What’s Up, Alaska?
From gallery nights and the State Fair to free health care, community training and a 20-year transportation plan
By Gina Hill | Alaska Headline Living | Thursday, August 20, 2026
There’s plenty happening around Alaska as summer gives way to fall. From celebrating Alaska Native artists and the 90th Alaska State Fair to free medical services in Fairbanks and public meetings about Southeast Alaska’s transportation future, here are some community events and opportunities worth putting on your calendar.
August 20
Third Thursday at the Ch’k’iqadi Gallery
5:30–7:30 p.m. | Alaska Native Heritage Center
The Ch’k’iqadi Gallery hosts its monthly Third Thursday celebration of contemporary Alaska Native artists. This month features Inupiaq artist Dylan Paisaq Itchuagiyaq. Enjoy an after-hours celebration, light refreshments and a 10% storewide discount. Much of the featured artwork is available for purchase.
August 21–September 7
90th Alaska State Fair
Alaska State Fairgrounds | Palmer
The Alaska State Fair celebrates its 90th anniversary with agriculture, giant vegetables, carnival rides, food, entertainment and a full concert lineup.
The fair runs August 21 through September 7, with gates closed Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Regular operating hours are 11 a.m.–10 p.m., Thursday through Monday.
This year’s highlights include the Great Pumpkin Weigh-Off, a new three-night synchronized drone show, lumberjack and rodeo events, Twiggy the Water Skiing Squirrel and plenty of Alaska fair food.
The Alaska Railroad Fair Train will offer two daily round trips from Anchorage September 4–6.
September 12
Ken’s Garden Center September Vendor Market Pop-Up
10 a.m.–5 p.m. | Ken’s Garden Center
Harvest season gets a local-market spin at Ken’s Garden Center’s Second Saturday Vendor Event. The market welcomes vendors selling Alaska-made wares, baked goods, sweets, art, handmade gifts and other creative goods.
Vendor spaces are 10’ x 8’ and cost $100. Vendors must provide their own tables, chairs and displays.
Setup is available September 11 from 5–6:30 p.m. or September 12 from 8–9:30 a.m.
Important: Live plant sales are not permitted at this event.
September 12–13
Remote Area Medical Free Clinic
Fairbanks Carlson Center, 2010 2nd Ave., Fairbanks
Remote Area Medical will provide free medical, dental and vision services to everyone on a first-come, first-served basis. No ID, insurance or income qualification is required.
Services include basic medical exams and screenings, dental cleanings, fillings and extractions, and vision exams and glasses. Denture services are not available.
The parking lot opens no later than midnight Friday, September 11, and clinic doors open at 6 a.m. Patients must remain on site to keep their place in line. Dental and vision services are limited and may fill early.
Remote Area Medical Fairbanks clinic information
September 15
Southeast Alaska Transportation Plan Open House | Sitka
5–7 p.m. | Harrigan Centennial Hall, Room 1, 330 Harbor Drive
The Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities is hosting an open house to share the draft Southeast Alaska Transportation Plan Update and gather public input.
The plan looks at transportation needs and priorities for the next 20 years, including roads, ferries, airports, trails and marine facilities. Attendees can drop in, review the draft plan, meet the project team, ask questions and comment.
Meeting materials will be posted on the project website beginning September 15.
Southeast Alaska Transportation Plan
September 15–19
Emergency Trauma Technician Training
9 a.m.–6 p.m. | St. Paul Community Health Center, 1000 Polovina Turnpike, Saint Paul
A five-day Emergency Trauma Technician training is being offered to all members of the community. Snacks and drinks will be provided.
To sign up, call the St. Paul Community Health Center at 907-546-4203.
September 19
2026 Alaska Heart Run & Walk
7 a.m. | Alaska Airlines Center, Anchorage
The American Heart Association’s Alaska Heart Run & Walk brings the Anchorage community together to support heart health, CPR training and lifesaving research.
The event will also celebrate survivors and honor people lost to heart disease and stroke. Organizers encourage participants to register, walk and help build a community where more people are prepared to perform CPR when it matters.
🗓️ Mark Your Calendar
From art and agriculture to health care, skills training and transportation planning, these events offer plenty of ways to show up, learn something, support your neighbors and have a little fun along the way.
Got an Alaska event coming up that belongs on the community calendar? Send it our way. The more Alaska knows what’s up, the better.