Alaska.com: Alaska's Travel Website

AWAIC Summer Solstice Festival

Nearly round-the-clock daylight is the highlight of AWAIC's festival. It includes two days of music and food booths. The event benefits Abused Women's Aid in Crisis.

Where: Town Square, downtown

When: 10 a.m. to midnight June 17-18

Cost: Free

Phone: 743-5705

Web: www.awaic.org

Blues on the Green Festival

The annual festival includes several acts, with blues music playing all day in a beautiful outdoor setting. Bands include local and national performers, including John Lee Hooker Jr. There will be a beer tent and dozens of food and retail booths.

Where: Kincaid Park

When: 11 a.m. to midnight June 11

Cost: $29.50

Phone: 272-1341

Fourth of July

The day traditionally begins with a pancake breakfast followed by a parade. The Delaney Park Strip comes alive later in the day with a variety of musical entertainment, games and food for all ages.

Where: Downtown, Delaney Park Strip

When: July 4

Cost: Free

Phone: 279-7500

Galway Days

The Irish music festival celebrates the culture of Ireland with music, dancing, instruction and food. It's fun for the whole family. A special guest this year is Irish accordion player Charlie Piggott.

Where: G Street between Fourth and Fifth avenues

When: 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Aug. 6

Cost: Free

Phone: 277-9660

Web: www.akirishmusic.com

Greek Festival

Be Greek for a day ... or two. A live band performing bouzouki music will fill the air, and Greek food -- including gyros, moussaka, souvlaki, lamb on a spit, beer, wine and pastries -- will fill stomachs at this annual festival. A dance troupe will perform authentic dances. Gifts and books will be on sale. There also will be tours of the church and a reenactment of an event from Greek life.

Where: Holy Transfiguration Greek Orthodox Church, 2800 O'Malley Road

When: 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Aug. 19-20, noon to 8 p.m. Aug. 21

Cost: Free

Phone: 344-0190

Juneteenth Celebration

The celebration of freedom and diversity offers three days of fun for kids and families. Games, arts and crafts booths, a variety of food and live entertainment are scheduled. There will be a special Father's Day event June 19.

Where: Delaney Park Strip

When: June 17-19

Cost: Free

Phone: 884-6860, 770-4218

Kite Day

Bring a kite to fly for fun or awards at the fun family event. Food and kites are available for purchase. There will be live music and demonstrations.

Where: Delaney Park Strip

When: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Aug. 7

Cost: Free to watch

Phone: 279-5650

Web: www.ancdp.com

Mayor's Midnight Sun Marathon

The annual race takes runners along Anchorage's award-winning trail system. It includes a variety of events -- a full marathon, a half marathon, a five-mile run, a youth race and a marathon relay. Walkers are invited to participate in any of the events. Last year, more than 3,000 runners and walkers challenged the course.

Where: Anchorage

When: June 18

Cost: Varies

Phone: 786-1230

Web: www.mayorsmarathon.com

Spirit Days

The annual gathering features many performers demonstrating Native dance, traditional Native sports, storytellers and a blanket toss. There will be arts and craft booths and several food vendors featuring Indian fry bread and barbecued salmon.

Where: West High School

When: June 4-5

Cost: Free

Phone: 258-2672

Web: www.spiritdays.org

Three Barons Renaissance Fair

Take a trip back in time to the Renaissance era without leaving Anchorage. More than 150 actors in character and costume form the baronies and guilds of mythical Hillshire. The red, green and blue baronies compete for the day's prize, while the wild rovers, alchemists, peasants and pirates hold sway in their guilds. The actors interact with one another and with visitors. Dozens of vendors sell their wares, and there are puppet shows, magicians and live combat demonstrations and competitions.

Where: Tozier Track on Tudor Road

When: Noon to 8 p.m. June 4-5 and June 11-12

Cost: $6 adults, $3 for children 12 and younger and senior citizens

Phone: 868-8012

Web: www.3barons.org

'The Whale Fat Follies'

Mr. Whitekeys and his cast poke fun at the 49th state through satirical songs, cheesy costumes, a multimedia show and occasionally raunchy humor. This is an Alaska institution you don't want to miss -- plus there is a fascination with Spam. There is dancing to live music after the show Fridays and Saturdays. The menu features a wide variety of Alaska seafood, "gourmet" Spam entrees and tasty desserts. All shows are nonsmoking, and reservations are a must.

Where: Fly By Night Club, 3300 Spenard Road

When: 8 p.m. Tuesdays to Saturdays

Cost: $12.50 to $20

Phone: 279-SPAM

Web: www.flybynightclub.com