Visiting Alaska

Land of the midnight sun – Alaska, and the season is here to travel and enjoy America’s Last Frontier. Alaska’s launches from spring to summer with amazing events and natural wonders. The Kodiak Whalefest showcases the migration of Grey Whales back to their summer feeding grounds in Alaska’s Bering Sea; Juneau hosts the month-long Spring King Salmon Derby through May; last year's record salmon was 39.25 pounds – up for the challenge? Music fans enjoy nine days of jazz and classical performances at Juneau Jazz and Classics. Throughout May, venues across Alaska’s capital city host performances. Travel America's last frontier on a summer adventure to Alaska, enjoy amazing scenery, local hospitality and fun festivals and events.

The Kenai Birding Festival is a premier destination for birding enthusiasts - an ideal event for both experieced and new birders. The 2012 festival features a children’s program on the agenda along with the fantastic birding of the Kenai Peninsula and Kenai Wildlife Refuge headquartered in Soldotna. Visit Kodiak for the unofficial kick-off to summer at the 2012 Kodiak Crab Festival. Fun is guaranteed with the midway amusement rides and games, exhibits at Baranov Museum, and Crab Fest Extravaganza at the Harbor Building.

The Kodiak Crab Festival features the Crab Festival Marathon starting at Silver Beach and Kalsin Bay, with the finish line in front of the Harbormaster’s building. Cyclists enjoy the Pasagshak-to-Kodiak Bike ride and Pillar Mountain Race. The weekend culminates with the much-anticipated Kodiak Seafood Cook-Off and variety of Sunday afternoon events.

Famous as the land of the Midnight Sun, Fairbanks celebrates the summer solstice with the 2012 Midnight Sun Festival. One of Alaska’s largest single day events, downtown Fairbanks closes 1st, 2nd and 3rd Avenues, Sunday afternoon June 24th for the Midnight Sun Festival. From noon to midnight, festival goers browse arts, crafts and merchandise booths, enjoy skateboarding and games, and feast on BBQ, snow cones and cotton candy. Experiencing the longest daylight of the year in Fairbanks is near 24 hours of fun. Runners don’t miss the Midnight Sun Run, June 23rd at 10pm. A 10K point-to-point course in the light of the midnight sun, is an amazing experience.

Alaska’s long summer days continue with events including the 2012 Juneau Gold Rush Days, the two-day festival is at Savikko Park, on June 23rd. The 2012 Mayor’s Marathon & Half-Marathon is in Anchorage June 23rd. Celebrate the 4th of July in Alaska’s state capital, Juneau, with the 2012 4th of July Parade and fireworks on Gastineau Channel.

Fairbanks hosts the 2012 Fairbanks Summer Arts Festival, July 15th through the 29, and kick offs August with the 2012 Tanana Valley State Fair. The popular 2012 Arctic Thunder Air Show takes place north of Anchorage at Elmendorf-Richardson Air Force Base, July 28th & 29th. Alaska travelers – it's your pick of fun this summer in Alaska.

End your summer 40-miles north of Anchorage and 15 miles east of Wasilla in Palmer. Host of the 2012 Alaska State Fair, August 23rd through September 3rd. Big games in entertainment, carnival rides and the best of Matanuska Valley agriculture, food and flowers; it’s all at the Alaska State Fair.

Alaska Hotel Map