Events in Fairbanks, Alaska You Won’t Want to Miss

If you’re looking to experience the Alaskan native culture and unique attractions, Fairbanks is the perfect vacation destination. It is one of Alaska’s largest cities, offering ample activities to enjoy in a downtown urban setting in addition to activities past the city lights. Alaska presents distinct seasons, offering different weather and diverse outdoor adventures. In the spring and summer, the days can be long, with nature in full bloom, and energy filling the air. In the fall and winter, the days are colder and shorter, with shimmering yellows and golds of the aspen and birch trees. Take a look at these events in Fairbanks!

Winter
February
Wrapping up the winter season is the Fairbanks Folk Festival, a forty-year tradition held the second week in February. Many folk artists and vendors gather to showcase incredible talent in this town, giving as many performers as possible an opportunity to play in front of an appreciative audience.

The World Ice Art Championships visit Fairbanks, Alaska each year from mid-February to March. Here spectators can see the finest sculptors from around the world compete in the most challenging and prestigious ice sculpting competition ever.

Spring 
March
The Festival of Native Arts provides cultural education and sharing through traditional Native dance, music, and arts. What began in 1973 continues to bring together artists, performers, and performance groups in a celebration of Native cultures.

April
The Land of the Midnight Sun Festival lines the streets of downtown Fairbanks during a 12-hour, family-friendly street fair packed with live music, performances, and hundreds of booths selling food, crafts, official festival t-shirts, and handmade souvenirs. 

The Aurora Borealis (northern lights) season is over. 

May
The Tanana Valley Farmers Market is open May through September. Since the Gold Rush days, Alaskans have enjoyed fresh produce from local farms and the Tanana Valley Farmers Market is continuing the tradition. 

Summer
June
The 115th Midnight Sun Baseball Game is a tradition dating back to 1906, which started as a bar bet between the Eagle’s Club and the California Bar, led by the “Father of the Midnight Sun Game” Eddie Stroecker. Though the game is played through the hour of midnight, artificial lights are never used — and have never been used in the history of the event. 

The Midnight Sun Run is more than just a race, it’s an event unique to Alaska that attracts participants from all over the country. For the last 37 years, the summer solstice sun shines brightly in the skies above, lighting the way for participants.

July
The Fairbanks Summer Arts Festival was founded in April of 1980 to awaken everyone’s inner artist, connecting world-class professionals to aspiring artists, and giving people who are enthusiastic about the fine arts an outlet to pursue their passions.

August
The Aurora Borealis (northern lights) make their debut each August in Fairbanks, Alaska. There are many different ways you can hunt for the aurora. You can drive to a nearby vantage point and wait for them to appear, or take a tour!

Fall
September
The Tanana Valley Farmers Market closes for the season in September. 

October
The Running Reindeer Ranch is home to local Alaskans Jane and Doug. Here visitors can walk reindeer, capture photos, and learn more about the Alaskan wildlife.

Regardless of what season you visit and adventure you plan, Fairbanks, Alaska is the perfect vacation destination on your Alaskan getaway. Consider planning your Alaskan vacation around these Fairbanks events.