Browse for crafts, sample the summer flavors of Alaska and enjoy free entertainment every Saturday and Sunday all summer long at the Anchorage Market and Festival in Anchorage through to September 8. Local farmers and artisans sell their goods in a festival atmosphere. This open-air market is a great place to get a bite to eat, soak up the sun and mingle with the locals.
"Fish on!" is a phrase anglers hope to hear during the annual Slam’n Salm’n Derby from June 7 to 16. Running through downtown Anchorage, Ship Creek is an urban fishing spot home to runs of king and silver salmon. Locals and visitors alike drop a line into the creek hoping to hook a king salmon and win cash and prizes. The event is a benefit for the Downtown Soup Kitchen.
Alaskans enjoy the longest day of the year from sunup to sundown at the Summer Solstice Celebration on June 22, a tall order on a day with 22 hours of functional daylight. From running in the Mayor's Marathon & Half Marathon and dancing to live music in Town Square to cheering on police, firefighters and members of the military in the Hero Games and climbing a local peak to snap some stunning views there is plenty to see and do in Anchorage.
Lace up your running shoes and hit the trails for a weekend of fun as the summer winds down. The Big Wild Life Runs on August 17 and 18 has races for everyone. The kids 2K is great for toddlers and tweens. People of all abilities are encouraged to take part in the 5K, half marathon, marathon and marathon relay.
Big is a word that only partly describes Alaska and the state fair where you can see monster veggies, view the spectacular Chugach Mountains, experience a thrilling ride and devour dozens of Alaska delicacies like reindeer hot dogs. Just an hour north of Anchorage in the Matanuska Valley the Alaska State Fair from August 22 to September 2 is a great way to wrap up a busy summer.
For more information on Anchorage's wild adventures and urban delights, visit www.Anchorage.net.
For more information about top events in Alaska take a look at the Top Events USA selection of the annual main festivals and events in Alaska.