From fairs to festivals, Alaska’s summer calendar is waking up and it’s not holding back!
By Gina Hill | Alaska Headline Living | May 25, 2026
May 25, 2026: Pioneer Park Memorial Day Ceremony (Fairbanks)
Presented by Fairbanks Parks and Recreation
Location: Pioneer Park
Time: 1:00 PM
Price: Free
Attend the annual Memorial Day ceremony at the Gold Rush Gazebo. This year, as an America250 event, the program honors all American and Alaskan veterans who gave the ultimate sacrifice.
The ceremony includes a flag presentation, guest speakers from local military bases along with other dignitaries, and poppy planting in honor of Alaskan veterans.
➡️ More info: Fairbanks Parks and Recreation
May 26, 2026: Intro to West Coast Swing 6-Week Series (Anchorage)
Hosted by Liv / The Anchorage Dance Meetup Group
Location: Anchorage Social Dance Club
Time: 6:30 PM – 7:30 PM AKDT
Recurring: Every Tuesday until June 30, 2026
Price: $10 per class or $10 discount if all 6 classes are taken (cash or check only)
We are starting a new 6 week Intro to West Coast Swing series on April 14th. We will cover west coast swing basics including 6 and 8 count basics, connection, partnering, timing, and more. This is a progressive series.
You are welcome to join any week if you know your basics and just want to work on foundation moves.
Bring clean non-marking shoes. No partner necessary as we rotate in class.
➡️ More info: Anchorage Social Dance Club
May 26, 2026: Utqiaġvik Summer Lunch Program (North Slope Borough)
Presented by: North Slope Borough
Location: Ipalook Elementary School (Front entrance)
Time: Monday–Friday, 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM
Start Date: Tuesday, May 26, 2026
Price: Free
Starts Tuesday, May 26th at Ipalook Elementary front entrance. Meals served Monday through Friday from 12:00 to 1:00 p.m.
➡️ More Info: UTQIAĠVIK SUMMER LUNCH PROGRAM – Meals for School-Aged Children
May 26, 2026: Reindeer Walk Experience (Fairbanks)
Location: Running Reindeer Ranch
Time: 2:00 PM – 4:30 PM
Duration: 2–2.5 hours
Season: Open all year (check online calendar for availability)
Group Size: Min. 4, Max. 22
Price: Adults $85–$120 (varies seasonally), Children $50–$90
Walk with reindeer through the beautiful boreal forest of Interior Alaska. Get to know our reindeer in this unique, immersive, educational tour. This one-of-a-kind experience will be the highlight of your Alaskan vacation.
An Overview of the Tour includes:
- Natural History walking tour with reindeer
- Post-walk cookies & drinks
What to bring:
- Light boots or walking shoes (summer)
- Heavy boots, snow boots or Mukluks, warm mittens and hats (winter)
- Weather-appropriate clothing
- Hand warmers
- Cameras
- Mosquito repellant (spring and summer)
Gear rental available through Alaska Element for $30/day delivered to hotel or airport.
➡️ More info: Running Reindeer Ranch
May 30, 2026: Asian American & Pacific Island Heritage Month Celebration (Culture Flag Day) (Anchorage)
Location: Delaney Park (9th–10th Avenue between E Street and I Street)
Time: 12:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Price: Free
Celebrate Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month with us! Join the community for a vibrant gathering featuring the raising of colors and national flags, performances of a native AAPI anthem, traditional dances from local AAPI groups, singing, sports, and more.
This free event is open to all. Come be part of the celebration!
Contact: (907) 433-9559 | paoaalaska@gmail.com
➡️ More info: Asian American and Pacific Island Heritage Month Celebration
May 30, 2026: Wet Felted Vessels/Lanterns for Beginners (Anchorage)
Location: The Art Lounge AK
Time: 3:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Price: $65
Ages: 12 and up
Come learn how to wet felt a beautiful vessel or lantern! These make a beautiful handmade Christmas gift. You can choose any colors of super soft merino wool and texture fibers to match your home décor. These wool vessels can be used for storage, plant cozies, or home décor. This is an easy class for beginners, no experience necessary and all materials provided. Bring snacks and drinks if you like. Tea and water provided.
If you cannot attend, you may reschedule for another class. Discounted last-minute seats may be offered.
Private parties, baby showers, and team-building events available.
➡️ More info: The Art Lounge AK
June 3–6, 2026: Celebration (Juneau)
Location: Sealaska Heritage Institute
Address: 105 S. Seward St., Juneau, AK 99801
Location: Juneau
Price: Free
Celebrate one of the largest gatherings of Alaska Native peoples in the state at Celebration, a four-day event that occurs every other year in downtown Juneau.
Alaska Native Tlingit, Haida, and Tsimshian peoples come together to dress in traditional regalia and take part in song and dance, along with a canoe welcome, parade, arts, food, storytelling, and a fashion show.
➡️ More info: Sealaska Heritage Institute
June 6, 2026: Old Pedals, New Petals (Anchorage)
Location: Alaska Botanical Garden
Time: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Event Admission: Included with Garden admission
The Alaskan A’s are rolling into the Garden for ABG’s first ever antique car show!
On Saturday, June 6th only, the Garden will host the Alaskan A’s Ford Model A Club! Find ~20 vintage cars from 1927–1931 throughout the Garden, accompanied by their owners who will be eager to chat about their vehicles and celebrate the club’s 30th anniversary.
Food truck Tacos El Primo will be onsite (available for purchase).
On view 10:00am – 4:00pm. At 4:00pm the vehicles will exit the Garden in a procession.
➡️ More info: Alaska Botanical Garden.
May 1–July 31, 2026: Everyday Anchorage Exhibit (Anchorage)
Location: Anchorage Museum
Price: Included with museum admission
Recurrence: Daily
Experience Anchorage through different eras in the work of painter Duke Russell and photographer Ward Wells (1920–1982). Russell’s paintings from the past three decades in conversation with Wells’s commercial and studio photographs from the late 1940s through the 1970s show how both artists celebrate weird and wonderful aspects of Anchorage life, including people, architecture, parks, and a changing landscape influenced by tourism, development, and urban growth.
Nearby outdoor stop for visitors: Valley of the Moon Park located along the Chester Creek Greenbelt near 610 W 17th Avenue. Known for its rocket-themed playground and easy trail access, it is a quick add-on stop before or after the museum visit.
➡️ More info: Anchorage Museum.
