derby.
(907) 874-3901 (2013)
July 4 - 6 - Girdwood Forest Faire, Girdwood - The faire is a family fair, that has become an annual event. The faire features Alaskan artists, handcrafted items, exotic foods and entertainers from all over Alaska. The event kicks off on a Saturday with the Forest Faire Parade and continues throughout the weekend. (907) 258-3247 (821)
July 24 - July 27 - Southeast Alaska State Fair & Bald Eagle Music Festival, Haines - The Southeast Alaska State Fair provides a showcase for agricultural and domestic arts, creative arts and crafts, and the opportunity for educational, cross-cultural and social exchange with four fun filled days. Includes a parade, exhibits, logging show, live music, food and daily entertainment. (907) 766-2476 (1887)
August 1 - 9 - Tanana Valley State Fair, Fairbanks - The fair is located in the golden heart of the interior of Alaska. The fair has been around since 1924, making it the oldest fair in the state. (907) 452-3750 (388)
August 21 - September 1 - Alaska State Fair, Palmer - laska's largest event featuring entertainment, rides, exhibits, giant vegetables, food and fun for the whole family. (800) 850-3247 (1889)
August 30 - September 1 - Kodiak State Fair and Rodeo, Kodiak - This local version of the larger state fair held in Palmer retains much of the old-fashioned, hometown charm of a traditional county fair. Kodiak Island (1890)
November 5 - 9 - Alaska Bald Eagle Festival, Haines - The 14th annual festival takes place during the world's largest concentration gathering of bald eagles. This spectacular and unique natual event is not to be missed! (907)766-3094 (1891)
November 7 - 9 - Sitka Whale Fest, Sitka - Sitka WhaleFest is a celebration of our diverse and abundant marine mammals population. From mid-September until mid-January, the pristine
waters of Sitka Sound are home to many humpback whales. (907)747-7964 Sitka Sound (1892)
December 6 - Jingle Bell Run & Walk, Anchorage - 5K Fun Run/Walk - tie bells to your shoes, don your most festive holiday attire, raise money. (888)845-5695 (3448)
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February 24 - March 22 - World Ice Art Championships, Fairbanks - Consist of three ice-sculpting competitions. The competition features the best ice sculptors in the world, sculpting what Fairbanksans proudly proclaim is the best ice in the world. Ice sculptures are created in several competitive classes - including abstract and realistic work. Past work has run the gamut, from dragons and castles to scenes from Alice In Wonderland, as well as completely expressionist abstract work. All ice sculptures are finished and lighted the day following the end of the competition. The compeition also features a kids' park with slides, castles and ice animals for kids to play on. (907) 451-8251 (3006)
March 4 - 10 - Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race, Anchorage - The Last Great Race on Earth. You can't compare it to any other competitive event in the world! A race over 1,150 miles of the roughest, most beautiful terrain Mother Nature has to offer.
(907) 274-3531 (3007)
March 28- 29 - Camai Dance Festival, Bethel - March 28- 29 - Camai Dance Festival, Bethel - Held the last weekend of March, the Camai Dance Festival is a welcoming festival of Alaska
Native dance. In the Yup'ik language, camai means "hello." In the past 15 years, this traditional form of expression has seen
a resurgence, with many villages sponsoring youth dance groups led by village elders who teach the songs, drumming and movements. The Bethel High School gym is filled to capacity during the three days and nights of dancing. (907) 543-2911 (3008)
April 8 - 12 - GCI Arctic Man Ski and Sno Go Classic, Paxson - One of the world's toughest downhill ski races, and an exciting snowmobile race, all in one. The skier begins at a summit elevation of 5,800 feet and drops 1,700 feet in less than two miles to the bottom of a narrow canyon where he meets up with his snowmobiling partner. The snowmobiler meets the skier, on the go, with a tow-rope and pulls the skier 2-1/4 miles uphill at top speeds of up to 86 mph. The skier and the snowmobile then separate and the skier goes over the side of the second mountain and drops another 1,200 feet to the finish line. Truly the ultimate adrenaline rush for spectators and competitors alike. (907) 456-2626 (3010)
April 13 - 19 - Alaska Folk Festival, Juneau - The Alaska Folk Festival brings the entire town of Juneau together for performances ranging from school groups to professionals to at-home hobbyists. Many people come from miles away to see and participate in this festive week-long event. The Festival is held in mid-April, and admittance is free.
(907) 463-3316 (3009)
May 7 - 10 - Copper River Delta Shorebird Festival, Cordova - The Copper River Delta Shorebird Festival provides the ideal opportunity for bird watchers to be part of this epic migration. Many activities, workshops and community events are offered throughout the festival. (907) 424-7260 (3011)
May 15 - 24 - Juneau Jazz & Classics, Juneau - Juneau Jazz and Classics is a nine-day celebration featuring music performed by classical, jazz and blues musicians at various venues in the magnificently beautiful capital city of Juneau. After nearly two decades, Juneau Jazz and Classics consistently presents world-renowned artists in concert on stage, on cruise ships, in workshops, in free events and in family events. Juneau Jazz and Classics is held during the third week in May. (907) 463-3378 (3012)
June 5 - 26 - Sitka Summer Music Festival, Sitka - A land of snow-covered peaks, beautiful islands and spectacular wildlife comes alive during the month of June as world-class chamber music emanates from Harrigan Centennial Hall in the Southeast Alaska town of Sitka.
(907) 277-4852 (3013)
July 10 - 12 - Midnight Sun International Powwow, Fairbanks - Open to all people. Honors elders and children, educate the public
907-456-2245 (5643)
July 15 - 18 - World Eskimo-Indian Olympics, Fairbanks - Native people compete in traditional game pageants and dance.
907-452-6646 (5644)
July 18 - 26 - Golden Days, Fairbanks - Parade, pancake breakfast, historic reenactments, river regatta, and rubber ducky race
907-452-1105 (5645)
August 7 - 15 - Tanana Valley State Fair, Fairbanks - Rides, Alaska's best produce, commercial shops, entertainment, and food.
907-452-3750 (5646)
August 14 - 16 - Kenai Peninsula State Fair, Ninilchik - Rodeo, music acts, food booths, a parade, fireworks, fruit, flower craft and vegetables displays.
907-567-3670 (5647)
August 27- September 7 - Alaska State Fair, Palmer - Alaska's largest event featuring entertainment, rides, exhibits, giant vegetables, food and fun for the whole family. (800) 850-3247 (3016)
September 6 - 7 - Kodiak State Fair and Rodeo, Kodiak - This local version of the larger state fair held in Palmer retains much of the old-fashioned, hometown charm of a traditional county fair.
907-486-6380 Kodiak Island (3021)
October 9 - 11 - International Dog Sled Symposium, Fairbanks - Workshops on mushing, skijoring including nutrition, training and equipment. Trade fair and vendors.
907-457-6874 (5657)
October 10 - 18 - Alaska Day Festival, Sitka - Celebrations include ceremonies, a period costume ball, dances, dinners, etc.
907-747-5124 (5651)
November 6 - 8 - Sitka Whalefest, Sitka - Symposium by world renown marine scientists presenting current research, cruises, concerts, etc.
907-747-7964 (5658)
November 14 - 16 - Murder Mystery Weekend, Homer - Murder, Mystery & Mayhem! Fun-filled weekend at Land's End Resort. 800-478-0400 (5659)
December 1 - 31 - Talkeetna Winterfest, Talkeetna - Month long celebration features various activities, including Taste of Talkeetna, Broom Ball, Bachelor Auction and much more. (907) 733-2330 (5660)
December 4 - 5 - Christmas Kickoff and Bidarki Bazaar, Cordova - Annual Christmas tree lighting and community craft bazaar
907-424-7260 (5661)
December 5 - Holiday Train to Seward, Anchorage - Caroling, storytelling, and some of the best scenery the Alaska Railroad has to offer are sure to put you in the holiday spirit.
907-265-2494 (5662)
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Nestled in the heart of the Chugach Mountains, in the fertile Matanuska-Susitna Valley the Fairgrounds are just an hour north of Anchorage. Each Fall, the Fair provides a setting for Alaska's last blast of summer, a showcase of Alaska's uniqueness and beauty.