While pretty much doing ANYTHING during the Summer months in Alaska is exceptional, there are still a few must do’s that locals and visitors alike clamor for any time the sun comes out. Here are a few of our top picks:
OUTDOORS
Mountain Biking at Alyeska Resort
Girdwood | June-Sept (weather permitting)
www.alyeskaresort.com/alyeska-bike-park
Ditch the 2 snow sticks for 2 knobby tires and enjoy a shred around the Alyeska Bike Park. Once the snow melts enough to access the dirt, locals and visitors alike flock to Girdwood to sling some mud around and get the adrenaline pumping. It’s short lived so thank god for chairlifts to maximize your down time.
Denali National Park
Denali | May 20 – Mid-Sept (weather permitting)
www.alaska.org/destination/denali-national-park
Home to some of the most gorgeous scenery on the planet, the Denali National Park is at its best during the Summer months. While accessible year round, it is during the Summer the one road through the park becomes clear enough to drive to Savage River and possibly beyond for amazing multi-day backcountry camping.
The Interior
Alaska Statewide | May-Sept (weather permitting)
Speaking of exploring during the Summer, lets just say venturing ANYWHERE into Alaska’s vast interior is a simply amazing experience in the Summer months, when the snow clears, and roads, paths, trails, hikes, and more provide access to glaciers and terrain, vistas and wildlife that are otherwise hard to get to, or simply unreachable. It is simply amazing to see just how starkly different, yet incredibly beautiful an Alaskan Winter & an Alaskan Summer are in contrast.
Via Ferrata
Tordrillo Mountains | June – Sept (weather permitting)
www.tordrillomountainlodge.com
For those new to via ferrata, picture a mix of hiking, 2 parts rock climbing, 1 part rope ladder, and a dash of suspension bridges. Oh and just for good measure, at least for the via ferrata experience in Alaska anyway, add in a helicopter arrival and departure into the experience, for the complete adrenaline adventure, that is truly unique, and only possible during the warmer months. This is hands down our most favorite new thing about Alaska, and not to be missed.
ACTIVE
Girls On The Run Spring 5K
Goose Lake Park | May 13, 2023
www.gotrsouthcentralak.org/5k
Join in the fun at this celebration 5K run, beginning and ending at Goose Lake Park! Cheer on the participants that have been training all season for this event.
Anchorage Heart Run & Walk
AK Airlines Center | May 20, 2023
www2.heart.org/
The Heart run is an Anchorage family fave. This fun and family friendly 5K, is a great way to get active, socialize with friends, and all for a good cause.
Mayor’s Marathon in Anchorage
Downtown | June 17th, 2023
www.mayorsmarathon.com
After a 3-year hiatus, the annual Mayor’s Marathon returns on the solstice weekend. Various activities to partake in including the marathon, half-marathon, relay, 5K, & the kids mile run.
Mt. Marathon Race
Seward | July 4th, 2023
https://mountmarathon.com
This Independence Day race is a classic event full of folklore, tradition, and of course fun. This grueling 5K is tagged one of the hardest short runs in the world, and because of that draws an average 30,000+ people every year to test their fortitude or witness the spectacle.
LIVE MUSIC & FESTIVALS
Live After 5 Summer Concert Series
Downtown Anchorage | June – August, 2023
https://anchoragedowntown.org
Head downtown every Thursday starting June 1, and running until August 3rd. This FREE event happens from 530pm – 8pm every week, featuring live music from great local bands, food trucks, local artists and more.
Sundown Solstice Festival 2023
Midtown Anchorage | June 16-18, 2023
www.showdownalaska.com/events/
Shake, shimmy and dance away the Winter with the annual Sundown Solstice Fest, and 3 raucous days of great music from headline national acts across all genres, plus local artists performing from indoor and outdoor stages. Make a weekend out of it with plenty of off-concert activities around town at the local pubs.
Downtown Summer Solstice Festival
Downtown Anchorage | June 17th, 2023
https://anchoragedowntown.org/
An Anchorage favorite, presented by the Anchorage Downtown Partnership, this event is a must-do on all locals calendars’. Celebrate the longest day of the year at this FREE fun downtown block party, full of festivities including live music, dance performance, a beer garden, kids games, a petting zoo, food booths and more.
Midnight Sun Festival
Fairbanks | June 18th, 2023
https://fairbanksalaska.com/midnightsunfestival
For 12 hours from 12 noon to 12 midnight, this block party takes over downtown Fairbanks for a rocking Summer solstice event, known as Alaska’s largest event. Soak up the sun, the great local entertainment, the fantastic vendor booths and delicious food trucks.
FAMILY FRIENDLY
ANC Market Social
Downtown Anchorage | Weekly on Sundays / May through September
https://anchoragedowntown.org/anc-market-social/
Taking place on E Street between 5th and 6th Avenue and in Town Square Park. Join weekly from 11:00am to 5:00pm for live music, local vendor booths, a beer garden, and much more!
Kodiak Crab Festival
Kodiak, May 25-29, 2023
https://kodiakcrabfest.com
Enjoy Memorial Day weekend with the whole family, plus tons of activities including music, rides, vendor markets, a parade, and of course lots and lots of delicious crab. Although it’s called Crab Fest, there is soo much more great food and flavors for everyone.
Copper River Salmon Jam
Cordova | July 14-15, 2023
https://salmonjam.org
Celebrate the wild Alaskan Salmon, with this benefit event that is an Alaska Summer classic. Great food at the Taste of Cordova, toe tapping good music from local bands, incredible vendors, fun games and rides for the kids and even a Salmon Run Marathon & 5K.
Alaska State Fair
Anchorage | August 18-24, 2023
www.alaskastatefair.org
I mean – who doesn’t love a state fair. There is just something about the eclectic mix of it all that includes rickety rides, over-indulging in butter fried sweets, petting zoos, animal auctions, live music, and the rest that just is Summer time irresistible. Well this year the Alaska State Fair is going big with some incredible music acts that should not be missed.
Start your planning with us by checking back for more great events and happenings around town. Or for design inspiration for your own event or celebration contact our Toast of the Town Design team.
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