Alaska is a land that is rich in national parks, natural beauty, and tons of fun activities. From its sky-high mountains to its lush forests, there is no dearth of outdoor things to do. However, don’t be fooled by its vastness. Alaska has a small-town culture and a rich art scene that can be witnessed every month in the form of events and festivals. If you want to have an intimate look into their local traditions, history, and how they live, then make sure to visit when festivals are occurring in Alaska. Be it winter or summer, Alaskans know how to get creative with their time. With different types of celebrations such as musical events, fishing derbies, and birding sessions, their festivals range from quirky to creative, guaranteeing that you will find something that will amuse you. Be sure to check out this list of the top festivals in Alaska, USA.
1. Golden Days
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
Become a part of a community tradition that has been around since 1952. Golden Days is a week-long celebration organized by the Greater Fairbanks Chamber of Commerce to honor its era of Gold Rush and pioneering history. During this week, you will see family-friendly activities such as an extravagant parade, costume parties, and a cook-off among others. Everyone in the family is bound to enjoy something since marathons, kids’ activities, and tea sessions will be held. Attending this festival is the best time to experience Alaska intimately.
Golden Days
Address: Fairbanks, Alaska, USA
Website: Golden Days
Takes Place: July
2. Tanana Valley State Fair
Tanana Valley State Fair is one of the best educational, cultural, culinary, and arts and crafts events organized in Alaska. Held for 9 to 10 days in the month of August, it is one of the most popular events in Fairbanks, attracting a large number of more than 75,000 visitors per year. Founded in 1924, it is also the oldest fair in the state. In this festival, there are more than 100 vendors that produce and display different types of arts, music performances, and even a rodeo, guaranteeing everyone a fun time.
Tanana Valley State Fair
Address: 1800 College Road, Fairbanks, Alaska, USA
Website: Tanana Valley State Fair
Takes Place: Usually held in August
Price: 10 - 35 USD
3. Alaska State Fair
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Alaska State Fair is a local and non-profit annual event that is held in Palmer, Alaska. Just an hour away from Anchorage, this festival draws visitors from the city and beyond. It is a popular event that goes on for a week and a half in the month of August. It is known for its record-setting giant vegetables at a picturesque location at the foot of Chugach Mountains. The event also offers games, live performances, amusement rides, and lots more.
Alaska State Fair
Address: Alaska State Fairgrounds, 2075 Glenn Hwy, Palmer, Alaska 99645
Website: Alaska State Fair
Takes Place: August to September
Price: 13 USD
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4. Stikine River Birding Festival
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
Stikine River Birding Festival is a one-of-a-kind event that happens in North America’s Alaskan region since the area attracts thousands of bald eagles during springtime. This festival is the perfect opportunity for bird lovers to witness millions of migratory birds that come to the delta each year. Stikine River is located in the wilderness of Tongass National Forest where bird-watchers gather to watch the spring migration of snow geese, bald eagles, and numerous others. This event is for all ages and includes interesting art and photo contests and other activities.
Stikine River Birding Festival
Address: The Nolan Center, Wrangell, Alaska, United States
Website: Stikine River Birding Festival
Takes Place: Usually held in April
5. Alaska Folk Festival
Alaska Folk Festival is an exciting week-long annual celebration of music. Held by a non-profit organization, this event is dedicated to encourage and support the local musicians of Alaska. It happens during April in Juneau, Alaska. Folk music is an important part of Alaska’s culture, and this festival aims to make people appreciate and participate in it. However, it is also open to all kinds of musical performances. There will be poetry sessions, dance workshops, and songwriting showcases among other things.
Alaska Folk Festival
Address: Juneau, Alaska, United States
Website: Alaska Folk Festival
Opening hours: April
Price: Free
6. Fairbanks Summer Arts Festival
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Fairbanks Summer Arts Festival combines various art forms such as entertaining shows and presentations from experienced professionals to budding artists. The highlights of the event include music classes, theatre shows, visual art exhibitions, multiple cuisines, and healing art expositions. With thousands of participants, this exciting event is a perfect cultural opportunity for all kinds of travelers. It is also an intimate place for everyone to learn new things and gain knowledge through workshops from different people.
Fairbanks Summer Arts Festival
Address: 1731 S. Chandalar Drive, Fairbanks, AK 99709
Website: Fairbanks Summer Arts Festival
Takes Place: July
Price: 10 - 25 USD
7. Alaska Festival of Native Arts
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
Organized by the University of Alaska Fairbanks, the Festival of Native Arts is a springtime event where people from different communities come together to showcase their diverse traditions, art, and dance forms. It is the best place to learn about Alaska’s diversity in a friendly and enjoyable setting. This event includes 28 indigenous performing groups and workshops to give people an intimate insight into their traditions and rituals. Visitors can participate in various workshops such as photography, songwriting, and even traditional ice cream-making.
Alaska Festival of Native Arts
Address: University of Alaska campus, Davis Concert Hall and Wood Center, Fairbanks, Alaska, USA
Website: Alaska Festival of Native Arts
Takes Place: Usually held in March
Price: Free
8. Valdez Fly-in and Air Show
Valdez Fly-in and Air Show highlights competition and exhibition between various types of planes. Conducted on Memorial Day weekend, this event is ideal for aviators and plane enthusiasts. If you are in Alaska, don’t miss out on this chance to watch or participate in plane demonstrations and competitions. Known for its Short Take-Off and Landing (STOL) runway, they invite you to bring your planes and become a part of this event.
Valdez Fly-in and Air Show
Address: 300 Airport Road, Valdez, AK 99686
Website: Valdez Fly-in and Air Show
Takes Place: May
Price: 10 USD
9. World Ice Art championship
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
The World Ice Art Championships is a unique event that exhibits more than 80 exquisite sculptures that have been designed and created by enthusiasts from as far as Russia. Held in the month of February and March, this championship is one of the largest in the world and brings sculptors from various parts of the globe together to compete under a common platform. Visitors can witness multiple sculptures and exhibitions and kids can even play in the ice-filled Kids Park. The festival offers an ostentatious display of art and creativity that you shouldn’t miss out on.
World Ice Art championship
Address: 1800 College Rd, Fairbanks, AK 99709
Website: World Ice Art championship
Takes Place: February to March
Price: 16 USD
10. Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race
The Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race takes place in March from Anchorage to Nome. This exciting event will have the participants blazing through blizzards in sub-zero temperatures and racing to the finish line. It is one of the most important sporting events in Alaska that attracts people from all over the world. It is also symbolic of the state’s rich history in dog sledding. Visit this festival and witness the atmosphere charged with excitement as people cheer on. This two-week event is one of its kind in the world and unique to Alaskan culture.
Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race
Address: Anchorage to Nome, Alaska, USA
Website: Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race
Takes Place: March
Explore the culture of Alaska through its festivals
Also known as the country’s last frontier, the wild and rugged Alaska attracts adventure-seekers from all over the world. With no dearth of untamed mountain landscapes and beautiful glaciers, the country’s 49th state will not fail to amaze you. To fully appreciate this state, aside from taking in its natural beauty, you can also engage in some of these popular festivals in Alaska, USA, to get a deeper insight into their unique culture.
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