Events in Palmer, Alaska
Festivals, markets, concerts, and community events posted by identity-verified locals in Palmer and across Alaska.
Foraging for Wild Foods (Alaskans Afield)
Foraging for Wild Foods (Alaskans Afield)
ADF&G Alaskans Afield workshop on identifying and safely foraging wild edible plants in Alaska.
Matanuska Community Farmers Market Aug 19
Matanuska Community Farmers Market Aug 19
Tuesday market in Palmer with fresh Alaska-grown produce and goods.
MSBSD School Board Meeting
A scheduled public meeting of the Matanuska-Susitna Borough School District Board at the district's central office.
Planning & Zoning Commission Regular Meeting
Regular meeting of the City of Palmer Planning & Zoning Commission.
FeaturedAlaska State Fair 2026
Alaska's largest annual celebration returns to Palmer for 18 days of concerts, carnival rides, rodeo, record-setting giant vegetables (the Giant Cabbage Weigh-Off is Sept 4), local food, and hundreds of vendors. 2026 concerts include Ziggy Marley, The Beach Boys, Lyle Lovett, Cake, AJR, deadmau5, and Modest Mouse. Gate admission applies. Tickets and full schedule: alaskastatefair.org.
Sons of the East Concert
Sons of the East Concert
Live performance by Sons of the East at the Palmer Alehouse.
Alaska State Fair
Alaska State Fair
Alaska's largest event featuring giant vegetables, concerts, exhibits, and fair food.
Alaska State Fair: Energy Day
Alaska State Fair: Energy Day
Learn how energy fuels our economy and participate in the Scarecrow Contest and interactive pirate troupe performances.
Alaska Field of Dreams: Baseball in Americas Far North
Alaska Field of Dreams: Baseball in Americas Far North
Historical presentation on baseball history in Alaska during the Alaska State Fair.
Alaska State Fair Concert: AJR
Pop trio AJR opens the 2026 Alaska State Fair concert series at the ConocoPhillips Borealis Theatre in Palmer on August 21 at 7:00 PM. The band is known for hits including 'Bang!', 'Weak', and 'Come Hangin'. Concert tickets are available with or without fair admission.
Megadeth Live at the Alaska State Fair
Megadeth Live at the Alaska State Fair
Heavy metal legends Megadeth perform live at the Borealis Theatre during the Alaska State Fair.
Alaska State Fair: Recovery Day
Alaska State Fair: Recovery Day
A day dedicated to individuals in recovery, featuring an Ag Education Expo and livestock demonstrations by FFA and 4-H students.
Alaska State Fair Concert: Megadeth
Thrash metal legends Megadeth perform at the ConocoPhillips Borealis Theatre at the Alaska State Fair in Palmer on August 22 at 7:00 PM. The band is on their ongoing world tour. Concert tickets are available with or without fair admission.
Bullseye Pistol Match
Bullseye Pistol Match
NRA Bullseye pistol competition hosted by Alaska Rifle Club at Matanuska Valley Sportsmans range.
Ziggy Marley Live at the Alaska State Fair
Ziggy Marley Live at the Alaska State Fair
Reggae star Ziggy Marley performs live at the Borealis Theatre.
Alaska State Fair: Trident Seafoods Day
Alaska State Fair: Trident Seafoods Day
Features the bucking salmon ride, a Seafood Throwdown Cooking Contest, and the Scheer's Lumberjack Show.
Alaska State Fair Concert: Ziggy Marley
Reggae legend Ziggy Marley performs at the ConocoPhillips Borealis Theatre at the Alaska State Fair in Palmer on August 23 at 6:00 PM. Marley is a Grammy Award-winning artist and son of Bob Marley. Concert tickets are available with or without fair admission.
Alaska State Fair: Buddy Day
Alaska State Fair: Buddy Day
A day focused on friendship and community, offering BOGO admission and carnival ride deals with a buddy coupon.
Alaska State Fair Concert: Amy Grant
Pop and Christian music icon Amy Grant performs at the ConocoPhillips Borealis Theatre at the Alaska State Fair in Palmer on August 24 at 7:00 PM. Grant has a four-decade career and continues to tour regularly. Concert tickets are available with or without fair admission.
Mat-Su College Campus Kickoff
Mat-Su College Campus Kickoff
Welcome event for new and returning students at Mat-Su College with food and activities.
Alaska State Fair: Cancer Screening Day
Alaska State Fair: Cancer Screening Day
Provides free health screenings and vaccinations, with discounted $5 admission between 11 AM and 2 PM.
Alaska State Fair Concert: CAKE
Alternative rock band CAKE performs at the ConocoPhillips Borealis Theatre at the Alaska State Fair in Palmer on August 27 at 7:00 PM. The band is known for hits including 'Short Skirt/Long Jacket' and 'The Distance'. Concert tickets are available with or without fair admission.
Alaska State Fair: Kids' Day
Alaska State Fair: Kids' Day
Free admission all day for children 12 and under, featuring a Coca-Cola polar bear photo op and a Diaper Derby.
Alaska State Fair Concert: Modest Mouse
Indie rock band Modest Mouse performs at the ConocoPhillips Borealis Theatre at the Alaska State Fair in Palmer on August 28 at 7:00 PM. The band is known for albums including 'Good News for People Who Love Bad News'. Concert tickets are available with or without fair admission.
Alaska State Fair: Family Day
Alaska State Fair: Family Day
Features the King BMX Stunt Show and the Rodeo Alaska Champions Tour, with admission discounts for children.
Alaska State Fair Concert: Nate Smith
Country artist Nate Smith performs at the ConocoPhillips Borealis Theatre at the Alaska State Fair in Palmer on August 29 at 7:00 PM. Smith is known for his hit single 'Whiskey on You'. Concert tickets are available with or without fair admission.
Alaska State Fair: CU1 Day
Alaska State Fair: CU1 Day
Showcases local quilters and Twiggy the Water-Skiing Squirrel, highlighting Alaskan community and talent.
Alaska State Fair Concert: BigXthaPlug
Dallas rapper BigXthaPlug performs at the ConocoPhillips Borealis Theatre at the Alaska State Fair in Palmer on August 30 at 7:00 PM. The genre-bending hip-hop artist is a rising star known for his unique sound. Concert tickets are available with or without fair admission.
Joint Luncheon at the Alaska State Fair
Joint Luncheon at the Alaska State Fair
Annual joint luncheon hosted by the Palmer and Wasilla Chambers at the Alaska State Fair.
Alaska State Fair Concert: The Beach Boys
Rock and roll icons The Beach Boys perform at the ConocoPhillips Borealis Theatre at the Alaska State Fair in Palmer on August 31 at 7:00 PM. The band is known for their iconic California sound and hits spanning six decades. Concert tickets are available with or without fair admission.
Bachman-Turner Overdrive (BTO) Concert: Alaska State Fair
Bachman-Turner Overdrive (BTO) Concert: Alaska State Fair
Classic rock legends BTO perform their timeless hits at the Alaska State Fair.
MSBSD School Board Meeting
A scheduled public meeting of the Matanuska-Susitna Borough School District Board at the district's central office.
Alaska State Fair: Cosplay Day
Alaska State Fair: Cosplay Day
Fans dress as their favorite characters for a contest and meet-and-greet with the 501st Legion Alaskan Outpost.
Alaska State Fair Concert: Max McNown
Country singer-songwriter Max McNown performs at the ConocoPhillips Borealis Theatre at the Alaska State Fair in Palmer on September 3 at 7:00 PM. McNown is a rising country artist with a growing national following. Concert tickets are available with or without fair admission.
Alaska State Fair Harvest Fest
The Alaska State Fair hosts a Harvest Fest at the fairgrounds in Palmer over Labor Day weekend, September 4 through 6. The event features fall harvest activities, vendors, food, and entertainment at the fairgrounds. The Harvest Fest is a separate ticketed event from the main fair.
Twisted Sister featuring Sebastian Bach Concert: Alaska State Fair
Twisted Sister featuring Sebastian Bach Concert: Alaska State Fair
Hard rock icons Twisted Sister with Sebastian Bach deliver a powerful performance at the Borealis Theatre.
Alaska State Fair Concert: Twisted Sister
Glam metal legends Twisted Sister perform at the ConocoPhillips Borealis Theatre at the Alaska State Fair in Palmer on September 4 at 7:00 PM, as part of their 50th anniversary tour. Sebastian Bach is replacing Dee Snider due to health issues. Concert tickets are available with or without fair admission.
Alaska State Fair: MTA Day
Alaska State Fair: MTA Day
Witness the All-Star Monster Truck Show and the 4-H/FFA Jr. Livestock Auction, supporting local youth and agriculture.
Alaska State Fair Concert: deadmau5
Electronic music producer deadmau5 performs at the ConocoPhillips Borealis Theatre at the Alaska State Fair in Palmer on September 5. The internationally acclaimed DJ and producer is known for his iconic mouse helmet and progressive house sound. Concert tickets are available with or without fair admission.
deadmau5 Concert: Alaska State Fair
deadmau5 Concert: Alaska State Fair
Electronic music superstar deadmau5 brings his spectacular light show and beats to the fair.
Alaska State Fair: Military Appreciation Day
Alaska State Fair: Military Appreciation Day
Honors veterans and active military with $5 admission and features the final day of the Monster Truck show.
Alaska State Fair Concert: Nick Offerman
Actor, author, and humorist Nick Offerman brings his live comedy and storytelling show to the ConocoPhillips Borealis Theatre at the Alaska State Fair in Palmer on September 6 at 6:00 PM. Offerman is best known for his role as Ron Swanson on Parks and Recreation. Concert tickets are available with or without fair admission.
An Evening with Nick Offerman: Alaska State Fair
An Evening with Nick Offerman: Alaska State Fair
Actor and comedian Nick Offerman shares stories and laughs in a special appearance at the Borealis Theatre.
Lyle Lovett Concert: Alaska State Fair
Lyle Lovett Concert: Alaska State Fair
Grammy-winning singer-songwriter Lyle Lovett performs on Labor Day at the Alaska State Fair.
Alaska State Fair Concert: Lyle Lovett
Singer, composer, and actor Lyle Lovett closes out the 2026 Alaska State Fair concert series at the ConocoPhillips Borealis Theatre in Palmer on September 7 at 6:00 PM. Lovett is a four-time Grammy Award winner known for his eclectic blend of country, jazz, and blues. Concert tickets are available with or without fair admission.
Joint Assembly/School Board Meeting
A scheduled joint public meeting of the Matanuska-Susitna Borough Assembly and the Matanuska-Susitna Borough School District Board.
Fireside Book Club (September)
Monthly exploratory book club covering diverse genres at Fireside Books in downtown Palmer.
Fireside Book Club: September Meeting
Fireside Book Club: September Meeting
A monthly exploratory book club meeting to discuss various genres and share a love of reading.
Mat-Su College First Aid CPR/AED Course
American Heart Association Heartsaver First Aid CPR/AED course. OSHA-compliant certification for anyone with little or no medical training. Cost: $85.
Battle of the Books, Adult Edition 2026
Adult literary competition at Lekker Coffee in Palmer. Teams compete on three titles: Black Woods Blue Sky by Eowyn Ivey, Fuzz by Mary Roach, and Psalm for the Wild Built by Becky Chambers. Prizes for winning teams. Space is limited; adults 19+ only.
Mat-Su Valley Battle of the Books: Adult Edition
Mat-Su Valley Battle of the Books: Adult Edition
A fun, competitive event for adults who love reading, hosted by the Palmer Public Library.
The Lakes TrailFest
A day of trail running at Matanuska Lakes State Recreation Area, with Kids Run, 5K, 10K, 25K, and 50K distances.
Oxtoberfest at the Musk Ox Farm
Bavarian-themed festival featuring Alaska Blaskapelle music, bratwurst dinner, and beer at the Musk Ox Farm.
