THINGS TO DO IN ALASKA

2008 Events

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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)

2009 Events

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)

2010 Events

January 2 - 7 - 2010 U.S. National Cross Country Ski Championships, Anchorage - World, meet the elite sprinters, skate and classical skiers who will comprise Team U.S.A. at the 2010 Winter Olympics. Around 500 competitors are expected to hit the snow at nationals, the most important domestic races of the season. 907-276-7609 (5663)

February 5 - 7 - Tent City Festival, Wrangell - Annual Celebration of the Gold Rush days in Wrangell and on the Stikine River. Contests, Tent City theatrical performances, Fashion show, fancy dress ball and Closest to the Pin Annual Muskeg Meadows Golf Tournament. 907-874-2829 (5664)

February 6 - Yukon Quest International Sled Dog Race, Fairbanks - 1000 mile sled dog race between Fairbanks and Whitehorse 907-452-7954 (5665)

February 22 - 28 - Snow Rondi, Anchor Point - A fun family weekend of winter activities. Nordic Races, Parade, Snow Dance, Snow Shoe Softball. 907-235-2600 (5666)

February 23 - March 21 - World Ice Art Championships, Fairbanks - International ice sculpting event with 180 sculptures. Single and multi-block. 907-451-8250 (5667)

February 26 - 28 - Denali Winterfest, Fairbanks - Dog mushing, ski tours, snowshoe walks and a snow sculpture contest. 907-683-1330 (5668)

February 26 - March 7 - Fur Rendezvous Winter Festival, Anchorage - A celebration leading up to the Iditarod Dog sled race. (5669)

March 23 - 28 - Telepalooza Telemark World Championships and Festival, Girdwood - Clinics, fun uphill/downhill and classic races, ski demos, live music, and the Wild West costumed contest and lots of fun. Alyeska Resort (5671)

March 25 - 27 - Festival of Native Arts, Fairbanks - Celebrate Native Culture with song and dance, arts and crafts. 907-474-6889 (5672)

April 5 - 11 - Alaska Folk Festival, Juneau - A week of performances, workshops and dances in Alaska's capitol city. 907-463-3316 (5673)

April 7 - 11 - 25th Annual GCI/NYE Frontier Family Arctic Man Ski & Sno-Go Classic, Fairbanks - 5.5 mile race with snowmachine pulling a skier. The Ultimate Adrenaline Rush. 907-456-2626 (5674)

April 19 - 25 - Garnet Festival: Celebrate Spring With Eagles, Juneau - A week long celebration of spring in Wrangell and annual spring Eagle migration on the Stikine River (largest spring concentration). Includes Southeast Alaska Art Festival, golf tournament, fish fry, workshops and speakers. 907-874-2829 (5675)

May 6 - 9 - Copper River Delta Shorebird Festival, Cordova - Bird-watching events and educational activities revolve around the millions of dizzying swarms of shorebirds that come to use the delta and beaches near town as a migratory stopover in early May. 907-424-7260 (5676)

May 21 - 25 - Kachemak Kayak Festival, Homer - Kayaking events, seminars, instructions and workshops for all ages! 907-235-7740 (5677)

May 27 - 31 - K-Bay Seafest, Homer - Homer's fun & exciting Memorial Day Weekend's Celebration of the Sea 907-235-7740 (5678)

June 11 - 13 - Palmer Colony Days, Palmer - A festival in honor of the 1935 Colonists who started our farming community. Events include a car rally, craft fairs, horse-drawn wagon rides, farmer's market, kids' games, carnival rides, bike rodeo, Bill Mitchell Fun Run, parade and live entertainment. 907-745-2880 (5679)

June 18 - 20 - Seldovia Summer Solstice Music Festival, Seldovia - Weekend of music across the Bay 907-234-7416 (5680)

June 21 - Midnight Sun Festival, Fairbanks - Celebrate Solstice - music, artists, fairground rides, food and car show. 907-452-8671 (5681)

July 7 - 11 - Bear Paw Festival, Chugiak - This five-day festival was conceived with the aim of celebrating the community and the beautiful Chugiak-Eagle River area. For more than two decades has been a much awaited family event in the south-central region of the state. The festival features events like Family Fun Day, a Teddy Bear Picnic, a Classic Car Show, an Eagle River Renaissance Village, and Slippery Salmon Olympics. 907-694-4702 (5682)

July 8 - 11 - Copper River Wild Salmon Days, Cordova - Wild weekend celebration to sing out salmon, music, marathons. 907-424-3334 (5683)

July 20 - 25 - Golden Days, Fairbanks - Parade, Pancake breakfasts, historic reenactments, river regatta, and Rubber Ducky Race. 907-452-1105 (5684)

August 6 - 14 - Tanana Valley State Fair, Fairbanks - Rides, Alaska's best produce, commercial shops, entertainment, and food. 907-452-3750 (5685)

August 20 - 22 - Tanana Valley Sandhill Crane Festival, Fairbanks - Celebrating the return of the cranes with walks, talks, crafts, music and more. 907-452-5162 (5686)

August 21 - 23 - Kenai Peninsula State Fair, Ninilchik - Rodeo, music acts, food booths, a parade, fireworks, fruit, flower craft and vegetables displays. 907-567-3670 (5687)

October 8 - 10 - International Dog Sled Symposium, Fairbanks - Workshops on mushing, skijoring including nutrition, training and equipment. Informational classes and trade fair for all dog enthusiasts. Trade fair and vendors. 907-457-6874 (5688)

November 11 - 15 - Alaska Bald Eagle Festival, Haines - 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 includes photo workshops, speakers and presentations, guided eagle viewing, featured entertainers and the release of wild rehabilitated Bald Eagles. 907-766-3094 (5689)

November 27 - Christmas Comes to Kenai, Anchorage - Come see Santa, evening parade and fireworks, fun for everyone. 907-283-7989 (5690)

December 3 - Winter Wonderland Walk, Chugiak - A free outdoor holiday event with choirs, Santa & tree lighting. 907-694-4702 (5691)

December 3 - Festival of Lights, Wrangell - Tree lighting, Christmas celebration, homemade food, arts and crafts. 907-874-2829 (5692)

December 3 - 4 - Christmas Tree Lighting and Bidarki Bazaar, Cordova - Provides a great start to the holiday season with a Christmas tree lighting, the arrival of Santa Claus, the beginning of "Moonlight Madness" shopping specials, and a two-day Christmas Bazaar featuring local arts and crafts. 907-424-7260 (5693)

December 10 - 12 - Colony Christmas, Palmer - Old fashioned country Christmas celebration featuring sleigh rides, caroling, arts and crafts. 907-745-2880 (5694)

December 21 - Winter Solstice Celebration, Fairbanks - Riverfront lighting, sleigh rides, caroling, music and winter fun. 907-452-8671 (5695)

Alaska Events