A busy Alaska weekend ahead, blending the state fair, creative arts, live performances, running events and community projects. Here’s a quick guide to what’s on the calendar.
– Alaska State Fair 2025
– When and where: 11 a.m.–10 p.m. Friday through Monday at the Alaska State Fairgrounds, 2075 Glenn Highway, Palmer.
– What to know: Admission is $19 for adults and $14 for kids under 13 and seniors. Parking is free. Full details are on the State Fair’s website.
– Why go: A classic Alaska fair experience with concerts, games, rides, exhibitions, food and more to kick off the weekend.
– Indigenous wisdom, science and visionary art conference
– When and where: 11 a.m. Friday at the UAA Fine Arts Building, 3700 Alumni Drive.
– What to know: A two-day conference featuring immersive workshops and panels with leading voices in the psychedelic field. Two-day tickets start at $325.
– TEDx event
– When and where: 6:30 p.m. Friday at the UAA Fine Arts Building, 3700 Alumni Drive.
– What to know: The year’s theme is “Constellations,” exploring how ideas weave knowledge, creativity and technology. Tickets start at $81 and are available online.
– The Comedy of Errors
– When and where: 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday; 3 p.m. Sunday at Cyrano’s Theatre Building, 3800 DeBarr Road.
– What to know: A classic farce set in an ancient Mediterranean city, starring mismatched identities and slapstick humor. Tickets are $35.
– Live music at O’Malley’s on the Green
– When and where: 7–10 p.m. Friday at O’Malley’s on the Green, 3651 O’Malley Road.
– What to know: Live performances with the kitchen open until 10 p.m.
– Dance festival workshops and nights
– When and where: 7 p.m. Friday, 1 p.m. Saturday and Sunday at 300 E. Dimond Blvd., Suite 11A.
– What to know: Three days of dance workshops, shows, parties and social dancing for all levels. Workshop passes start at $75; individual classes $15–$20; party passes range from $40 for a three-pack to $95 for an all-inclusive weekend.
– Anchorage RunFest
– When and where: 10 a.m. Saturday at 10th Avenue and H Street; 8 a.m. Sunday at Sixth Avenue and F Street.
– What to know: Two days of races for all levels and distances, including Kids 2K, Military Mile, Anchorage Mile, 49K Ultra, Marathon, Half Marathon, and more. Check the RunFest schedule page for full details.
– Uncle Herb’s Market
– When and where: 12 p.m. Saturday at Uncle Herb’s, 209 King Circle.
– What to know: A community market with more than 20 vendors, plus food by Southern City Cookin’ and desserts by AKookie Co. & Borealis Buns. Free entry.
– The Nave Spenard collaborative art project
– When and where: 2 p.m. Saturday at The Nave Spenard, 3502 Spenard Road.
– What to know: A free, hands-on community art project with Duke Russell and friends. Registration is online; participation is free. The aim is to create a family-style meal together, with the only requirements being to be helpful, open and have fun.
Helpful notes
– Plans and prices can change, so it’s wise to check each event’s official page for the latest details and any last-minute updates.
– The weekend offers a broad mix of outdoor and indoor activities, suitable for families, art lovers, music fans and active participants alike.
– If you’re attending multiple events, consider transport and parking options around downtown and Palmer, and plan for variable fall weather.
Summary
This weekend showcases Alaska’s lively mix of community, culture and outdoor fun—from the big-scale Alaska State Fair in Palmer to intimate music and dance events, thought-provoking talks, and hands-on art experiences. It’s a vibrant snapshot of the state’s creative scene and a great chance to explore something new while supporting local venues and artists.