Events by Month

Take a look at the annual events below that take place in the valley every year.

January
Willow - Willow Winter Carnival: Includes dogsled racing, snowmobile racing, cross-country ski event, log chopping, arts and crafts, trade fair and talent show. Last weekend of January and the first weekend of February. Contact (907) 495-6633.

February
Wasilla / Big Lake - Iron Dog Snowmachine Race: World's longest snowmachine race. The Pro Race class covers 1,971 miles of unforgiving Alaskan terrain from Big Lake to Nome, and on to Fairbanks. Third Sunday in February. Contact (907) 563-4414.

Wasilla - Iditarod Days Festival: Activities include XC ski race, softball tournament, ice fishing derby, snowmachine events, kids events, crafts and trade show. Ten days of festivities ending with the Iditarod Restart on Sunday after first Saturday in March. Contact (907) 376-1299.

March
Trapper Creek - Trapper Creek Cabin Fever Reliever: Winter carnival including family events such as northernmost swimsuit competition. Fourth Saturday of March.
 
Willow - Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Restart: World-class sporting event covered by news media from around the world. Starts in Anchorage on the first Saturday of March, restarts the following day on Willow Lake and concludes in Nome 10-20 days later. The Willow area affords a multitude of viewing opportunities at the starting line in the city and along the trail. Sponsored by Iditarod Trail Committee, Inc. Contact (907) 376-5155.

April
Sutton - Annual Coal Miners' Ball: Fourth Saturday of April. Alpine Civic Club and Community Council. (907) 745-3395.

May
Palmer - Memorial Day Observance Ceremonies: Memorial Day Observance in recognition of today's veterans and in remembrance of those who served. All Alaskans are invited to attend the ceremonies. Held at the Veterans Wall of Honor next to the Mat-Su Visitors Center, Mile 35.5 Parks Hwy. Contact (907) 376-8810.

June
Palmer - Palmer Colony Days: Festival honoring the people who came in 1935 to start a farming colony. Parade, colony family reception, arts and crafts fair, children's games and contests, horse drawn wagon rides, 5K and 10K races, shopping cart races, nurseryman's market, and much more! Friday through Sunday, second weekend in June. Contact (907) 745-2880.

Big Lake - Big Lake Summer Solstice Festival: Boat and street parades, family fun and activities, Solstice celebration, dance, bonfire parade, water sports and games, and triathlon. Weekend of summer solstice in June. Contact (907) 892-6109.

July
Sutton - Old Timer's Picnic: Potluck honoring the Sutton coal miners. Contact (907) 745-3395.

Palmer - Palmer Pride Picnic: Free picnic with music and awards. Provided by the business community. Fourth Friday in July. Contact (907) 745-2880.
 
Wasilla - Independence Day Celebration: Includes fireworks, parade, kids' events and a 5K walk/run race. July 4th weekend. Contact (907) 376-1299.

August
Houston - Houston Founder's Day: Live band, free BBQ, fireworks. Third Saturday in August. (907) 373-0826.

Palmer - Alaska State Fair: Alaska's largest event combines delicious food booths, legendary giant vegetables, and nonstop entertainment for the whole family. Eleven days of fair fun ending on Labor Day each year. Contact (907) 745-4827.

September
Back to school! High school homecoming football games happening throughout the Valley.

October
Trick-or-treat! Stock up on all that candy now.

November
Palmer - Veterans Day Ceremonies: The public is invited to attend the annual Veterans Day ceremonies to salute America's veterans. Held at the Veterans Wall of Honor next to the Mat-Su Visitors Center, Mile 35.5 Parks Hwy. Contact (907) 376-8810.

Happy Thanksgiving! Local organizations provide food baskets to needy families throughout the Valley. Donations are always welcome.

December
Palmer - Colony Christmas Celebration: A Norman Rockwell Christmas celebration! Horse drawn sleigh or wagon rides, reindeer sled rides, parade, community Christmas tree lighting and caroling, arts and crafts fair, entertainment, visits with Santa, contests, fireworks and more. Second Friday and Saturday in December. (907) 745-2880.

Talkeetna - Talkeetna Winterfest: Month-long celebration in December. Features the internationally recognized Bachelor Society Ball/Wilderness Woman Contest and includes the Parade of Lights, community Christmas tree lighting ceremony, "Celebrity Trees" unveiling and auction, guest artists, gingerbread contest, treasure hunt and much more. (907) 733-1234.