FAIRS AND FESTIVALS HAPPENING AROUND ALASKA THIS SUMMER Alaskans know how to throw a party in the summer. Here are the fairs and festivals scheduled across the state in summer 2021.
FOURTH OF JULY AND MOUNT MARATHON July 1-4 and 7, Seward The Seward Chamber of Commerce is planning a “one-of-a-kind Seward Fourth of July” extended weekend. There will be a boat parade on the evening of July 3, with fireworks at midnight. On the morning of July 4, there will be a mini-Mount Marathon Race — a relay for the youngsters — with the Fourth of July Parade in the afternoon. Mount Marathon is taking place on Wednesday, July 7, a move designed to spread out the volume of visitors over the holiday weekend. (seward.com)
KIP MOORE AND ASHLEY MCBRYDE 6-11 p.m., July 3, Wasilla Nashville musician Kip Moore and singer-songwriter Ashley McBryde will headline the Menard Sports Center for a Fourth of July concert, featuring special guest Kendall Marvel. $48. (ericksonevents.com)
3 BARONS PRESENTS: THE CROWN’S MARKET PLACE July 10-11, Anchorage A Renaissance market with fair food, vendors and performances at the Tozier Dog Track. (3barons.org)
BEAR PAW FESTIVAL July 14-18, Eagle River There will be food and carnival rides in Eagle River. Additional details to be announced. (bearpawfestival.org)
FAIRBANKS SUMMER ARTS FESTIVAL Various times and locations, July 18-Aug. 1, Fairbanks This July arts festival will feature 60 guest artists from Fairbanks and around the world. A spokesperson for the festival said there will also be 120 workshops for aspiring artists of all skill levels and ages, spanning 15 different genres. Registrants can take workshops to learn anything from the marimba to jazz percussion and Celtic fiddle. (fsaf.org)
SOUTHEAST ALASKA STATE FAIR July 29-Aug. 1, Haines Plans are underway for a 2021 Southeast State Fair, with additional details to come. (seakfair.org)
BACK TO BLUEGRASS FESTIVAL July 31-Aug. 1, McGrath McGrath’s local station, KSKO, hosts this two-day festival every year in support of public radio — featuring music, food and fun for everyone. (facebook.com/backtobluegrass)
COPPER RIVER SALMON JAM Various times and locations, July 12-17, Cordova This spread-out celebration for the city of Cordova will allow residents and out-of-town attendees to participate when they please. In addition to the marathon, halfmarathon race, 10-kilometer and 5-kilometer races, the festival will host a food show, canvas painting class and artisan market. (salmonjam.org)
Horseshoes & Hand Grenades plays during the 2017 Salmonfest in Ninilchik. PHOTO BY RUGILE KALADYTE
SALMONFEST Aug. 6-8, Kenai Peninsula Fairgrounds, Ninilchik One of Alaska’s biggest music festivals, this year spread across 50 acres to allow for more social distancing. Tickets range from $138.50-$145. (salmonfestalaska. org)
ALASKA STATE FAIR Aug. 20-Sept. 6, Palmer The Alaska State Fair is back, with schedule spanning three weekends to spread out fairgoers. The concert lineup includes Billy Idol, Martina McBride, Jon Pardi, Dashboard Confessional, The Guess Who and more. The fair will be closed Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Ticket prices vary. (alaskastatefair.org)
SELDOVIA CRAFT INVITATIONAL CHAINSAW CARVING COMPETITION 8 a.m.-11 p.m., Sept. 4, Seldovia
Talk a walk down main street and view works of art from chainsaw carvers. Following the competition, carvings become property of the Seldovia Chamber of Commerce and are hosted across Seldovia by local businesses and parks.
GIRDWOOD FUNGUS FAIR Sept. 4-5, Girdwood Celebrate the fall season during Labor Day weekend while learning fungus facts and discovering local mushrooms. More details expected in July. (fungusfair.com)
SELDOVIA LABOR DAY FESTIVAL Sept. 4-5, Seldovia Enjoy performances on the main stage over the holiday weekend in Seldovia. More details to come. (youotterbehere.com)
CORDOVA FUNGUS FESTIVAL Sept. 10-12, Cordova There will be events available inperson and online for fungi-lovers alike, with options for all ages. More details to come. (cordovafungusfest. com)
SEWARD MUSIC AND ARTS FESTIVAL Sept. 24-25, Seward Swing by Seward for live music and dance performances, in addition to food vendors and artisan crafters. More details to come. (sewardfestival.com) People enjoy the Golden Wheel Amusements carnival at the Bear Paw Festival in Eagle River. PHOTO BY BOB HALLINEN
VISITORS’ GUIDE •
2021 —
ALASKA
57
