Shake off the pandemic isolation and check out the sights and sounds of a local festival, most of which were canceled last year. Be sure to observe safety precautions, and check online for updates.
Peony Celebration, July 9-24 in Homer. Come see Homer’s famous peony blooms at their most glorious state along with art exhibitions, great food, farm tours, concerts and more. http://www.Homeralaska.org/homer-peony-celebration/
Salmon Jam! Salmon Festival, July 12-17 in Cordova. Featuring a socially distanced version of your favorite events like the local arts and crafts festival, Dumpster Painting, Small Fry Activities, live performances and more. $30 per weekend music performance. http://www.Salmonjam.org
Chugiak-Eagle River Bear Paw Festival, July 14-18. Celebrate with this year’s theme “Roaring Twenties 2.1”, 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
Golden Days, July 17-25 in Fairbanks. Watch Alaska’s largest parade, peruse the street fair, cheer on the Rubber Duckie Race and more. http://www.Fairbankschamber.org
Fairbanks Summer Arts Festival, July 18-Aug. 1. Awaken your inner artist with workshops and performances for every budget on various art forms like opera, jazz and aerial silk flying, to name a few. Tickets for concerts and performances range from free to $10. http://www.Fsaf.org
Bearfest, July 28-Aug. 1 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 29-Aug. 1 in Haines. Four days of music and entertainment, contests, attractions, exhibits, food and shopping vendors. Seniors 65 and older with ID: $10 per day, Thurs.-Sat., and $5 on Sunday. Regular four day pass, $30. http://www.Seakfair.org
Deltana Fair & Music Festival, July 23-25 in Delta Junction. This year’s festivities theme, “Blue Jeans & Alaskan Dreams,” includes a blueberry pie contest, talent show, live music, annual parade and more. Seniors 60 and older, $7. http://www.Deltanafair.com
Progress Days, July 21-24 in Soldotna. Events include a parade, family activities, free community picnic and much more. http://www.Visitsoldotna.com/events/progress-days/
Tanana Valley State Fair, July 30-Aug. 8 in Fairbanks. Celebrate the 97th annual fair with new vendors, entertainment and live events, midway rides, exciting exhibits and more. http://www.Tvsfa.org/
Gold Rush Days, Aug. 4-8 in Valdez. Honor the past, present and future of Valdez with the Can Can Girls, local market, food vendors and parade. http://www.Valdezalaska.org/events/gold-rush-days/
Alaska State Fair, Aug. 20-Sept. 6 in Palmer. The three-weekend event is back with amusement park rides, Alaska Native crafts, foods of all kinds, exhibits, including the livestock pavilion, and much more. The fair will be closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Seniors 65 and older with ID: $7 per day Mondays and Thursdays; $8 per day Fri.-Sun. $40 Season Pass. http://www.Alaskastatefair.org
