Welcome to the Top 10 Events in Alaska.
Explore the selection of the top 10 annual events and festivals, fairs and celebrations (listed in calendar priority) in the State of Alaska, including events in Anchorage, Fairbanks, Nome, Juneau, Kodiak, Seward and Sitka.Fur Rendezvous Festival
late Feb- early March
Anchorage, Alaska
Alaskans know how to make the most of the short winter days and in the week leading up to the start of the Iditarod sled dog race, the Fur Rondy festival is one opportunity to get out and enjoy the snow.
The celebration dates back to the early 1900s when trappers and miners emerged from Alaska’s wilderness to trade, socialize and compete in survival-type games. Nowadays the week-long event contains a weight pull, sled dog races, snowshoe softball games, outhouse races, snow and ice sculpture competitions and more, as well as the popular Miners and Trappers costume ball.
For more information visit: www.furrondy.net
Iditarod Finish
March
Nome, Alaska
March is a month-long celebration in Nome. Teams completing in the 1,150-mile Iditarod Sled Dog race begin to arrive arrive under the burled arch in Nome the second week in March. Residents and visitors from around the world await to celebrate with grand banquets, art and craft shows, reindeer potluck, Native dancing, golf tournament on the Bering Sea, The Miners and Mushers Ball and more.
For more information visit: www.nomealaska.org
World Ice Art Championships
March
Fairbanks, Alaska
The World Ice Art Championships consist of three ice-sculpting competitions that take place during an 11-day stretch in March.
The competition features the best ice sculptors in the world, creating ice sculptures in several competitive classes – including abstract and realistic work.
All ice sculptures are finished and lighted the day following the end of the competition. The public is invited to watch the sculptures while they are being created during the first two weeks in March, and to view the finished pieces during the final two weeks in March.
The competition is held at Fairbanks-based Ice Alaska’s Ice Park and also features a kids’ park with slides, castles and ice animals for children to play on.
For more information visit: www.icealaska.com/
Alyeska Spring Carnival and Slush Cup
April
Anchorage, Alaska
Alaskans make it a tradition to welcome spring with open arms. Some do so by racing down a mountain on skis wearing zany costumes into an ice-cold pond.
The Alyeska Spring Carnival and Slush Cup is a springtime tradition for getting in one last dose of winter skiing and snowboarding and enjoying an old-fashioned Alaska party. The event includes live music, fashion show, downhill snow bike race, film screenings, barbeque and more.
For more information visit: www.alyeskaresort.com
Folk Festival
April
Juneau, Alaska
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 event. The event is held in mid- April, and admittance is free.
For more information visit: akfolkfest.org/
Kodiak Crab Festival
May
Kodiak, Alaska
The annual, spring Kodiak Crab Festival is a treasured festival combining a world-famous edible delicacy with a true Alaska-style party, including: a photo exhibit, sporting events, artisan tents, carnival, foot races, live music and the “Wild about Kodiak Seafood Cook-off.
For more information visit: www.kodiak.org
Mount Marathon
July
Seward, Alaska
Each year on the Fourth of July, the population of Seward swells from around 2,500 to around 40,000. The annual Mount Marathon footrace draws runners from around the world and is a favorite hometown event that has drawn Alaskans to Seward for the Fourth of July since 1915.
The route climbs 1.5 miles up the face of mountain — complete with steep cliffs, waterfalls and a spectacular view — and back down. The Independence Day festivities include a fireworks display, street vendors, contests, street parade and other special events.
For more information visit: www.sewardak.org
Alaska State Fair
July - September
Palmer, Alaska
The Alaska State Fair is home of record-setting giant vegetables, beautiful flower gardens, crafts, carnival rides, live music and endless fun (and food) for the entire family.
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 and a showcase of Alaska's uniqueness and beauty.
For more information visit: www.alaskastatefair.org
Alaska Day Festival
October
Sitka, Alaska
The Alaska Day Festival commemorates the transfer of Alaska from Russia to the United States on October 18, 1867 on Sitka’s Castle Hill. The celebration spans four days and includes concerts, a reenactment ceremony, a period costume ball, dances, dinners, contests and a parade.
The festival is held in mid-October each year as the rest of the state celebrates Alaska Day as a state holiday.
For more information visit: www.alaskadayfestival.org/
Alaska Bald Eagle Festival
November
Haines, Alaska
Over 3,000 eagles gather along the Chilkat River to feast on spawning salmon. The festival is crammed with events catering to birdwatchers, photographers and nature lovers, and include photo workshops, speakers and presentations, guided eagle viewing, featured entertainers and the release of wild rehabilitated Bald Eagles. Most Festival activities are held at the American Bald Eagle Foundation museum. Daily buses and/or vans commute to the Alaska Bald Eagle Preserve.
For more information visit: www.baldeaglefestival.org/
