Celebrate Fourth of July in the Mat-Su

There’s something special about the Fourth of July in the Mat-Su. Towns across the region mark the day with parades, cookouts, and unique traditions that bring people together.

Wasilla

In Wasilla, July 4 opens with a fanfare: the parade rolls through downtown starting promptly at 11:00 a.m., drawing a crowd eager for floats, marching bands, and fire trucks. After the march, everyone heads to Iditarod Park, where the Mayor’s Picnic offers free food, live music, and laid‑back summer camaraderie. If you’re looking for true 4th of July Alaska energy, start here!

Talkeetna

Talkeetna keeps it playful. Their Independence Day parade launches down Main Street—and for extra flair, loops back in reverse. It’s short, sweet, and uniquely Talkeetna, full of handmade floats, classic trucks, and plenty of Alaskan spirit. Afterward, stroll nearby for live music or a cold drink as the town settles into its own summertime rhythm.

Glacier View

In Glacier View, Independence Day takes a flying leap! The Glacier View car launch takes place on July 4, with gates opening at 8:30 a.m. and the first cars launched around 2:00 p.m. Enjoy music, eats and good company as you watch vehicle after vehicle sent flying off a 300-foot cliff to the cheers of the freedom-loving crowd!

Tickets usually sell out, so plan ahead! A wristband gets you access to tailgates, food vendors, and plenty of jaw-dropping action.

Willow

Willow keeps things relaxed—and that’s part of the charm. The celebration kicks off with a community parade through town. Afterward, everyone heads to the Willow Community Center for a picnic at 1:00 p.m. It’s a laid-back, neighborly kind of Fourth: burgers on the grill, plenty of sunshine, and no rush to be anywhere else.

FAQs: Mat-Su Fourth of July

Where can I watch fireworks in the Mat‑Su Valley?

In the Mat-Su Valley, Fourth of July celebrations are all about daytime fun. With Alaska’s extended summer daylight, sunset often comes well after 11:00 p.m. As such, traditional fireworks shows are few and far between. Instead, folks around the Mat-Su make the most of the sunshine with parades, picnics, and all-day cookouts! 

What is the Glacier View Car Launch?

It’s exactly what it sounds like: old vehicles, drained of their fuels and chemicals as much as possible, are sent hurdling off a cliff into a valley below. It happens every July 4th, and yes—it’s as bold and unforgettable as it sounds! The event takes place along the Matanuska River near Glacier View, where spectators gather below the ridge to watch cars soar into the air in a uniquely Alaskan celebration of freedom (and gravity)! Car enthusiasts travel across the country to witness this unbelievable event.