When to Go

Summer is the peak season all over the state. In the Kenai Peninsula and Southcentral this means it is rarely too hot or too cold, particularly along the coast, although rainfall occurs often and without warning. Long daylight hours make it possible to enjoy the beauty and the bounty of Alaska around the clock. However, if you're hoping to catch more hours of darkness, there are always the shoulder seasons. Unfortunately, the weather in spring and fall tends to be more unpredictable than in summer, with random appearances of snow and dramatic drops in temperature. Autumn starts early, with the deciduous trees beginning to show color in mid-August. Visitor services generally close by the end of September. Numerous festivals take place throughout the year.

Festivals

Alaska State Fair. Giant vegetables are big attractions at Palmer's Alaska State Fair. Shop for Alaskan-made gifts and crafts, and whoop it up with midway rides, livestock and 4-H shows, bake-offs, home-preserved produce contests, food, and live music. The fair runs for 12 days, starting in late August and ending on Labor Day. Mile 40.2, Glenn Hwy., Palmer, Alaska, 99645. 907/745–4827; www.alaskastatefair.org.

Copper River Delta Shorebird Festival. The arrival of as many as 5 million birds in the Copper River Delta each May is cause for three to five days of festivities during the first week of the month that include workshops and guided field trips. The birds, mostly western sandpipers and dunlins, feed and rest here on their long migration to their northern nesting grounds. Alaska Airlines often offers discounted fares to festivalgoers—check the chamber website for details. Cordova, Alaska. 907/424–7260; www.cordovachamber.com.

Copper River Salmon Jam!. In mid-July, this small-town festival draws an impressive number of artists, musicians, and athletes for the celebration of salmon (of course!) and the Salmon Runs Marathon. Cordova, Alaska. 907/424–7260; www.salmonjam.org.

Ice Worm Festival. To shake off the winter blues, the residents of tiny Cordova gather for a weeklong celebration in early February. The festivities include a parade and numerous other entertaining activities, including the Ice Worm Variety Show and the Miss Ice Worm Coronation. Cordova, Alaska. 907/424–7260; www.icewormfestival.com.

Kachemak Bay Shorebird Festival. Early-summer visitors to Homer join thousands of migrating shorebirds for the Kachemak Bay Shorebird Festival on the second weekend in May. Experts offer bird-watching trips and photography demonstrations, and the simultaneous Wooden Boat Festival provides a chance to meet some of Alaska's finest boatbuilders. Various kids' events add to the fun. Homer, Alaska. www.kachemakshorebird.org.

Mt. Marathon Race. An event held every July 4 since 1915, this race attracts runners and spectators from near and far while the entire town celebrates. The whole affair takes less than an hour, but the route is arduous: straight up the mountain (3,022 feet) and back down to the center of town. Racers are chosen on a lottery basis; enter before April for a chance, and be sure to book a hotel room well in advance. Seward, Alaska. 907/224–8051; www.mmr.seward.com.

Salmonfest . Every August, thousands of people from all over the state and country converge on the tiny town of Ninilchik, on the Kenai Peninsula 37 miles outside of Homer, to celebrate music, food, and fish. Over the course of a three-day weekend, countless vendors of arts and crafts set up shop while approximately 50 musical acts take to the four stages, drawing awareness and bolstering support for the protection of Bristol Bay waters and fishing habitat. Kenai Peninsula, Alaska. 907/435–0525; www.salmonfestalaska.org.

Seward Halibut Tournament. For the whole month of June, locals and visitors set out to catch the largest halibut of the season. There are daily winners and end-of-tournament winners. The current record holder is a 337-pound catch. Seward, Alaska. 907/224–8051; halibut.seward.com.

Seward Music and Arts Festival. The Seward Arts Council hosts this family-friendly indoor festival the first weekend of October. The three-day festival draws some of Alaska's finest musicians. Many arts activities take place, and artists and craftspeople sell their works in booths. 913 Port Ave., Seward, Alaska, 99664. www.sewardfestival.com.

Silver Salmon Derby. For more than 60 years, anglers from near and far have been gathering every mid-August for the state's oldest and most popular fishing derby. Vying for the largest tagged coho (silver salmon), they can win up to $50,000. Seward, Alaska. 907/224–8051; www.seward.com.

Talkeetna Winterfest. The monthlong celebration known as Winterfest encourages visitors to visit Talkeetna during the very snowy and very cold month of December, offering plenty of activities, events, and live music. Part of this is the tongue-in-cheek Wilderness Woman Contest, where women compete in a variety of events like fishing, sawing wood, and yes, sandwich prep (that’s the tongue-in-cheek part, don’t worry). Afterward, women are invited to the annual Bachelor Auction & Ball where they can purchase a dance from any of Talkeetna’s eligible bachelors. Proceeds from both events go to funding local domestic violence programs. Talkeetna, Alaska. www.alaska.org/detail/talkeetna-winterfest.