Blues on the Green Festival
The annual festival combines great music, food, beer and an outstanding outdoor setting. There will be a beer tent and dozens of food and retail booths.
Where: Kincaid Park
When: 11 a.m. to midnight June 2
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 assists the community's working poor and homeless.
Where: Ship Creek, downtown
Anchorage
When: June 8-17
Cost: $40 pro division
Phone: 646-4846
AWAIC Summer Solstice Festival
Nearly round-the-clock daylight is the highlight of AWAIC's annual festival. It includes two days of music, 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 15-16
Cost: Free
Phone: 743-5705
Web: www.awaic.org
Juneteenth Celebration
The celebration of freedom and diversity offers three days of family fun. There will be games and arts and crafts booths. A variety of food and live entertainment are planned.
Where: Delaney Park Strip
When: June 15-17
Cost: Free
Phone: 884-6860
Web: www.juneteenthalaska.com
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 23
Cost: Varies
Phone: 786-1230
Web: www.mayorsmarathon.com
Fourth of July
The Independence Day celebration begins with a pancake breakfast followed by a parade at 11 a.m. The Delaney Park Strip comes alive in the family-oriented celebration with a variety of musical entertainment, games and food until 6 p.m.
Where: Delaney Park Strip
When: July 4
Cost: Free; pancake breakfast is $5
Phone: 279-7500
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 nearly $900 in fishing gear. 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 assists the community's working poor and homeless.
Where: Ship Creek, downtown Anchorage
When: Aug. 4-13
Cost: $40 pro division
Phone: 646-4846
Galway Days on G Street Music Festival
The Irish music festival celebrates the culture of Ireland with live 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. 3
Cost: Free
Phone: 277-9660
Web: www.akirishmusic.com
Greek Festival
Take a trip to Mediterranean without leaving Alaska at the annual Greek Festival. A live band performing bouzouki music will fill the air, and Greek food - including gyros, souvlaki, lamb on a spit, moussaka, beer, wine and pastries - will fill stomachs. A troupe will perform authentic dances. Gifts and books will be on sale. There also will be a re-enactment of an event from Greek life and tours of the church. Free shuttle parking.
Where: Holy Transfiguration Greek Orthodox Church, 2800 O'Malley Road
When: Aug. 17-19
Cost: Free
Phone: 344-0190
Web: www.greekak.com
Three Barons Renaissance Fair
Take a trip back to the Renaissance era right in 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 5 .
Where: Tozier Track on Tudor Road
When: Noon to 8 p.m. June 2-3 and June 9-10
Cost: $6 adults, $3 for children 12 and younger and senior citizens
Phone: 868-8012
Web: www.3barons.org
World Eskimo Indian Olympics
For the first time in 45 years, the Olympics will take place outside of Fairbanks. The event brings together athletes, dancers and artists from several cultures. Events include the blanket toss, one- and two-foot high kicks, drop the bomb, the four-man carry and the ear pull/ear weight competition.
Where: Sullivan Arena, Anchorage
When: July 18-21
Cost: $10 daily, free for children 4 and younger
Phone: 452-6646
Web: www.weio.org
