Things to Do in Alaska: Local Events Calendar
Festivals, markets, concerts, and community events from across Alaska, all on one statewide calendar.
Early Voting: Regular City Election
Early Voting: Regular City Election
Early voting period for the upcoming October 6, 2026 regular city election in Wasilla.
Anchorage Performing Arts: Wicked
The touring production of the Broadway musical Wicked performs at the Alaska Airlines Center in Anchorage for multiple shows in late September and early October. The show is presented by Anchorage Concert Association Broadway Series. Tickets are available through CenterTix.
USS Ted Stevens Public Ship Tours
Tour the U.S. Navy's newest destroyer while she is docked in Whittier for commissioning week. Public tours of the USS Ted Stevens (DDG 128) run Wednesday, September 30 and Thursday, October 1, from 1:30 PM to 5:00 PM each day, with the last tour at 4:30 PM. The ship is moored at the Whittier Cruise Terminal, the Princess Cruises dock. Tours are limited and advance registration is required through the USS Ted Stevens Commissioning Committee. Groups over 20 should email joinus@usstedstevens.org. The Anton Anderson Memorial Tunnel is the only road into Whittier, so check the tunnel schedule before you head down.
USS Ted Stevens Meet the Sailors Party
Anchorage welcomes the crew of the USS Ted Stevens (DDG 128) with a public party on the west end of the Delaney Park Strip, between 9th and 10th Avenue, on Wednesday, September 30 from 4:30 PM to 8:00 PM. Expect a band, beer garden, games, food trucks, vendors and family fun, with a couple hundred sailors on hand to meet and greet, Alaska style. Organizers are urging everyone to come out and call it likely the last big Park Strip gathering of the year. The ship is commissioned three days later in Whittier.
Fairbanks First Friday Art Walk (October)
Fairbanks First Friday Art Walk takes place on October 2, with galleries and venues throughout downtown Fairbanks open for free art viewing and receptions. The event runs from approximately 5:00 to 8:00 PM. Check fairbanksarts.org for participating venues.
Anchorage First Friday Art Walk (October)
Anchorage's monthly First Friday Art Walk takes place on October 2, with galleries, restaurants, cafes, and shops featuring local artists from approximately 5:00 to 9:00 PM. The Anchorage Museum offers free admission from 6:00 to 9:00 PM with after-hours programming and live music. The walk is centered in downtown Anchorage.
Anchorage Museum Free First Friday (October)
The Anchorage Museum offers free admission on October 2 from 6:00 to 9:00 PM, with after-hours programming, live music, and gallery access. The monthly First Friday event is a popular community gathering at the museum at 625 C Street. No tickets are required.
USS Ted Stevens Commissioning Ceremony
The U.S. Navy commissions its newest destroyer, the USS Ted Stevens (DDG 128), in Whittier on Saturday, October 3 at noon. It is the first Navy ship commissioning in Alaska since 2013. The Flight III Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer is named for Sen. Ted Stevens, the decorated World War II pilot who represented Alaska in the U.S. Senate for four decades. The roughly 90-minute ceremony closes with the crew running aboard to man the ship, the moment she officially joins the fleet. Ticket holders only. The commissioning committee has reached capacity and is no longer accepting ticket requests. The Whittier Tunnel is closed to private vehicles on October 3. All guests check in at the Dena'ina Center in Anchorage (East Door) and travel to Whittier by motorcoach or Alaska Railroad as booked. The first bus leaves at 8:00 AM and the last at 9:30 AM, and the ride takes about 1.5 hours. Parking is free at the 6th Avenue EasyPark Garage, 700 West 6th Avenue, and the 7th Avenue EasyPark Garage, 650 G Street. Every guest is screened in Whittier, so travel light and plan for airport-style security. Small or clear stadium bags are preferred. No guns, knives, or flammables.
Oxtoberfest at the Musk Ox Farm
Bavarian-themed festival featuring Alaska Blaskapelle music, bratwurst dinner, and beer at the Musk Ox Farm.
Alok Comedy Show
Internationally acclaimed poet, comedian, public speaker, and actor Alok performs at the Sydney Laurence Theatre at the Alaska Center for the Performing Arts on October 3 at 7:00 PM. The 75-minute show is for ages 18 and up. Tickets are available through CenterTix.
Jake Shimabukuro: Ukulele Virtuoso
Ukulele virtuoso Jake Shimabukuro performs at the Atwood Concert Hall at the Alaska Center for the Performing Arts on October 3 at 7:30 PM. Shimabukuro transforms the ukulele into a full orchestra through his dazzling speed, precision, and technique. Tickets are presented by the Anchorage Concert Association.
Firelight Book Club
Monthly adult book club meeting by the library fireplace. October selection: "The Extraordinary Life of Sam Hell" by Robert Dugoni. Sponsored by the Wasilla Library Association.
Talkeetna Sewer & Water Board Regular Meeting
Regular meeting of the borough board that supports community communication concerning Talkeetna water and wastewater services.
Tommy Emmanuel at Discovery Theatre
World-renowned acoustic guitar virtuoso Tommy Emmanuel performs at the Discovery Theatre at the Alaska Center for the Performing Arts on October 8 at 7:30 PM. Emmanuel is known for his dazzling technique spanning pop, jazz, classical, and roots music. Tickets are available through CenterTix and Live Nation.
Anchorage Fur Rendezvous (Fur Rondy) Fall Preview
The Anchorage Fur Rendezvous organization hosts community events in the fall leading up to the main February festival. The fall events include a community market and entertainment at the Egan Center. Check furrondy.net for specific dates and programming.
Bethel Camai Dance Festival (Fall Preview)
Preview event for the annual Camai Dance Festival celebrating Yup'ik and Cup'ik dance traditions. Features traditional dance performances and cultural activities.
Anchorage Mayor's Charity Ball
Annual black-tie gala at the Dena'ina Center supporting over 78 Anchorage nonprofits. The event has raised over $4.5 million for the community since inception.
Wasilla Planning Commission Regular Meeting
Regular Wasilla Planning Commission meeting. Public attendance and participation welcomed.
Anchorage Concert Association: Lyle Lovett and His Large Band at Atwood Concert Hall
Lyle Lovett and His Large Band perform at the Atwood Concert Hall at the Alaska Center for the Performing Arts on October 15 at 7:30 PM. The show is presented by the Anchorage Concert Association as part of its 2026-2027 season. Tickets are available at anchorageconcerts.org.
Haunted Trails at Anchorage Parks
Haunted Trails at Anchorage Parks
Spooky trail walk through Anchorage parks. Costumes encouraged. Fun for all ages.
Enchanted Trails at Anchorage Parks
Enchanted Trails at Anchorage Parks
Family-friendly enchanted trail walk. Costumes welcome. Fun daytime event for young children.
Alaska Day Festival
Annual celebration in Sitka honoring the October 18, 1867 transfer of Alaska from Russia to the United States. Features historical reenactments, parade, and community events at the original transfer site.
Anchorage Performing Arts: Riverdance
The touring production of Riverdance performs at the Alaska Airlines Center in Anchorage for multiple shows in late October. The show is presented by the Anchorage Concert Association Broadway Series. Tickets are available through CenterTix.
Anchorage Concert Association: Keb' Mo'
Blues and Americana artist Keb' Mo' performs at the Atwood Concert Hall at the Alaska Center for the Performing Arts on October 22 at 7:30 PM. The show is presented by the Anchorage Concert Association as part of its 2026-2027 season. Tickets are available at anchorageconcerts.org.
Challenge Alaska Drive-In Movie Nights
Outdoor drive-in movie screening fundraiser benefiting Challenge Alaska, which improves the lives of people with disabilities through adaptive sports and therapeutic recreation.
Anchorage Concert Association: Mannheim Steamroller Christmas
Mannheim Steamroller Christmas performs at the Alaska Airlines Center in Anchorage on October 24 at 7:30 PM. The show is presented by the Anchorage Concert Association. Tickets are available at anchorageconcerts.org.
Anchorage Performing Arts: Cirque Dreams Holidaze
Cirque Dreams Holidaze brings a Broadway-style holiday circus spectacular to the Atwood Concert Hall at the Alaska Center for the Performing Arts in late October or November. The show features acrobats, aerialists, and holiday-themed performances. Tickets are available through CenterTix.
Anchorage Concert Association: Straight No Chaser
A cappella group Straight No Chaser performs at the Atwood Concert Hall at the Alaska Center for the Performing Arts on October 29 at 7:30 PM. The show is presented by the Anchorage Concert Association as part of its 2026-2027 season. Tickets are available at anchorageconcerts.org.
Trick or Treat Fish Creek
Trick or Treat Fish Creek
Community trick-or-treating along Fish Creek Trail at Kiwanis Fish Creek Park.
Anchorage Costume Ball and Halloween Parade
Anchorage's annual Halloween Parade and Costume Contest takes place on October 31 in downtown Anchorage, with participants of all ages marching in costume. The event is organized by the Anchorage Downtown Partnership and is free and open to the public. The parade is followed by a costume contest with prizes.
Firelight Book Club
Monthly adult book club meeting by the library fireplace. November selection: "Cabin 135: A Memoir of Alaska" by Katie Eberhart. Sponsored by the Wasilla Library Association.
Talkeetna Sewer & Water Board Regular Meeting
Regular meeting of the borough board that supports community communication concerning Talkeetna water and wastewater services.
Sitka WhaleFest
30th Annual Sitka WhaleFest hosted by Sitka Sound Science Center. Features science symposium, marine wildlife cruises, artisan market, music, local foods, art show, interactive student sessions, and fun run/walk.
Alaska Bald Eagle Festival
Annual wildlife festival in Haines celebrating the fall congregation of bald eagles along the Chilkat River. Features guided eagle viewing, educational talks, photography workshops, and Alaska Native cultural programs.
Challenge Alaska Film Night
Film screening fundraiser at Bear Tooth Theatrepub supporting adaptive sports and therapeutic recreation for people with disabilities.
Find things to do across Alaska
Anchorage, Mat-Su (Palmer and Wasilla), Fairbanks, Kenai, Juneau, and the rest of the state host markets, festivals, fundraisers, and community events year-round. FrostBoard collects them in one searchable calendar and keeps it up to date, listed by date, with no algorithm deciding what you see.
