Alaska is in full bloom in July, and this includes festivals. There is absolutely no reason to not find some fun with so many opportunities around the state. Here are a few highlights.
Girdwood Forest Fair, July 6-8. Features Alaskan artists, hand-crafted items, exotic foods and entertainment from all over Alaska. Fun for the whole family is kicked off with the parade at 10 a.m. on Sat. July 7. http://www.Girdwoodforestfair.com
Chugiak-Eagle River Bear Paw Festival, July 11-18. Celebrate with this year’s theme “It’s a bird, it’s a plane, it’s Amelia Bearhart!” and see the Slippery Salmon Olympics, Classic Car Show, Bear Paw Motorcycle Show, Festival Royalty Pageant, the Spectacular Grand Parade and much more! http://www.bearpawfestival.org
Salmon Jam! Salmon Festival, July 13-14 in Cordova. Featuring the 16th annual Salmon Jam, local arts and crafts festival, Dumpster Painting, Small Fry Activities, live performances and more. Senior discount: $15 daily, $20 weekend. http://www.Salmonjam.org
Golden Days, July 14-22 in Fairbanks. Watch Alaska’s largest parade, partake in old tyme games, peruse the street fair, dance the night away at the Golden Days Social Dance, cheer on the Rubber Duckie Race and more. http://www.Fairbankschamber.org
Fairbanks Summer Arts Festival, July 15-29. Awaken your inner artist with workshops for every budget on various art forms like Argentine tango, Irish fiddle and improv comedy to name a few. Tickets for concerts and performances range from free to $10. http://www.fsaf.org
Bearfest, July 25-29 in Wrangell. Enjoy street games, Native storytellers, bear symposium, workshops, live music, film screenings, a marathon, photo contest, daily bear tours and much more. http://www.alaskabearfest.org
50th Southeast Alaska State Fair, July 26-29 in Haines. Four days of music and entertainment, contests, attractions, exhibits, food and shopping vendors/ Seniors 65 and older with ID: $6 per day. http://www.seakfair.org
Deltana Fair and Music Festival, July 27-29 in Delta Junction. This year’s festivities include the first ever kids’ rodeo, demo derby, 3D archery shoot, multi-item raffle, live music, annual parade and more. Seniors 60 and older, $5. http://www.deltanafair.com
Progress Days, July 27-29 in Soldotna. Events include a parade, family activities, dutch oven demo, scavenger hunt, food and craft vendors, live music, free community picnic and much more! http://www.visitsoldotna.com
Gold Rush Days in Valdez, Aug. 1-5. Jail and bail arrests by the Can Can Girls and Keystone Cops; hat and costume events; business decorating contest; gold panning; Feathers and Fishnets dance party; variety show; many food events. http://www.valdezgoldrushdays.org
