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From April 22nd through August 20th, Fairbanks experiences the Midnight Sun Season, when daylight stretches around the clock and the sun barely dips below the horizon. This is a time of endless sunshine, adventure, and a packed calendar of unforgettable experiences.
In this guide, we highlight 10 of the biggest annual summer events in Fairbanks, but there’s so much more to explore! Be sure to check out the full events calendar to find even more things to do during your visit.
Fairbanks Summer Folk Festival
This whimsical summer festival celebrates all things music, dance, and community. A beloved tradition since 1987, the Summer Folk Festival brings people together in a welcoming, family-friendly atmosphere. The event typically includes a community potluck, music workshops, and concerts by incredible Alaskan musicians like Tim Vincent and Company and The Honeybucket Stringband. Open jam sessions and singing workshops are also festival favorites. This is the perfect event for live music enthusiasts.
When: June 6, 2026
Hours: Noon-10pm
Where: Ester Community Park, 3566 Old Nenana Highway
Cost: Free
More Information: Fairbanks Summer Folk Festival
Design Alaska Wild Arts Walk
Kick off solstice week immersed in art, nature, wildlife and summer sun! The Design Alaska Wild Arts Walk is a beautiful open-air event at the Creamer’s Field Migratory Waterfowl Refuge where visitors can stroll through scenic trails and shop for local art along the way! More than 30 talented local artists are set up throughout the refuge, selling paintings, photography, pottery, prints, and more. A highlight of the experience is the “Quick Art” showcase, where artists create original artwork in real time!
When: June 14, 2026
Hours: 11am-4pm
Where: Creamer's Field Migratory Waterfowl Refuge, 1300 College Rd
Cost: $5.00 per person (18+) & FREE for ages 17 & under. Each group receives a collector’s edition Wild Arts Walk mug (courtesy of Design Alaska) with admission!
More Information: Design Alaska Wild Arts Walk
Midnight Sun Baseball Game
Watch the Alaska Goldpanners take the field for the iconic Midnight Sun Baseball Game, a full game played without artificial lights, starting at 10pm. This historic “high noon at midnight” tradition dates back to 1906, when a bet between two local pubs led to some friendly competition and bragging rights.
The Midnight Sun Baseball Game has been held near the summer solstice for the past 120 years, attracting national attention from outlets such as ESPN, Conde Nast and The New York Times. It's listed as one of Baseball America's 12 Must-See Events.
When: June 19, 2026
Hours: 10pm
Where: Growden Field, 201 Wilbur St
Cost: General admission is $45. Visit https://alaska-goldpanners.square.site/ for full pricing details.
More Information: Midnight Sun Baseball Game
Midnight Sun Festival
Held annually in Fairbanks from noon to midnight on the weekend closest to the summer solstice, the Midnight Sun Festival celebrates the longest day of the year with nonstop summer fun. Downtown Fairbanks transforms into a lively street festival with music, local vendors, food trucks, dance, and endless entertainment. This is one of the most iconic events in all of Alaska, and a summer experience you won’t forget.
When: June 20, 2026
Hours: Noon-Midnight
Where: Downtown Fairbanks, 1st through 4th avenue
Cost: Free (food, beverage, amusement rides and vendor items available for purchase)
More Information: Midnight Sun Festival
Midnight Sun Run
This quirky, late night 10k kicks off at 10pm with a Jazzercise warm-up, live music, and a lively costume contest. Runners, walkers, and strollers take to the course that winds through local neighborhoods, where residents host outdoor parties to cheer them on. This is a unique Alaskan race that continues well past midnight. Don’t be fooled by the time though! The midnight sun will shine brightly during the entire race.
When: June 20, 2026
Hours: Registration and Bib Pickup, 4:00 - 9:00 p.m.; Starting Line Activities, 7:30 p.m.; Race Start, 10:00 p.m.
Where: UAF Patty Center, 1890 Tanana Loop E
Cost: Adults 13 and over: $40.00 Children 12 and under: $15.00
More Information: Midnight Sun Run
Midnight Sun Intertribal Pow Wow 2026
In an event like no other, the Midnight Sun Intertribal Pow Wow is an incredible opportunity to celebrate culture, learn, support, and participate in traditions of dance and music.
“The Midnight Sun Intertribal Pow Wow’s mission is to bring together Alaska Natives, American Indians, and First Nations People of Canada in a pow wow setting to share similarities and diversities; to honor the elders, children, and veterans. To educate and include the public in the heritage of the indigenous people of North America (MS Intertribal Pow Wow mission).”
When: July 10-12, 2026
Hours: Grand Entry July 10th: 6pm, July 11-12th: Noon
Where: Carlson Center, 2010 2nd Ave
Cost: Free
More Information: Midnight Sun Intertribal Pow Wow
Fairbanks Summer Arts Festival
Every summer, nearly 10,000 participants come together for a vibrant, multidisciplinary celebration featuring 100 workshops and over 100 events. This dynamic festival blends learning and performance across music, dance, visual arts, healing arts, culinary experiences, and more. Full of opportunities to create, connect, and be inspired, this event offers something for all ages and interests, making it one of the most engaging and immersive cultural experiences in Alaska.
When: July 12-26, 2026
Details vary by event. View the full schedule here.
World Eskimo-Indian Olympics (WEIO)
The World Eskimo-Indian Olympics are a multi-day, high energy celebration of Alaska Native heritage, where athletes come together to showcase strength, endurance, and skill rooted in centuries of tradition. From the knuckle hop and high kick to the blanket toss, the competitions are thrilling and unforgettable. Beyond the games, vibrant cultural pageantry, traditional dance and music create a lively atmosphere that celebrates community, pride and Alaska Native Culture. Visitors can also shop for Alaska Native arts and crafts directly from the artisans themselves.
When: July 15-18, 2026
Where: Carlson Center
Cost: Daytime events: Free. Evening events: General Admission (Ages 12-59): $15 Active Duty, Senior (60-79) & youth (6-12): $10 Children (0-5) & Elders (80+): Free. Season passes also available.
Details vary by event. View the full schedule at: World Eskimo-Indian Olympics
Golden Days
Each summer in mid-July, Fairbanks celebrates its rich history and community spirit with a truly Alaskan tradition, Golden Days. During this weeklong festival, Fairbanks takes a step back in time to honor its rich Gold Rush and pioneer history. Featuring the largest parade in all of Alaska, a rubber duckie race, ceremonies, a lively downtown street fair, and more, this is the perfect way to celebrate all things Alaska and gold.
When: July 18-25, 2026
Details vary by event. View the full schedule at: https://www.fairbankschamber.org/golden-days-2026
Tanana Valley State Fair
Each year, the ten-day Tanana Valley State Fair is a hallmark of good times and summer fun. With great food, carnival rides, livestock, exhibits, and entertainment, attending the fair is the perfect way to enjoy summer, make lasting memories, and celebrate community spirit. From 4-H livestock shows and craft displays to concerts and contests, the fair brings the whole community together in one lively place.
When: July 31 - August 9, 2026
Where: Tanana Valley Fairgrounds, 1800 College Rd
Cost: Daily Admission: $15 Adult; $10 Senior (60+), $8 Youth (5-14). Season Passes also available.
Details vary by day. View the full schedule at: https://www.tvsfa.org/events
Year-round fun in Fairbanks
Visit Fairbanks for the best year-round fun in all of Alaska. See the aurora, experience Midnight Sun Season, and have the adventure of a lifetime.
Fairbanks has tons of awesome events! Be sure to check out the events calendar for info on more summer events like the Downtown Market, Tanana Valley Farmers Market, Arctic Lightning Airshow and others.
