
Lion’s Park Fireworks Show – July 3, 8:00 pm-Midnight
Lion’s Park, Eagle River
Fireworks show and live music! Enjoy live music from Locomotion on the Main Stage at one of Eagle River’s biggest outdoor party celebrations. Come to rock with the band, stay for the firework show! We’ll be playing stuff for the kids, the teens, the parents, AND the grandparents at this family-friendly event!
Downtown Anchorage July 4th Celebration – July 4, 8:00 am-6:00 pm
Downtown Anchorage
Celebrate America’s birthday in true Alaska style. This old-fashioned, patriotic celebration is complete with family-oriented events such as the pancake breakfast, downtown parade, picnic, and other activities. http://anchoragejuly4thcelebration.com
Mt. Marathon Race and July 4th Festival
Seward
Thousands of people from around the world gather in Seward to watch athletes race up Mount Marathon. There’s a street fair through downtown, and fireworks the night before. http://www.seward.com/welcome-to-seward-alaska/fourth-of-july-july
Girdwood Forest Fair – July 5-7
Girdwood
Their motto of “No dogs, no politics, no religious orders” describes the free-spirited, hippie vibe of the forest fair perfectly. Enjoy local artists, vendors, and musicians while wandering through the trees. http://girdwoodforestfair.com
Cobb Street Outdoor Marketplace – July 6 and July 13, 10:00 am-5:00 pm
625 S. Cobb Street, Palmer
Don’t miss the Cobb Street Outdoor Marketplace. Retail and food vendors market their wares outside of the downtown Palmer core area.
Bear Paw Festival – July 10-14
Eagle River
The 34th annual Bear Paw Festival is themed “Shake, Rattle, and Rebuild”. The numerous festivities include a car show, carnival rides, and a 5k through Eagle River. Fair food and live music complete this classic community celebration. http://www.bearpawfestival.com
Copper River Salmon Jam – July 12-13
Cordova
For over 15 years, Salmon Jam Music Festival in Cordova has been bringing in world-class musicians to share the stage with local and regional acts — all to get your toes tapping and feet moving while we raise money for the arts in Cordova! http://copperriverwild.org
Pyrah’s Pioneer Peak Strawberry Festival – July 12-13, 1:00 pm-7:00 pm
Strawberry Concert 7:00 pm on Saturday
4350 S. Bodenburg Loop, Palmer
This fun community event celebrates all things summer — from hayrides and watermelon to music and the arts – and, of course, strawberries! Throughout the day, enjoy the Crazy Rooster Market & Arts Fair, live music with special guest concerts, agriculture-themed rides, and games, and top it all off with the annual ButteAthlon Fun Run and Triathlon. pppfarm.net/festival
14th Annual Fireweed Festival – July 20, 11:00 am-8:00 pm
Trapper Creek
Bring your family, friends and out-of-state visitors to this FREE, fun and family-friendly event. Local music, handmade crafts, delicious food, hands-on and educational activities make this fundraising festival a great way to spend the day!
Soldotna Progress Days – July 26-27
Soldotna
The largest event of the year includes a parade, family activities, Dutch oven competition, Sawfest Chainsaw Carving Competition and a community picnic provided by the City of Soldotna. Soldotna Creek Park. soldotnachamber.com
Beer & Bacon Festival – July 27, 1:00 pm-6:00 pm
The Lakefront Hotel 4800 Spenard Road, Anchorage
Find two favorites together in one event as Beer & Bacon Festival returns. This year is bigger than ever with more restaurant vendors and more beer! Beers and bacon bites from Alaska’s premier craft brewers and creative culinary artists all to benefit Covenant House Alaska
(907) 266-2202
Aviation Festival – Jul 28, 10:00 am to 4:00 pm
Alaska Aviation Museum
Head to the shores of Lake Hood for a celebration of flight in the Last Frontier. Historic aircraft, aviation treasures, and all-ages fun. The festival is an Anchorage tradition going back nearly 30 years. The event has grown into a day-long affair featuring vintage aircraft fly-bys, live music and loads of family activities.
(907) 248-5325
Gold Rush Days – July 31-August 2
Valdez
A five-day citywide celebration honoring the past, present, and future of Valdez. Various times and locations. valdezgoldrushdays.org
Contributed in part by Kathryn Bistodeau