LOCAL ANCHORAGE EVENTS
January Local Events in Anchorage
Anchorage Folk Festival
January 22 – February 1, 2026
A long-running annual celebration of music with free performances and workshops across venues in Anchorage. Great for experiencing local culture and live music during winter. Anchorage
Alaska Craft Brew & Barley Wine Festival
January 30 – 31, 2026
Held at the Dena’ina Center in downtown Anchorage, this festival brings together craft brewers and barley wine lovers for tastings, food pairings, and community fun. myalaskatix.com
Brighter Winter Nights – Alaska Botanical Garden
Ongoing through February 22, 2026 (select dates)
A seasonal winter light display at the Alaska Botanical Garden featuring illuminated trails, ice luminarias, fire pits, and a kicksled trail — a cozy and visual way to enjoy winter evenings. anchorageparkfoundation.org
First Friday – Anchorage Museum
January 2 & February 6, 2026
Free admission to the Anchorage Museum with featured exhibits, creative activities, and family-friendly art engagement on the first Friday of the month. anchoragemuseum.org
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February Local Events in Anchorage
Alaska Ski for Women
February 1, 2026
A lively annual cross-country skiing event at Kincaid Park featuring skiers in costume and supporting local nonprofits — fun for participants and spectators alike. Nordic Ski Association of Anchorage
Fur Rendezvous (Fur Rondy) – Anchorage’s Premier Winter Festival
February 26 – March 8, 2026
Anchorage’s biggest winter festival of the year, featuring snow sculptures, a carnival, races, parades, sled dog events, local arts markets, and family activities — a must-see for winter visitors.
December Local Events in Anchorage
HOLIDAY TREE LIGHTING CEREMONY
Date & Time: Saturday, November 29, 2025 | 6:00 PM–8:00 PM
Location: Town Square Park, 551 W 6th Ave, Anchorage, AK 99501
Downtown Anchorage comes together with hot chocolate, Santa and his reindeer, live music, and the official tree lighting.
More info → https://anchoragedowntown.org/adp-events/holiday-tree-lighting/
CRAFTED IN ALASKA HOLIDAY MARKET
Date & Time: Friday–Saturday, November 28–29, 2025 | 10:00 AM–6:00 PM (Fri) & until ~5:00 PM (Sat)
Location: Anchorage Museum, 625 C Street, Anchorage, AK 99501
A festive artisan market featuring local makers and handcrafted gifts ahead of the season.
ALASKAN CHRISTMAS BAZAAR
Date & Time: Friday, November 7, 2025 | 1:00 PM–6:00 PM & Saturday, November 8, 2025 | 10:00 AM–5:00 PM
Location: Changepoint Church, Anchorage, AK
Two-day holiday bazaar with vendors, local crafts and family-friendly shopping for early-season gifts.
FIRST FRIDAY ART WALK
Date: Friday, December 5, 2025 (First Friday)
Location: Downtown Anchorage (various galleries & shops)
Galleries, cafés and shops stay open later with local art exhibits and live performances.
More info → https://ancfirstfriday.com/
ANHC HOLIDAY BAZAAR (ALASKA NATIVE HERITAGE CENTER)
Date & Time: Friday, December 5, 2025 | 1:30 PM–5:00 PM; Saturday, December 6 | 10:00 AM–5:00 PM; Sunday, December 7 | 10:00 AM–5:00 PM
Location: 8800 Heritage Center Dr, Anchorage, AK 99504
A three-day shopping event featuring Alaska Native artists, handcrafted jewelry, artwork and cultural gifts.
More info → https://www.alaskanative.net/visit/events/2025-anhc-holiday-bazaar/
DOWNTOWN ANCHORAGE HOLIDAY MARKET
BY 49TH STATE BREWING
Date & Time: Friday, December 5, 2025 | 4:00 PM–8:00 PM; Saturday, December 6 | 12:00 PM–5:00 PM; Sunday, December 7 | 12:00 PM–5:00 PM
Location: 717 W 3rd Ave, Anchorage, AK 99501
A holiday market combining artisan booths with food & drink at a popular local brewery.
LAST CHANCE HOLIDAY MARKET
Date & Time: December 20–21, 2025 | 10:00 AM–5:00 PM
Location: 1600 Gambell St, Anchorage, AK 99501
Final vendor-shopping opportunity before the holidays in downtown Anchorage.
ZOO LIGHTS AT THE ALASKA ZOO
Date & Time: Friday, November 28, 2025 | 5:00 PM–8:00 PM & nightly December 19, 2025 – January 4, 2026 | 5:00 PM–8:00 PM
Location: 4731 O’Malley Rd, Anchorage, AK 99507
The annual light-festival through zoo trails with illuminated displays and winter ambiance.
More info → https://www.alaskazoo.org/zoo-lights
WINTER SOLSTICE FESTIVAL
Date & Time: Friday, December 19, 2025 | 5:00 PM–8:00 PM
Location: Cuddy Family Midtown Park, 201 E 40th Ave, Anchorage, AK 99503
Celebrate the return of daylight with ice skating, wagon rides, fire pits, reindeer visits and festive winter activities.
HOLIDAY TRAIN – ALASKA RAILROAD
Date: Multiple December departures (check schedule)
Location: Departure from the Anchorage station
A festive train ride experience with holiday characters, scenic views, and winter charm.
BRIGHTER WINTER NIGHTS – ALASKA BOTANICAL GARDEN
Select evenings: Thursday, December 4, 2025 through February 22, 2026 | Evening entry starting around 5:00 PM (Peak nights 4:30–8:30 PM) Alaska Botanical Garden+2Visit Anchorage+2
Location: Alaska Botanical Garden, 4601 Campbell Airstrip Rd, Anchorage, AK 99507 Alaska Botanical Garden+1
A winter-wonderland light walk through the garden with botanical themed displays, ice luminarias, fire-pits and more.
More info → https://www.alaskabg.org/upcoming-events-workshops/brighter-winter-nights Alaska Botanical Garden+1
NEW YEAR’S EVE CELEBRATION – ANCHORAGE
Date & Time: Wednesday, December 31, 2025 | Starts ~7:00 PM (fireworks around 8:00 PM) anchorage.net+2https://www.alaskasnewssource.com+2
Location: Downtown Anchorage — Chinook Parking Lot at 3rd Avenue & E Street https://www.alaskasnewssource.com+1
Celebrate the arrival of 2026 in Anchorage with live music, fireworks and community spirit. More info → https://www.anchorage.net/event/anchorage-new-years-eve-celebration/32687/ anchorage.net.
🍂 Things to Do in Anchorage / Nearby in October
VOA Alaska Fall Festival
When: October 5 (12:00 PM – 4:00 PM)
Where: The Nave in Spenard, 3502 Spenard Rd, Anchorage
What: Free family fun—live music, food, kids’ games, face painting, community art projects. VOA AlaskaReindeer Farm Fall Family Fun
When: Saturdays in October (various dates)
Where: 5561 S. Bodenburg Loop Road, Palmer (about 25–30 miles from Anchorage)
What: Pumpkin patch, hay rides, pony rides, spooky walk, reindeer interaction, games, and more. Alaska VisitThe Great Pumpkin Patch at 49th State Brewing
When: Saturdays in October
Where: Anchorage (on the brewery’s balcony)
What: Pumpkins available (around $10, or $8 with food/drink), photo booth, games, and fall vibes. 49th State BrewingPyrah’s Pioneer Peak Farm – Fall Harvest / Pumpkin Patch
When: Through fall
Where: 4350 S. Bodenburg Loop, Palmer
What: Hayrides, pick-your-own pumpkins, family-friendly festival atmosphere. Pumpkin Patches and More+1Fall Scenic Drives & Leaf Peeping
Head out along Turnagain Arm, through Eagle River, or on the Glenn Highway toward Palmer. The golden hues are often at their peak in early to mid-October.Wildlife Viewing & Northern Lights
Keep your eyes peeled for moose near roadways and in park edges. As nights grow longer, seek dark spots near Anchorage for a chance to see the aurora.Hikes in Crisp Weather
Trails like Flattop, Kincaid Park, and others are still accessible in October (just bring layers). The views with fall colors + early snow on distant peaks can be spectacular.Art Walks & Local Galleries
Check out downtown Anchorage galleries during First Friday art events—local artists, new exhibits, and friendly crowds.Warm Up in Local Cafés & Breweries
After wandering, stop in for a hot latte or craft brew. Places like 49th State Brewing are especially inviting right now.
October in Anchorage offers just the right balance of fall energy and early winter calm.
Anchorage Late Summer 2025 Events:
If you’re visiting Anchorage between August and mid-September, you’re arriving during one of the most vibrant times of the year. From iconic state fairs to cultural festivals, this is the season when Alaska comes alive with music, art, fresh flavors, and outdoor adventures.
Our rentals put you close to all the action—so you can spend less time driving and more time making memories.
Alaska State Fair
Palmer, Aug 15–Sep 1, 2025
Less than an hour from Anchorage, the Alaska State Fair is an absolute must-see. Think giant vegetables, thrilling rides, concerts under the northern skies, and mouth-watering fair food. It’s one of Alaska’s biggest annual celebrations and a perfect day trip for couples, families, and groups.
Anchorage Museum Summer Series
Through August
Enjoy Lunch on the Lawn with live music and local eats, or explore unique exhibitions like Dog Show. The Anchorage Museum blends art, culture, and history—making it a great option for a relaxed, enriching afternoon.
Alaska Zoo Summer & Fall Events
From family fun days to adults-only evenings, the Alaska Zoo offers a variety of experiences:
Aug 17 – Summer Family Fun Day
Sep 13 – Birds, Bees & Wine (21+)
Sep 14 – Morning at Seal and Otter (Members only)
Sep 27 – Feline Frenzy
Perfect for guests of all ages who want to see Alaska’s wildlife up close.
Anchorage Night Markets & Summer Fun
Fridays through August
Town Square Park transforms into a lively evening market, featuring local vendors, food trucks, music, and family-friendly activities. It’s the perfect way to spend a Friday night downtown.
Seasonal Festivals & Outdoor Adventures
Anchorage Run Fest – Races for all levels, from 5Ks to marathons.
Blueberry Festival in Girdwood – Celebrate the season’s sweetest harvest.
Berry Picking & Scenic Trails – Mid-August through early September is prime time for wild blueberries and crisp, scenic hikes.
Cultural Experiences at the Alaska Native Heritage Center
Open daily, the Alaska Native Heritage Center offers traditional dances, storytelling, artisan crafts, and guided village site tours—a meaningful way to connect with Alaska’s indigenous history.