News Release
Big Wild Adventure Awaits Visitors to Anchorage, Alaska, in 2008
ANCHORAGE, ALASKA – Jan. 7, 2008 – From festivals and arts activities, to sporting events, theatrical and musical performances - visitors will always find something exciting to experience in Anchorage, Alaska.
The list below highlights a few of the many activities taking place throughout 2008. Consumers are encouraged to explore the Anchorage Convention & Visitors Bureau Web site at www.Anchorage.net for an extensive listing of events and itinerary possibilities.
Note: Dates are subject to change.
January 2008
Indigenous World Film Festival
Jan. 11-12, 2008
(907) 330-8000
www.anchorage.net
An array of genres depicting the best in Native films. Free admission. Alaska Native Heritage Center.
20th Annual Anchorage Folk Festival
Jan. 17-27, 2008
(907) 566 2334
www.anchoragefolkfestival.org
Singers, dancers, storytellers and groups perform traditional and original material in styles ranging from folk to Celtic, bluegrass, jazz, klezmer and more. Enjoy more than 120 acts from Alaska as they perform with special guest artist from around the world.
Moscow Circus
Jan. 31-Feb. 2, 2008
(907) 263-ARTS
www.anchorageconcerts.org
A thrilling production that combines drama, cultural history and exciting entertainment created by some of the greatest circus musicians, clowns, costumed performers and dancers.
February 2008
12th Annual Ski For Women
Feb. 3, 2008
(907) 279-9581
www.alaskaskiforwomen.org
This is the largest women-only ski event in North America, drawing more than 1,500 women of all ages and skiing abilities. Proceeds from the event benefit the Abused Women’s Aid in Crisis (AWAIC) program in Anchorage.
Hairspray
Feb. 14-19, 2008
(907) 263-ARTS
www.anchorageconcerts.org
Broadway’s big fat musical comedy hit! The hilarious look back in time to the swinging 60’s. Based on the 1988 John Water’s film, Hairspray.
Fur Rendezvous
Feb. 22-Mar. 2, 2008
(907) 274-1177
www.furrondy.net
Celebrate gold-rush era good times in Anchorage during Fur Rendezvous. Exciting winter sporting events, outrageous entertainment and a multitude of activities await travelers. 2008 will witness the first-ever “Running of the Reindeer” on Sunday, February 24th at 3:30 p.m.on Fourth Avenue in downtown Anchorage. More than a dozen reindeer and a thousand participants will race, Pamplona-style, down a fenced, snow laden course through city streets.
Alaska Dance Theatre Presents Mobius
Feb. 22-23, 2008
(907) 263-ARTS
www.alaskadancetheatre.org
The signature concert of the Alaska Dance Theatre showcases performances of the company’s eclectic repertoire including Ballet, Contemporary and Jazz dance. New work by guest and resident choreographers will be featured.
March 2008
Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race® Ceremonial Start
March 1, 2008
www.iditarod.com
Known as the Last Great Race, the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race® is a premiere Alaska winter event. More than 1,000 dogs will line Fourth Avenue in Anchorage to begin a grueling 1,100 mile trek to Nome, Alaska, along the historic trail.
Tour of Anchorage
March. 2, 2008
(907) 276-7609
www.tourofanchorage.com
See all of Anchorage in a 50k, 40k, or 25k amateur race across town. Billed as a premiere ski marathon, the Tour of Anchorage is part of the American Ski Marathon Series, North America's longest running and largest citizen's racing and touring series. There are actually four races, a 25k classic race, and 25k, 40k and 50k freestyle races. Special rates and packages available for participants and spectators.
USSA Junior Olympics
March 9 – 15, 2008
www.anchoragenordicski.com/jo2008
(907) 257-2331
The best young cross country skiers in the land will traverse one of the hottest trail systems in the nation during the 2008 USSA Junior Olympics, March 9 – 15, 2008.
Sounds of the 60’s
March 8, 2008
(907) 263-ARTS
www.anchorageconcerts.org
A nostalgic trip back to the “tie-dyed” era with music from the great pop artists, plus familiar tunes from television, movies and musical-theatre, including hits like "Aquarius", "Where Have All the Flowers Gone", "Monday, Monday" and "The Sound of Silence".
April 2008
American Ballet Theatre Studio Company and Starts
April 5, 2008
(907) 263-ARTS
www.anchorageconcerts.org
America’s next generation of extraordinary dancers from the American Ballet Studio Company are joined by a star couple from the main company for a sensational evening program.
Cirque Dream’s “Jungle Fantasy”
April 15-20, 2008
(907) 263-ARTS
www.anchorageconcerts.org
An international cast of graceful aerialists, spine bending contortionists, vine swinging characters, strong men and balancers bring this jungle dream to life in a lush, Broadway setting.
Alyeska Spring Carnival and Slush Cup
TBA
(907) 754-1111
www.alyeskaresort.com
Usher in spring with great skiing and snowboarding, zany “cabin fever” events like the Slush Cup and outstanding food and entertainment. Prizes and activities for all ages.
May 2008
Anchorage Youth Symphony
May 6, 2008
(907) 263-ARTS
Classical music concert presented by an orchestra of high school age youngsters.
9th Annual Alaska Visitor Industry Charity Walk
TBA
(907) 264-2178
www.alaskacharitywalk.org
Often referred to as the “5k Buffet,” this may be the only event where participants are encouraged to gain weight. Feast on fabulous food from vendors along the route that winds through downtown Anchorage, while raising money for local charities.
Eagle River Nature Center Seymour Challenge
TBA
(907) 694-2108
www.ernc.org
A fun run in Seymour’s back yard! Enjoy the beauty and splendor of Alaska’s backcountry in this race through picturesque Chugach State Park.
June 2008
Alaska Oceans Festival
TBA
(907) 250-0132
www.akcenter.org
A celebration of all things ocean on Anchorage’s Delaney Park Strip. Live music, family fun and entertainment.
Mayor’s Marathon & Half Marathon
June 21, 2008
(907) 786-1325
www.mayorsmarathon.com
Alaska’s summer solstice tradition. Runners from all over the world convene in Anchorage for a full marathon, half marathon, 5k, or relay and youth events. A Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s Team in Training Event.
July 2008
Anchorage July 4th Celebration and Downtown Parade
July 4, 2008
www.muni.org
A great twist on a classic celebration.
Girdwood Forest Fair
July 4-6, 2008
(907) 566-9039
www.girdwoodforestfair.com
This annual event is set in the forest along Glacier Creek in Girdwood and features Alaska artists, musicians, singers and dancers along with handcrafted items and exotic foods. A “must-do” on any Anchorage summer itinerary.
August 2008
Big Wild Life Runs
Aug. 17, 2008
(907) 351-1621
www.anchoragerunningclub.org
Participants are treated to spectacular Alaska scenery along the course of the three featured events: 26.2-mile marathon, 13.1-mile half-marathon and the 5K fun run.
Alaska State Fair
Aug. 21- Sept. 1, 2008
(907) 745-4827
www.alaskastatefair.org
Enjoy Alaska food, music and crafts along with agricultural contests, the Alaska State Rodeo, demolition derby, big name performers and much more. The Alaska State Fair is a great opportunity for out-of-state visitors to see mammoth produce grown in Alaska’s midnight sun.
October 2008
Nye Frontier Hockey Classic
Oct. 10-11, 2008
(907) 562-4800
www.goseawolves.com
Pre-season hockey heats up in Anchorage, Alaska, during the Nye Frontier Classic housed in the Sullivan Arena. Hockey fans raise the roof of the Sully as four top-ranked college teams compete in this fast-paced tournament.
AlaskaFest
Oct. 10-24, 2008
(907) 274-4118
www.anchorage.net
Two jam-packed weeks of festivities and retail events in Anchorage to celebrate the turn of the season. Food, entertainment, shopping and theatre.
November 2008
Carrs/Safeway Great Alaska Shootout
Nov. 26-30, 2008
www.shootout.net
Sports fans flock to Anchorage’s Sullivan Arena Thanksgiving weekend to get their fix of fast paced college basketball in one of the sport’s hottest pre-season tournaments. Big teams and big hoops in Anchorage’s Big. Wild. Life™.
December 2008
Anchorage International Film Festival
TBA
(907) 338-3690
www.anchoragefilmfestival.org
Filmmakers from all over the world share their projects with Alaskans for two weeks of premieres in Anchorage’s quirky venues.
NECA/IBEW New Year’s Extravaganza
Dec. 31, 2009
(907) 279-5650
www.anchoragedowntown.org
Celebrate New Year’s Eve in downtown Anchorage! Ice skate and rock to the beat with live music, entertainment, food and fireworks.
For a complete listing of Anchorage area events explore www.Anchorage.net
The Anchorage Convention & Visitors Bureau’s mission is to attract and serve visitors to the Municipality of Anchorage. ACVB’s marketing functions are funded by one-third of the bed tax collected by the lodging association. One-third goes to the Municipality’s general fund and one-third goes to the Dena’ina Civic & Convention Center construction project. ACVB receives no state or federal funds. For more information, explore www.Anchorage.net .
# # #
Media Contacts:
Shelly Wozniak
Public Relations Manager
Anchorage Convention & Visitors Bureau
swozinak@anchorage.net
(907) 257-2331 direct
(907) 250-5285 cell
(907) 222-3752 fax
Nance Larsen, APR
Vice President, Communications & Marketing Programs
Anchorage Convention & Visitors Bureau
pr@anchorage.net
(907) 276-4118
Explore www.Anchorage.net
