Mat-Su Valley Blog

The 2026 Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race officially starts Sunday, March 8 in Willow, as mushers depart for Nome, 1,100 grueling miles away. This is officially called the Iditarod "Restart" because there is a ceremonial start in Anchorage on Saturday, March 7. That day does not count in the standings...

The world's longest snowmobile race officially kicks off next week in Big Lake, as the Iron Dog roars to a start. Pro Class racers hit the trail starting on Saturday, Feb. 14, followed by the Expedition Class. Pro Class racers will line up at the starting chute and depart in 2-minute intervals, with...

The Last Frontier Pond Hockey Classic is back in Big Lake, with more than 150 hockey teams playing February 20-22 for Alaska's largest outdoor hockey event. On the ice near Burkeshore Marina in Big Lake, 20 outdoor rinks will host 10 divisions of four-on-four hockey. The event is hosted by the...

The 64th annual Willow State Winter Carnival kicks off this weekend, with a jam-packed schedule of events celebrating the season. Known as the dog mushing capital of the world, Willow is a great weekend destination in The Mat-Su where visitors can take dog sledding tours and get a taste of the...

Talkeetna is the place to be from January 31 through February 8, as the fifth annual Talkeetna Ice Festival includes a packed schedule of fun events. All the festivities are organized by the Denali Arts Council. An ice carving competition begins on Saturday, January 31 in the Village Park, for...

Communities across the United States have participated in Audubon's Christmas Bird Count for over a century. Wherever your travels take you during the holidays, there's likely a Christmas Bird Count you can participate in. This holds true in The Mat-Su. Conducted by the local Mat-Su Birders club,...

There is simply no better way to get into the holiday spirit than a visit to Colony Christmas in downtown Palmer. People in that community come together to make it one of the most memorable weekends on the calendar. From a parade of lights and fireworks to outdoor events and Santa Claus, Colony...

The Su Dog 300 Sled Dog Race is proud to announce the Start Line Party for the inaugural race on Saturday, February 21, 2026. Twenty dog teams will start at 2 p.m. at the Willow Community Center and travel 300 miles across the Susitna Valley. All are welcome to join organizers at the starting line...

One of the Valley's top Christmas traditions is back for another year, as the Bright Up the Night light display will open at the Alaska State Fair on Thanksgiving. The Bright Up the Night event at the fair consists of more than 70 holiday light displays across the fairgrounds. It's the largest...

This is such a fun time of year in the Mat-Su Valley. Fall colors are popping everywhere, the harvest is in, and everyone is in the mood to celebrate the changing seasons! Here are a few events taking place in the Valley this fall. Make plans to come out and enjoy the festivities! 1. Rebarchek...