THINGS TO DO IN ALASKA

2007 Events

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January 18 - 28 - Anchorage Folk Festival, Anchorage - Features performances by more than 120 artists from throughout Alaska as well as special guest artists from around the world. Singers, dancers, storytellers and a variety of groups perform traditional and original material in styles ranging from Celtic, bluegrass, jazz, klezmer and more. Performances, workshops, dances and other special events take place during a two week period. (907) 566-2334 (845)

February 10 - 24 - Yukon Quest, - Covering 1,000 miles between Whitehorse, Yukon Territory, and Fairbanks, Alaska, during the depths of the Arctic winter, makes the "Toughest Sled Dog Race in the World." The trail follows historic Gold Rush and Mail Delivery routes from the turn of the 20th Century. Once a travel highway of the Northern frontier, the trail comes alive each February with the breath of hundreds of sled dogs. Teams of one human 'musher' and 14 canine athletes, travel for two weeks, racing through some of the last pristine wilderness remaining in North America. (907) 452-7954 (842)

March 30 - April 1 - Camai Dance Festival, Bethel - 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. (907) 543-2911 Bethel High School (830)

May 3 - 6 - Copper River Delta Shorebird Festival, Cordova - In early May, the tidal flats of the delta shimmer with the activity of hundreds of thousands of shorebirds. As many as 5 million shorebirds rest and feed here during spring migration. The 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 Copper River Delta (808)

May 8 - 11 - Kachemak Bay Shorebird Festival, Homer - In 1993 a group of residents representing environmental, economic and cultural interests initiated the festival as a means to educate the public about shorebirds and wetlands. The festival was a huge success and has grown to 5 days with more than 50 events. Highlights include shorebird viewing stations, guided bird walks and field trips, educational workshops and presentations, wildlife tours by boat, kayak, bike and bus, activities and a concert for kids, arts and education fair, wooden boat festival, music, entertainment and nature film festival. (907) 235-7740 Kachemak Bay (810)

May 17 - 20 - Little Norway Festival, Petersburg - Held the third weekend in May, it 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 features food, dances, craft booths, a parade, a pageant, the Fish-O-Rama Seafood Feast and much more. (907) 772-4636 Downtown Petersburg (812)

May 18 - 27 - Juneau Jazz & Classics, Juneau - 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, this event consistently presents world-renowned artists in concert on stage, on cruise ships, in workshops, in free events and in family events. It is held during the third week in May. (907) 463-3378 (814)

June 8 - 10 - Palmer Colony Days, Palmer - Honors the settlers who came to the Matanuska Valley in 1935 to start an agricultural colony. The festival features a parade, the colony family reception, an arts and crafts fair, children's games and contests, horse drawn wagon rides, 5- and 10-K races, shopping cart races, a nurseryman's market and more. The festival is held Friday through Sunday during the second weekend in June. (907) 745-2880 Downtown (805)

July 4 - Mt. Marathon Race & 4th of July, Seward - The tradition of the race, according to folklore, began when two sourdoughs had an argument about whether it was possible to climb and descend the mountain in less than one hour. The race is a climb and descent on Mt. Marathon - a mile and a half up and a mile and a half down, complete with cliffs, waterfalls, and a wonderful view. Held during the 4th of July celebration with all the usual fair. The city of Seward swells by about 3,000 people for the combination of events. (907) 224-8051 (820)

July 13 - 15 - Midnight Sun Intertribal Powwow, Fairbanks - A powwow is a traditional and spiritual family gathering of Native cultures. It is an event during which members share stories, traditions and understandings, and honor and respect other peoples' ways. The powwow is of particular significance because there are such a variety of Native Americans, Alaska Natives and First Nations people of Canada. (907) 456-2245 Tanana Valley Fairgrounds (822)

July 15 - 29 - Fairbanks Summer Arts Festival, Fairbanks - Draws residents and visitors for two weeks of instruction and performance in dance, music, visual arts and ice skating. The original purpose of the festival was to provide study opportunities to local people who give their time to be in performing arts groups. After more than 20 years, the festival is recognized nationally, and people from over the world come to participate either as registrants or attendees. (907) 474-8869 University of Alaska Fairbanks Campus (823)

July 26 - 30 - Southeast Alaska State Fair, Haines - The 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 (825)

August 23 - September 3 - Alaska State Fair, Palmer - 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. (907) 745-4827 Alaska State Fairgrounds (176)

September 1 - 3 - Kodiak State Fair and Rodeo, Kodiak Island - This local version of the larger state fair held in Palmer retains much of the old-fashioned, hometown charm of a traditional county fair. Rodeo events like calf roping, barrel racing, and bull and bronc riding offer guaranteed excitement for adults and teens, while pony rides, a petting zoo, pie eating, seed spitting, and bubble gum blowing competitions keep the younger crowd entertained. Live local music and vendor booths selling everything from local artwork to kettle corn round out the fair's attractions. (907) 486-6380 Fairgrounds in Bells Flats (827)

2008 Events

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)

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)

August 20 - 31 - 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)

Alaska Events