Arctic Thunder 2006
Visitors to the air show get a double treat this summer with both the Navy Blue Angels demonstration team and the Army Golden Knights parachute demonstration team performing at Elmendorf Air Force Base's open house. Other performers include stunt flyer Kirby Chambliss and wing-walker Carol Pilon. Modern, historical, military and civilian aircraft will take to the skies, and there will be several static aircraft displays, food and exhibitions about the Air Force, Army, Marines and Coast Guard. A demonstration of the Alaska Joint Forces is scheduled. The theme is "Celebration of Alaska Aviation."
Where: Elmendorf Air Force Base
When: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Aug. 12-13
Cost: Free
Phone: 552-SHOW
Web: www.elmendorf.af.mil
AWAIC Summer Solstice Festival
Nearly round-the-clock daylight is the highlight of AWAIC's festival. It includes two days of music and food and craft booths. The event benefits Abused Women's Aid in Crisis.
Where: Town Square, downtown Anchorage
When: 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. June 16-17
Cost: Free
Phone: 743-5705
Web: www.awaic.org
Blues on the Green Festival
Johnny Winter is the headliner for the annual festival that combines great music and an outstanding outdoor setting. Other popular performers include Bearfoot, Rebel Blues and Soulman Sam. There will be a beer tent and dozens of food and retail booths.
Where: Kincaid Park
When: 11 a.m. to midnight June 10
Cost: $39.50
Phone: 272-1341
Downtown Soup Kitchen Slam'n Salm'n King Derby
Want to land a huge king salmon and perhaps a few thousand dollars too? Wet a line in Ship Creek for a chance at cash and prizes. Last year's winner received $1,000 in cash and a trip valued at $10,000. Tagged fish worth thousands of dollars will be released. Fishing gear can be rented at the creek. Proceeds go to the Downtown Soup Kitchen, which helps feed the community's working poor and homeless.
Where: Ship Creek, downtown Anchorage
When: June 2-11
Cost: $40 pro division
Phone: 646-4877
Web: www.gracealaska.org
Downtown Soup Kitchen Slam'n Salm'n Silver Derby
The popular silver salmon derby returns with thousands of dollars in cash and prizes available. Last year's winner received $1,000 in cash and a Kenai River weekend adventure worth about $1,000. Tagged fish worth thousands of dollars will be released. Fishing gear can be rented at the creek. Proceeds go to the Downtown Soup Kitchen, which helps feed the community's working poor and homeless.
Where: Ship Creek, downtown Anchorage
When: Aug. 4-13
Cost: $40 pro division
Phone: 646-4877
Web: www.gracealaska.org
Fourth of July
The Independence Day celebration will be bigger than ever. It begins with a pancake breakfast followed by a parade at 11 a.m. The Delaney Park Strip comes alive later in the day with a variety of musical entertainment, games and food for all ages. This year, the Veterans Wheelchair Olympics will be in town and about 600 veterans will participate in the parade. After the parade, wheelchair racers will compete in races on the parade route. The Sadler's Ultra Challenge wheelchair race also ends in town on July 4 and will have a special connection with the celebration.
Where: Downtown and Delaney Park Strip
When: July 4
Cost: Free; pancake breakfast is $5
Phone: 279-7500
Galway Days on G Street
The Irish music festival celebrates the culture of Ireland with music, dancing, instruction and food. It's fun for the whole family.
Where: G Street between Fourth and Fifth avenues
When: 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Aug. 5
Cost: Free
Phone: 277-9660
Web: www.akirishmusic.com
Greek Festival
Take a trip to Greece without leaving Alaska at the Greek Festival. 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. Free shuttle parking.
Where: Holy Transfiguration Greek Orthodox Church, 2800 O'Malley Road
When: Aug. 18-20
Cost: Free
Phone: 344-0190
Web: www.greekak.com
Juneteenth Celebration
The celebration of freedom and diversity offers four days of family fun. New this year will be skits and plays that deal with the Emancipation Proclamation. There also will be games and arts and crafts booths. A variety of food and live entertainment are planned.
Where: Delaney Park Strip
When: June 16-19
Cost: Free
Phone: 884-6860, 770-4218
Web: www.juneteenthalaska.com
Kite Day
Bring a kite to fly for fun or awards at the family event. Food and kites are available for purchase. There will be live music and demonstrations.
Where: Delaney Park Strip
When: Noon to 5 p.m. June 11
Cost: Free
Phone: 279-5650
Web: www.anchoragedowntown.org
Mayor's Marathon and Half 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 17
Cost: Varies
Phone: 786-1230
Web: www.mayorsmarathon.com
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. There is a Renaissance 5K fun run on June 6 and a mid-fair feast and silent auction on June 9.
Where: Tozier Track on Tudor Road
When: Noon to 8 p.m. June 2-3 and June 10-11
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: $13.50 to $21
Phone: 279-SPAM
Web: www.flybynightclub.com
