Alaska.com: Alaska's Travel Website

Celebrations

Summer festivals focus on fish, music and fun

Published: April 22nd, 2008
Last Modified: April 24th, 2008 at 09:29 AM

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 14

Cost: TBA

Phone: 272-1341

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 5K fun run on June 10.

Where: Tozier Track on Tudor Road

When: Noon to 8 p.m. June 7-8 and June 14-15

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

Phone: 868-8012

Web: www.3barons.org

Alaska Oceans 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 5K run and a 5K 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 7

Cost: Free

Phone: 274-3647

Web: www.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 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 6-15

Cost: $40 pro division; $10 daily; $10 for youths

Phone: 344-7780

Web: www.shipcreek salmonderby.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 craft booths; this is the 20th anniversary. The event benefits Abused Women's Aid in Crisis Inc.

Where: Town Square, downtown Anchorage

When: 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. June 20-21

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, more than 4,000 runners and walkers challenged the course.

Where: Anchorage

When: June 21

Cost: Varies

Phone: 786-1325

Web: www.mayorsmarathon.com

Arctic Thunder

It's a weekend dedicated to planes and the military. Scheduled to perform at the event are the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds, a F-22 Raptor demonstration, a C-17 Globemaster III demonstration, an F-15 demonstration and several civilian performers. There also will be games, food and other fun at the open house.

Where: Elmendorf Air Force Base

When: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. June 28-29

Cost: Free

Phone: 552-7469

Web: www.elmendorf.af.mil/library/arcticthunder/index.asp

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.

Where: Delaney Park Strip

When: July 4

Cost: Free; pancake breakfast is $5

Phone: 279-7500

Web: www.anchorage.net/768.cfm

Galway Days on G Street Music Festival

Alaska Irish Music Festival Inc. celebrates the culture of Ireland with more than 10 bands providing live music, Irish and Scottish dancing, and street vendors. It's fun for the whole family.

Where: G Street between Fourth and Fifth avenues

When: 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Aug. 2

Cost: Free

Phone: 277-9660

Web: www.akirishmusic.com

Greek Festival

Take a trip to the 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. 15-17

Cost: Free

Phone: 344-0190

Web: www.greekak.com