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A community tradition since 1952
Each summer in mid-July, Fairbanks celebrates its golden roots with a truly Alaskan celebration, Golden Days. During the weeklong festival, presented by the Fairbanks Chamber of Commerce and a multitude of community partners, Fairbanks takes a step back in time to honor its rich Gold Rush and pioneer history.
A week full of things to do!
Family friendly and full of hometown pride, Golden Days is the perfect place to find fun and unique events. Golden Days features the largest parade in all of Alaska, a rubber duckie race, ceremonies and a street fair downtown. This year's theme is "Worth Your Weight In Gold." Check out the events below and don't miss out on the golden opportunity to have some good ol' Fairbanks fun!
2025 Golden Days Events
Golden Days Kick-Off Party – Business After Hours
Thursday, July 10, 2025 | 5:00pm to 8:00pm | Gather, 714 3rd Ave
The Golden Days Kick-Off Party brings together local professionals, business owners, and community leaders for a festive start to the summer’s most anticipated event. Enjoy complimentary appetizers, refreshing beverages, and the chance to connect with fellow business members in a relaxed, upbeat atmosphere. This is the perfect opportunity to make new connections, catch up with colleagues, and celebrate the vibrant spirit of our community. RSVP required.
Felix-Con Bar Crawl
Saturday, July 12, 2025 | 6:00pm to 8:30pm | Start at the Fairbanks Chamber of Commerce, 100 Cushman St
The Felix-Con features a Felix-Pedro look-alike contest and a bar crawl through downtown Fairbanks. Participants are encouraged to dress in old-timey attire or sport a mustache reminiscent of Felix Pedro, the Italian immigrant who discovered gold near Fairbanks in 1902—a find that spurred the city's gold rush and eventual founding.
A $10 admission grants entry into the costume contest, with the prize increasing as more participants join. Tickets can be purchased online or in person at the Chamber!
A prospector in the annual parade plays Felix Pedro, the Italian immigrant from Fanano, Italy that discovered gold near Fairbanks in 1902. [Photo: Greg Martin Photography]
Poke of Gold
Monday, July 14, 2025 | The first location clue will be posted here at 8am.
A Gold Nugget Scavenger Hunt! Look here at 8am on July 14, 2025 for clues.
The winner must redeem the scroll representing the poke in exchange for a GOLD NUGGET at the Fairbanks Chamber office. The clues will be posted on this page as well as the Greater Fairbanks Chamber of Commerce Facebook page!
Search for the Poke of Gold Rules & Regulations:
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Must be 18 years or older to participate, unless accompanied by a parent or guardian.
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The poke is hidden in an accessible location in a public space where no property will need to be damaged in order to find the poke.
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Participants must find the hidden poke of gold independently without seeking assistance from any businesses/organizations.
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Greater Fairbanks Chamber of Commerce employees or their relatives are not eligible to win.
Golden Days Luncheon
Tuesday, July 15, 2025 | Noon-1:30pm | Alaska Salmon Bake, 2300 Airport Way
The Golden Days Luncheon is a cherished community event that celebrates the city's rich history and vibrant spirit. The Dark Winter Nights group, known for sharing true stories from Alaska, will be the main presentation; offering engaging narratives that resonate with attendees. Their involvement adds a unique and personal touch to the luncheon, enhancing the overall experience.
Old Tyme Games
Wednesday, July 16, 2025 | 6:00pm, registration at 5:15pm | Pioneer Park, 2300 Airport Way (Map)
Old Tyme Games: A family-friendly event that includes various Old Tyme contests such as watermelon eating, pie eating, balloon toss, and water bucket brigade. While the games are mostly for children, these contests are fun for all!
Registration: Registration starts at 5:15 pm near Gold Rush Town and the gazebo with events starting at 6:00 pm. Limited spots available on a first-come, first-serve basis!
All ages are welcome to have some fun by participating in old-fashioned contests and activities at the annual Old Tyme Games. There's something for everyone!
Comedy Night
Thursday, July 17, 2025 | 7:00pm, doors open at 6:00pm | Pioneer Park Centennial Center. 2300 Airport Way
Get ready for a night of non-stop laughter with Andy Woodhull! Whether you're coming with friends or family, on a date, or flying solo, this is the perfect chance to unwind and enjoy a fun-filled evening of sharp wit, hilarious stories, and unexpected punchlines.
Pioneers of Alaska: Regents Tea & Mug-Up Dinner
Friday, July 18, 2025 | Regents Tea 1:00 pm, Mug-Up Dinner 5:30 pm | Pike’s Waterfront Lodge, 1850 Hoselton Rd
Free and open to the public, be treated with a full tea service featuring famous pioneer homemade delectable finger foods, light-hearted entertainment and some Fairbanks history. This is a good event if you want to get an inside peek into the pioneering days of Fairbanks.
Grande Parade
Saturday, July 19, 2025 | 10:00 am | Downtown Fairbanks
This is the pinnacle of Golden Days activities and the largest parade in Alaska! Hosting more than 100 entries, it includes marching bands, clowns, jugglers, antique cars, unicycle riders, and floats. Line up along the parade route and witness some gold fashioned community fun! Don’t forget to purchase your Rubber Duckie Race tickets from ticket sellers along the parade route!
Parade route:
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Begins at the Carlson Center on 1st Ave which turns into 2nd Ave
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Turns Right onto Barnette St
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Turns Left onto 2nd Ave and crosses over Cushman St
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Turns Right onto Noble St
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Ends at Co-op Market and Deli
Rubber Duckie Race
Saturday, July 19, 2025 | 3:00pm | Golden Heart Plaza (Map)
Each year, 8,000 rubber ducks race 1/4 mile down the Chena River from Wendell Street Bridge to Cushman Street Bridge. Prizes are awarded to the first 40 ducks. Pink tickets cost $5, and yellow tickets cost $10, with chances to win up to $5,000 or $10,000 respectively. At the end of the race, every duck is gathered up by a group of volunteers and reused for next year’s race.
Golden Days Street Fair
Saturday, July 19, 2025 | 9:00am to 5:00pm | Golden Heart Plaza (Map)
After the parade, be sure to head over to the Golden Days Street Fair! From delicious food trucks to face painting, crafters to amazing entertainers, there's much to see and do. Browse a large assortment of local vendors or check out the petting zoo and pony rides. It's fun for all ages and a great way to spend the day downtown.
If you miss Golden Days this year, have no fear; this event happens every year and always features fun entertainment, events, and local community history.
Mid-July is a wonderful time in Fairbanks because the World Eskimo-Indian Olympics and the Fairbanks Summer Arts Festival also take place during this time. Request a visitors guide for more ideas and information about planning your trip!
For more event information, please visit the Fairbanks Chamber of Commerce Golden Days page.
