If there is one thing Alaskans do well, its celebrate summer. Maybe it’s the relief of surviving another long dark winter or maybe it’s just the excitement of warmer weather, but either way, Alaskans do summer right. To us, these few months of the sun are precious and what better way to enjoy them than with festivals? Here are the top 5 Alaska festivals and fairs to go to this summer.
I started going to Salmonfest 3 years ago and it has quickly become one of my favorite events of summer. This festival is music with a heart. Every year the small town of Ninilchik hosts over 6,000 people on a mission to celebrate salmon, music, food, and community. The event has music almost 24 hours a day on one of the several stages that range from folk to techno, and the food is amazing. This is a 3-day camping event, so pack up your car, reserve your tickets and camp spot early, and head down the peninsula for an unforgettable weekend.
If you want more than a backyard BBQ to celebrate the 4th of July, consider driving to Girdwood. This self-proclaimed ‘hippy-town’ hosts Forrest Fair every 4th of July weekend. Unlike most festivals, Forrest Fair is, as one might guess, held in the woods. Guests have to walk winding paths through the trees in order to shop the hundreds of local booths selling crafts and killer fair foods. But if you are a sunshine lover like me, don’t worry, the beer garden and music stages are both flooded with sunshine… If the weather cooperates.
This is Alaska’s version of Coachella. I mean it’s nothing like Coachella but it’s as close as we can get. Every August the fair comes to Palmer, Alaska, and with it comes farm animals, big-name music acts, more food than anyone should ever eat, and rides that make you wish you didn’t eat the food I just mentioned. This is the fair for kids and adults alike or even adults who are wanting to be kids for the day. If you are able to brave the crowds and wear the right walking shoes, this fair will have something for you.
This is the place for those who want to kick it a little rough. In early August, Talkeetna hosts a camping and music celebration. They trade in the paved paths of the Alaska State Fair for dirt and grass and are happier for it. This festival plays music for up to 20 hours a day, sells the best of fair food, and encourages everyone to camp out for the weekend. They even have a designated area for families.
Now I know this is about summer festivals, but I had to include Slush Cup. This is about as Alaskan as it gets. Every April, when the weather starts to melt the snow, and the days are finally getting longer, Alaskans head to Girdwood for Slush Cup. This popular event has brave people ski or snowboard down the slopes across a large open water in attempts to make it to the other side… Dry. Oh, and there are costumes. Last year I saw a T-rex make its way across the first pool, only to hit a jump and crash into the second larger pool of freezing water. This is just good Alaskan fun at its finest. Alaska festivals are unique, that’s for sure.
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