The Most Epic Annual Events in Alaska: Top 10 Must-Experience Festivals (Currently Open)

Alaska is a land where nature and culture collide in the most unforgettable ways. From icy winter wonderlands to summer’s endless daylight, this state knows how to celebrate every season with spirit, pride, and creativity. The festivals here are more than just gatherings—they’re reflections of Alaska’s unique identity, showcasing its heritage, wildlife, adventure, and artistry.

Whether you’re fascinated by the Iditarod dog sled race, intrigued by indigenous traditions, or drawn to the idea of watching fireworks under the midnight sun, there’s an event for every traveler in The Last Frontier. Get ready to explore the Top 10 Must-Experience Annual Festivals in Alaska (currently open)—where every celebration tells a story as vast and wild as the land itself.

1. Fur Rendezvous – Anchorage’s Legendary Winter Festival

Known affectionately as “Fur Rondy”, this festival in Anchorage is one of Alaska’s oldest and most famous winter celebrations. What began in 1936 as a way to lift spirits during the cold, dark months has grown into a massive, two-week event celebrating Alaskan culture, sports, and community.

When: Late February to early March
Where: Downtown Anchorage

Must-See Highlights:

• The iconic Running of the Reindeer, Alaska’s playful version of Pamplona’s famous run

• World Championship Sled Dog Races, a thrilling display of canine endurance and teamwork

• The Fur Auction, a nod to the state’s rich trapping heritage

• Ice sculptures, snowshoe softball, fireworks, and a winter carnival atmosphere

Fur Rondy perfectly blends tradition and fun, offering both locals and tourists a chance to embrace winter Alaskan-style.

2. Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race – The Last Great Race on Earth

No event captures the heart of Alaska quite like the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race. This world-famous competition covers nearly 1,000 miles from Anchorage to Nome, retracing a historic mail and supply route once traveled by dog teams.

When: Early March
Where: Starts in Anchorage, ends in Nome

Why It’s Epic:

• Watch mushers and their sled dog teams take on brutal conditions, from blizzards to frozen tundra

• The race honors the legendary 1925 serum run to Nome, when dogs delivered life-saving medicine during a diphtheria outbreak

• The ceremonial start in downtown Anchorage is a must-see spectacle, drawing thousands of spectators each year

The Iditarod is not just a race—it’s a symbol of Alaskan resilience, teamwork, and respect for nature.

3. Anchorage Market & Festival – A Summer Staple

When the snow melts and the sun barely sets, Alaskans know it’s time for the Anchorage Market & Festival, one of the state’s largest open-air markets. It’s part street fair, part artisan showcase, and all about celebrating the vibrant local culture.

When: Every weekend, May through September
Where: Downtown Anchorage

What to Expect:

• Over 200 local vendors selling crafts, jewelry, and souvenirs

• Live performances by Alaskan musicians and cultural groups

• A wide variety of foods—from reindeer sausage to fresh-baked Alaskan salmon tacos

It’s the perfect event for families and visitors wanting to immerse themselves in local life while enjoying a laid-back summer vibe.

4. Sitka WhaleFest – Science, Storytelling, and the Sea

In the coastal town of Sitka, marine life takes center stage during the Sitka WhaleFest, a one-of-a-kind event blending science, art, and adventure.

When: Early November
Where: Sitka

Festival Features:

• Lectures by marine biologists and conservationists

• Whale-watching excursions where you can spot humpbacks and orcas in their natural habitat

• Cultural performances, films, and educational exhibits

Sitka WhaleFest celebrates Alaska’s deep connection to the ocean, offering both inspiration and education in one of the state’s most stunning seaside settings.

5. Alaska State Fair – The Grand Celebration of Summer

Held in Palmer, about 45 minutes northeast of Anchorage, the Alaska State Fair is an explosion of color, creativity, and community pride.

When: Late August through early September
Where: Palmer, Alaska

What Makes It Special:

• Record-breaking giant vegetables (like 1,000-pound pumpkins!)

• Concerts featuring national and local artists

• Carnival rides, livestock shows, and handmade crafts

• Delicious fair food—don’t miss the reindeer corndogs or funnel cakes with Alaskan berries

This festival is a showcase of Alaskan agriculture and talent, set against the breathtaking backdrop of the Chugach Mountains.

6. Seward’s Mount Marathon Race – The Ultimate Fourth of July Tradition

Every Independence Day, the small coastal town of Seward becomes the epicenter of one of the toughest and most thrilling foot races in America: the Mount Marathon Race.

When: July 4
Where: Seward, Alaska

What to Know:

• Runners race from downtown to the 3,000-foot summit of Mount Marathon and back down in less than an hour

• The festival atmosphere includes a parade, fireworks, live music, and street vendors

• Spectators line the streets cheering on competitors as they conquer steep terrain and rocky slopes

It’s a wild mix of endurance, community pride, and pure Alaskan grit.

7. Golden Days Festival – Fairbanks’ Frontier Spirit

Fairbanks, the “Golden Heart City,” celebrates its gold rush heritage with the Golden Days Festival, one of the most beloved summer events in Alaska.

When: July
Where: Fairbanks

Festival Highlights:

• The Golden Days Parade, complete with vintage cars, costumed marchers, and lively music

• Rubber Duckie Race, where thousands of rubber ducks float down the Chena River

• Street fairs, food trucks, and live entertainment

This week-long festival honors Fairbanks’ colorful past while offering plenty of modern fun for the whole family. It’s a perfect mix of history and high-spirited celebration.

8. Alaska Folk Festival – A Celebration of Music and Community

Music lovers will find pure joy in the Alaska Folk Festival, held annually in Juneau. For over 45 years, this grassroots event has brought together musicians, songwriters, and fans from across the globe.

When: April
Where: Juneau

What Makes It Memorable:

• Free performances featuring folk, bluegrass, and acoustic music

• Workshops, open jams, and community dances

• A welcoming, family-friendly environment celebrating music as a unifying force

The Alaska Folk Festival’s authenticity and community spirit make it one of the most heartwarming events in the state.

9. Valdez Ice Climbing Festival – Adventure on Frozen Waterfalls

For thrill-seekers and adventure enthusiasts, the Valdez Ice Climbing Festival offers a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

When: February
Where: Valdez, Alaska

Festival Highlights:

• Guided climbs on world-famous frozen waterfalls

• Workshops for all skill levels—from beginners to pros

• Gear demos, bonfires, and after-parties

Surrounded by towering peaks and glaciers, Valdez provides the perfect backdrop for this adrenaline-fueled celebration. Even if you’re not climbing, the breathtaking scenery and community energy make it worth attending.

10. North Pole Winter Festival – A Christmas Wonderland

For families and holiday lovers, the North Pole Winter Festival near Fairbanks is pure magic. The real-life town of North Pole, Alaska, celebrates the spirit of Christmas all year—but the winter festival in December is truly enchanting.

When: December
Where: North Pole, Alaska

What to Experience:

• Santa Claus House, a festive attraction open year-round

• Christmas lights displays and a parade of lights

• Artisan markets and sweet treats like hot cocoa and Alaskan fudge

Kids and adults alike will find joy in this heartwarming celebration that turns Alaska’s snowy landscape into a holiday dreamscape.

11. Kodiak Crab Festival – Seafood, Culture, and Coastal Fun

Down on Kodiak Island, this vibrant coastal celebration is all about community spirit, delicious seafood, and maritime heritage.

When: Memorial Day Weekend
Where: Kodiak, Alaska

Why You Should Go:

• Fresh Alaskan king crab and seafood feasts

• Carnival rides, live music, and maritime parades

• Local arts, crafts, and friendly competitions

The Kodiak Crab Festival captures the essence of coastal Alaska—a mix of hard work, celebration, and gratitude for the sea.

12. Fairbanks Midnight Sun Festival – Party Under 24-Hour Daylight

Perhaps one of the most iconic summer events in the world, the Fairbanks Midnight Sun Festival celebrates the phenomenon of 24-hour daylight with music, food, and non-stop fun.

When: June 21 (Summer Solstice)
Where: Downtown Fairbanks

Festival Features:

• Over 30,000 attendees from around the world

• Live performances, local food stalls, and games

• A jubilant, sun-soaked atmosphere that lasts well into the “night”

This festival is Alaska’s way of embracing summer’s energy and light after a long, dark winter.

Conclusion: Alaska’s Spirit Shines Year-Round

From sled dog races across frozen tundra to summer celebrations beneath the midnight sun, Alaska’s festivals capture the true essence of the state—wild, resilient, and full of life. Each event, whether it’s the adrenaline of the Iditarod or the heartwarming glow of the North Pole Winter Festival, offers travelers a chance to experience Alaska beyond its landscapes.

So whether you’re a first-time visitor or a lifelong Alaskan, mark your calendar and dive into the Most Epic Annual Events in Alaska. Pack your parka, bring your sense of adventure, and get ready to make memories that will last far longer than the northern lights themselves.