As the Fourth of July weekend approaches, Anchorage and its neighboring areas are bursting with celebrations and activities. Whether you’re staying in town or planning a road trip, there’s something to suit everyone’s taste this holiday weekend.
**Annual Fourth of July Celebrations**: Kick off Independence Day in style in downtown Anchorage, where the festivities begin with a parade at 11 a.m. on Friday. After the parade, the Delaney Park Strip will transform into a vibrant celebration area featuring live music, food booths, carnival rides, and crafts to enjoy all day long. As a bonus, if you’re still downtown that evening for First Friday, the Anchorage Museum will be offering free admission from 6 to 9 p.m.
Meanwhile, if you find yourself in Eagle River, local festivities commence a day early on Thursday with an Independence Day Celebration at Lions Club Park from 6 to 9 p.m. Here, residents can enjoy music by the Glacier Blues Band, browse local vendors, and kick back in a community beer garden. The night will conclude with a midnight fireworks show, lighting up the sky in celebration of the holiday.
Not far from Anchorage, Wasilla will also celebrate with its parade, themed “Front Porch Freedom – Celebrating Local Traditions,” starting at 11 a.m. on Friday. Following the parade, locals can gather at Iditarod Park from 1 to 3 p.m. for the Mayor’s Picnic, complete with free food and live music, perfect for a laid-back summer afternoon.
**Mount Marathon in Seward**: For those seeking adventure, Seward is the place to be. The Independence Day festivities kick off on Thursday with a boat parade at 11 p.m., followed by a spectacular midnight fireworks display. On Friday, the Mount Marathon Race will draw athletes from near and far as they challenge themselves to run up and down the dramatic 3,000-foot peak. Visitors can also explore local vendors showcased downtown throughout the holiday weekend.
**Glacier View Car Launch**: If you’re inclined to drive north, the Glacier View Car Launch on Friday offers a thrilling spectacle. Watch as various cars are launched off a 300-foot cliff, an event that promises entertainment for all ages. Doors open at 8:30 a.m., and admission prices are set at $31 for adults and $13 for children. A discount is available for military members and veterans, but be sure to purchase tickets in advance!
**Baseball and Fireworks**: Families can also enjoy a night of baseball at Mulcahy Stadium on Friday when the Anchorage Glacier Pilots take on the Anchorage Bucs in a doubleheader starting at 7 p.m. Fireworks will cap off the festivities after the second game, making it a perfect way to spend the evening with family. Tickets to the game are priced at $10 and can be bought at the gate.
**Forest Fair in Girdwood**: Celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the Forest Fair at Girdwood’s annual festival on Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Enjoy dancing, local art, and delicious food throughout the event. For those who prefer not to drive, commuter buses are available from the University Center in Anchorage, costing just $5 each way.
**Jazz in the Park**: The good times don’t end with the Fourth! Swing by Peratrovich Park in downtown Anchorage on Saturday from 4 to 6 p.m. for Jazz in the Park, where you can enjoy rhythms from the JD Latin Jazz Quintet, a group inspired by Brazilian and Afro-Cuban sounds. This free weekly event is hosted by the Alaska Jazz Workshop and is not to be missed.
**Guided Berry Hike**: Rounding off the weekend, gather friends and family for a guided hike at the Eagle River Nature Center on Sunday at 2 p.m. The Red, White, and Blue(berry) hike will focus on safe berry foraging and plant identification. With registration limited to just 15 participants, it’s imperative to sign up early for this free event.
**Fireworks Reminder**: Please be aware that all fireworks are illegal in the Municipality of Anchorage and can incur fines of up to $300. In the neighboring Matanuska-Susitna Borough, fireworks are only permissible on New Year’s Eve. Additionally, due to fire hazards, the Bureau of Land Management has restricted fireworks and open fires in the Interior region. Enjoy a safe and festive Independence Day weekend!
image source from：alaskapublic
