4 Festivals in Alaska this Summer that Your Family Can’t Miss

Summer is short and sweet in Alaska, so we must make the most of our Midnight Sun by taking our families to as many of the fun annual summer festivals offered around South Central Alaska.

1. Summer Solstice Festival Downtown Anchorage – Kick off the 2016 festival season in downtown Anchorage on June 18, 2016. Bring the whole family to an event sprawling for several blocks of 4^th With a kid play zone, arts and crafts by local artists, food trucks and a beer garden, everyone is sure to have a great time celebrating summer with their friends and neighbors.
2. 5k Color Fun Run in Anchorage – The theme for the Happiest 5k on earth this year is Tropicolor, bringing new aspects to the course and finish line with a tropical beach theme. This event, taking place on June 25, 2016 is another whole family activity that promotes healthiness and happiness so don’t miss out on the 2016 color run fun. Don’t worry about speed if you’re not an avid runner or athlete, just getting active and having fun with friends and family is what the Color Run is all about.
3. Forest Fair in Girdwood– Hosting the 41^st Annual Forest Fair Festival, Girdwood is a fantastic summer destination for the family as all on its own. With camping, hiking, and sight seeing, everyone can get active and enjoy the Alaskan summer. That being said, July 1-3 is the best time to visit Girdwood in the summer for a true Alaskan Music Festival experience. With free admission and paid camping, this event can be a cheap one-day activity for your family, or even a weekend outing. Great music, food and entertainment as well as locally crafted arts and goods. Be sure to make it there before 10:00AM on July 2^nd to get a good spot for the annual parade!
4. Bear Paw Festival in Eagle River – This annual festival is almost like a mini Alaska State Fair in the way that it has rides, games, local vendor booths, food and great entertainment. Enjoy beautiful Eagle River this July 6-10 for plenty of fun for you and your kids all while supporting the community and its businesses. The kids can enjoy rides, face painting and late sunny summer nights while you tour through the latest and greatest that Eagle River has to offer while snacking on your favorite Bear Paw Festival snack!