1. Anchorage Folk Festival, January 19-29
Anchorage unplugs with great folk performances from passionate local musicians and masters from beyond the state. The festival features hundreds of acts drawn from Alaska and around the world. All concerts and workshops are free and open to the public.
2. Fur Rendezvous, February 24-March 4
Celebrating winter like nowhere else, Alaska’s largest and oldest winter festival features tons of fun events. Last year Yukigassen, or “snow battle,” joined fan favorites and zany events that include outhouse races, snowshoe softball and the Running of the Reindeer - a mass dash down Fourth Avenue with sprinting caribou giving chase.There’s also fireworks, a fur auction, and the Native Crafts sale. These are just a few of the delights in store at Rondy in 2012.
3. Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race® Ceremonial Start, March 3
World-class mushers and their dog teams race toward the Bering Sea coast through rugged mountains and snow-capped forests in the “Last Great Race on Earth.” The Iditarod’s 1,049 miles of pure adrenaline begin in downtown Anchorage the first Saturday in March. The restart is held the next day at Willow, north of Anchorage.
4. Alyeska Spring Carnival and Slush Cup, April 21-22
Elvis navigating downhill and skimming the surface of a brutally cold, slushy pond is an image that stays with onlookers a long time. Usher in spring with the costumed insanity of the Slush Cup, great spring skiing and snowboarding, kids races, live music and more.
5. NYO Games, April 27-29
Watch Alaska youth from throughout the state compete in games based on traditional Native Alaska skills. Competitions such as the two-foot high kick and the one-hand reach seem to defy gravity and physics. The games test hunting and survival skills, the balance of mind and body, as well as strength, endurance, and agility.
6. Anchorage Market and Festival, May 12-September 9
Browse for crafts, sample the summer flavors of Alaska and enjoy free entertainment every Saturday and Sunday all summer long. Local farmers and artisan sell their goods in a festival atmosphere. This open-air market is a great place to get a bite to eat, soak up the sun and mingle with the locals.
7. Downtown Summer Solstice Celebration, June 23
Alaskans celebrate the longest day of the year in Town Square with tons of events packed into one sweet celebration. Live musical performances keep downtown hopping until the sun goes down, a tall order on a day with 22 hours of functional daylight. The Hero Games are a day-long friendly competition between the police, troopers, each military branch and the fire department. Enjoy the heart-pumping adrenaline with entertaining and challenging games such as the obstacle course, a "rescue the cat" climb, litter carry, the bucket brigade and tricycle races.
8. Carrs/Safeway Great Alaska Shootout, November 21-24
Turkey and hoops go hand-in-hand in Anchorage. Many of the nation's top collegiate teams have gathered here throughout the years over Thanksgiving weekend to compete in the annual Carrs/Safeway Great Alaska Shootout tournament. Past MVPs of the tournament have included NBA stars such as Dwyane Wade, Ray Allen, Glenn Robinson and Antawn Jamison. In between games there is plenty to see and do in Anchorage, including the annual tree lighting ceremony, Nutcracker Ballet, Anchorage Museum’s Crafts Weekend and more.
9. NECA/IBEW Fire and Ice Extravaganza, December 31
The city of Anchorage lights up the night with a big, wild celebration for the whole family. Live music, fire performers, skating in Town Square and fireworks cap 2012 and welcome the New Year.
