Local Events
August 2022
Juneau
August 7 – IRONMAN
The first ever IRONMAN Alaska is a triathlon bringing people from around the world to test their limits.
August 12 – 14 – Golden North Salmon Derby
The Golden North Salmon Derby is a fun filled summer fishing event that began in 1947. People from all walks of life in the community participate.
Ketchikan
August 5 – 7 – Blueberry Arts Festival
Summers are busy in Ketchikan, with up to five cruise ships making port every day, but the locals also know how to play hard — especially at the huge Blueberry Arts Festival, hosted every August by the Ketchikan Arts and Humanities Council. In a town of 14,000, you’re likely to see as many as 8,000 people come out to this family-friendly event that celebrates the Southeast Alaskan blueberry.
August 7 – Metlakatla Founders Day Celebration
On an August 7 about 130 years ago, a group of 826 Tsimshian people from British Columbia followed William Duncan, an Anglican missionary, over the Canadian border to Annette Island.
Now Annette Islands Reserve is Alaska’s only Indian reservation, and, ever since that day in 1887, the Metlakatla Indian Community has celebrated its unique founding story. On August 7th, Founders Day begins at 9 am with a marathon, then a parade and field events. The Hot Dog Feast is from 5 to 6 pm, and fireworks will be at 10:30 pm. Food booths and a few artist booths will be open on the field. More artist booths will be open in the Artist Village. The Ferry will be running to Metlakatla for Founders Day!!!
Skagway
August 20 – SAC Maggio Scholarship Fundraiser
Celebrate the life of Chris Maggio while supporting the local community.
Sitka
August 7- Change Your Latitude, 57 North Open Water Challenge
Still the northernmost open ocean race in the United States, this event is a combined 10k/6k/3k/1k open water swim in Sitka Sound.
Seward
August 13 – 21- Silver Salmon Derby
Started in 1956, the derby is one of the oldest and largest in the state. The derby days are Seward’s busiest fishing days each year, with thousands casting their line for the chance to win. Prizes are awarded for the heaviest fish overall and for those who catch any of the tagged fish. Anglers can also win daily prizes.
Unalaska
August 6 – Bobby Johnson Summer Bay Classic Half Marathon
August 6 – KUCB’s Tundra Golf Classic
August 20 – Heart of the Aleutians Festival & 5K
August 27- Bunker Hill Endurance Challenge & Marathon
August – Camp Qungaayux (Unangan Culture Camp)
Valdez
August 13 – Women’s Silver Salmon Derby
This annual event draws more than 500 women anglers to Valdez. Join the Silver Salmon Sisterhood and win great prizes. Open to women only.
August 3-7 – Gold Rush Days
The Valdez Gold Rush Days are an annual 5-day celebration honoring the past, present, and future of Valdez, Alaska. It is hosted by a non-profit organization of local volunteers. Every year Gold Rush Days donates money to a variety of local charities and organizations, especially to those focused on children and the future of Valdez. Join in the fun and famous Wine Walk. See the Can Can Girls and a community parade. Enjoy the local market, live music, and more!
Anchorage
August 20 – 21 – Anchorage Run Fest
August brings more race action to Anchorage trails, as Anchorage Run Fest brings a 49-kilometer ultra race, marathon, half marathon and more.
Fairbanks
July 29 – August 7 – Tanana Valley State Fair
Held for ten days annually in early-August, the Tanana Valley State Fair is filled with good old-fashioned fun. Featuring Alaska’s largest produce grown under the midnight sun! Plus exhibits, rides, craft vendors, entertainment and great food.
Denali
August 13 – Denali Blueberry Festival
A small town celebration of summer, with kids activities, live music, beer garden – all lakeside.
August 12 – 13 – Augtoberfest
The beer garden comes alive as people gather to celebrate at this Bavarian-themed festival with live music, dance, craft beer, authentic Bavarian foods, and fun in the beer garden at 49th State Brewing – Denali Park.
Girdwood
August 13-14 – Blueberry festival