Salmon in the City
Salmon-related activities celebrate the annual return of salmon to the Anchorage-area waterways. Highlights include a fishing derby, ecology activities, Wild Salmon on Parade and music.
Where: Downtown
When: June 5-14
Cost: Free
Phone: 343-4318
Web: muni.org/salmoninthecity
Three Barons Renaissance Fair
Take a trip back to the Renaissance era in the middle of Alaska. 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 5-K fun run on June 10.
Where: Tozier Track on Tudor Road
When: Noon to 8 p.m. June 6-7 and June 13-14
Cost: $6 adults, $3 for children 12 and younger and senior citizens
Phone: 868-8012
Web: 3barons.org
Alaska Ocean Festival
It's a celebration of all things ocean -- and a great place for music-lovers too. In addition to music and speakers, there is a kayak demonstration, a bucking salmon for the kids, a 5-K run and a 5-K rollerski race, a film tent showing several films throughout the day, a beer garden, food and art vendors.
Where: Delaney Park Strip
When: Noon to 10 p.m. June 6
Cost: Free
Phone: 274-3626
Web: alaskaoceansfestival.org
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. First through third place receive cash and prizes. Tagged fish worth thousands of dollars will be released. Fishing gear can be rented. Proceeds go to the Downtown Soup Kitchen, which assists the community's working poor and homeless.
Where: Ship Creek, downtown Anchorage
When: June 12-21
Cost: $40 pro division; $10 daily; $5 for youths
Phone: 646-4846
Web: shipcreeksalmonderby.com
AWAIC Summer Solstice Festival
Nearly round-the-clock daylight makes the perfect backdrop for this annual festival. It includes two days of music, food and artisan vendors, and family crafts and games. The event benefits families in crisis due to domestic violence.
Where: Town Square, downtown Anchorage
When: 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. June 19-20
Cost: Free
Phone: 743-5704
Web: www.awaic.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, about 4,000 runners and walkers challenged the course. In 2008, runners from 48 states and 12 countries participated in the race.
Where: Anchorage
When: June 20
Cost: Varies
Phone: 786-1325
Web: mayorsmarathon.com
Fourth of July
The Independence Day celebration begins with a pancake breakfast followed by a parade. The Delaney Park Strip comes alive in the family-oriented celebration with a variety of musical entertainment, games and food until 6 p.m. This year is Alaska's 50th anniversary.
Where: Delaney Park Strip
When: July 4
Cost: Free; pancake breakfast is $5
Phone: 279-7500
Galway Days on G Street Music Festival
Alaska Irish Music Festival Inc. celebrates the culture of Ireland with more than 10 local and Lower 48 bands providing live music, Irish and Scottish dancing, and street vendors.
Where: G Street between Fourth and Fifth avenues
When: 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Aug. 1
Cost: Free
Phone: 277-9660
Web: www.akirishmusic.com
