Mat-Su Valley Fairs & Festivals
Experience the vibrant and diverse fairs and festivals of Alaska’s Mat-Su Valley. Immerse yourself in the annual state fair, music festivals, carnivals, snowmobile races, and agricultural events that showcase local talent and traditions. Connect with the community through interactive workshops, savor delicious local cuisine, and enjoy fun activities.
Willow View All
Every March, mushers and their canine teams speed across some 1,000 miles of frozen terrain — from the town of Willow to the northern city of Nome. And whether you’re a die-hard fan or a curious traveler, experiencing the Iditarod is not only a thrill, but also a way to get an insider’s look at Alaskan culture and adventure.
This annual winter festival, in existence for more than 50 years, is held on back-to-back weekends at the end of January and beginning of February. With the state’s biggest winter fireworks display, $1,000 bingo cash pots, sled dog races, talent contests, foot races and fat-tire bike races, the festival is a regional draw and a fun place for travelers to see Alaskans cut loose.The carnival kicks off with a dinner at the community center, where… ...more
The Official Race Start begins in the town of Willow on the first Sunday in March. Come see the mushers head out on “The Last Great Race” and get a feel for a small-town Alaskan winter. The race begins at 2 p.m., with mushers leaving the gate every two minutes. Several thousand fans show up to cheer on the 60 to 70 dog teams; vendors selling food and souvenirs set up at the Willow Community Center. There’s usually a shuttle from Wasilla, and… ...more
Glacier View View All
This big pullout doesn’t look like much, but each spring bird watchers from around the world gather here to look for elusive species of raptors and falcons. Migrating north for summer, red tail hawks, sharp-shinned hawks, gyre falcons and other birds of prey gather in large numbers here, playing on the uplifts along the windy cliffs. In addition to seeing impressive numbers of hawks and rare species, birders are drawn by the good light, with… ...more
If you’re looking for a traditional 4th of July, you’ll get that and more in Glacier View. Visit this small town with superb views where you can take part in a community get-together that features a flyover of Kingdom Air Corps planes, a parade, community bbq (bring your own meat to grill on provided grills), fireworks, and the launching of a vehicle off a 300 foot cliff.
Palmer / Wasilla View All
For more than 75 years, the Alaska State Fair has an end-of-summer extravaganza with rides, food, and more, held each August in Palmer.
One week after the town of Willow hosts the Iditarod Sled Dog Restart, locals take advantage of the groomed trail by playing golf on it! Started by the Chamber of Commerce, this icy links tournament draws some 100 foul-weather golfers for a 9‑hole tourney. According to participants, the ball bounces on groomed snow just like on real grass. There’s a limit of two clubs per person, but teams can share their clubs (a putter and seven iron are… ...more
Come see the thrill of human ingenuity surrounded by the majesty of Mother Nature. At this drag racing track in Palmer — the only International Hot Rod Association track in Alaska, and the only NASCAR sanctioned oval track in the state, you can have a relaxing but thrilling day of entertainment, with races every weekend all summer long. Plus, it’s definitely a must-stop for any hot rod lover or racing fan: this is arguably the most picturesque… ...more
The Musk Ox Farm has hosted the “Running with the Bulls” trail race in August since 2002. Don’t miss out on this uniquely Alaskan one-of-a-kind race!
In mid-February, the Mat-Su Valley hosts the beginning of the longest and toughest snowmobile race event in the world: the Iron Dog. In its 30th year in 2013, the race features teams of two snowmobile racers riding from Wasilla to Nome to Fairbanks, covering more than 2,000 miles of rugged Alaskan terrain. Sea ice crossings, the frozen Yukon River, and treacherous passes await these rugged snowmobilers, who don’t slow down for anything; some of ...more
Held the second weekend in June, the town of Palmer commemorates the area’s original farmers, and Palmer’s colony history.
Every Friday from late May through August, visit the popular open-air market in downtown Palmer. Started in 2002, this summer-long festival celebrates downtown Palmer and the people and businesses that make the town great.
Talkeetna View All
Bike & ski races, music festivals • Year-round events
March is the month to get outside. The days are longer and the weather is starting to warm, but winter still has its icy grip. To avoid going stir crazy or for some good, clean Alaskan winter fun, head north to Trapper Creek for the Cabin Fever Reliever. Held the second Saturday in March in this picturesque small town (there are great views of Denali), the celebration includes a pancake breakfast, a raffle, cross-country ski races, games, ...more
Talkeetna celebrates the dark month of December with its annual Talkeetna Winterfest. This popular festival attracts folks from Anchorage and Fairbanks with its famed Bachelor Society Ball and Auction. Come watch the bidding as Talkeetna Bachelors fetch as much as $1,000 for a drink and dance at the ball. The auction and ball, held the first Saturday of the month, are the highlights. But don’t miss the Parade of Lights, held on the festival’s… ...more
The Talkeetna Trio is made up of two distances of 20 and 60 miles, FAT BIKES only. Beautiful rolling terrain with narrow trails, with some river running and each lap takes you through downtown Talkeetna. Starting point is at the Denali Brewing Company.
If you love bluegrass and camping in the Alaskan wilderness, this is the festival for you. Bands play for 20 hours each day, and there are vendors selling handmade craft items and food of all kinds. The festival is also focused around camping, and the whole family is encouraged to participate: there’s even a designated family camping area.