Mat-Su Valley Blog

May 7-13 is National Travel & Tourism Week, which highlights the tourism industry and the many benefits it provides to our communities. This year the theme is "Travel Forward." It celebrates the industry's critical role in powering economies, communities and connections. Travel matters to the...

Despite having a lot of snow on the ground still, the first sign of spring is this weekend - the annual Mat-Su Outdoorsman Show at the Menard Center. You know that summer can't be too far away once the outdoor show season starts, and the Mat-Su show is the first one up on the calendar this year....

The 2023 Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race officially gets started Sunday, March 5 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 4. That day does not count in the...

This weekend, spirits will be raised in Talkeetna in celebration of local art, culture, food and drink, as the first Raising Spirits event is hosted by the Denali Arts Council. The festival features an afternoon of delicious local cocktails and spirits from Denali Brewing Company, Denali Spirits,...

The 61st annual Willow State Winter Carnival kicks off this weekend, with a jam-packed schedule of events celebrating the season. Traditionally, the Willow State Winter Carnival spans two weekends, and that's the case again in 2023. Events run Feb. 17-19 and then again on Feb. 24-26. On Friday, the...

The world's longest snowmobile race officially kicks off next week in Big Lake, as the Iron Dog roars to a start. The Expedition Class begins on Wednesday, Feb. 15, while the Pro Class racers hit the trail starting at 10 a.m. on Friday, Feb. 17. Pro Class racers will line up at the starting chute...

National Plan for Vacation Day is a day to encourage Americans to plan their vacation days for the whole year at the start of the year—and inspire them to use those days to explore far and wide. It highlights the importance of taking time off to travel — both for personal well-being and for the...

Talkeetna is the place to be the first weekend in February, as the second-annual Talkeetna Ice Festival includes a packed schedule of fun events. The almost week-long event is sponsored by the Denali Arts Council. The carving begins on Wednesday, Feb. 1 in the Village Park, for novice and expert...

The Last Frontier Pond Hockey Classic is back in Big Lake, with more than 150 hockey teams playing February 24-26 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 Palmer Midsummer Garden & Arts Faire truly celebrates all things Alaska this weekend in downtown Palmer. The faire is one of Palmer's best annual events, with activities taking place throughout the downtown area, including live music, demonstrations, food trucks, activities and more. This year...