38 Best Performing Arts Venues in Alaska, USA

Now under the artistic direction of world-renowned cellist Zuill Bailey, this monthlong celebration in June attracts musicians from as far away as Europe and Asia for concerts and special events. Most performances are held at the Sitka Historical Society and Museum.

Hosted by the Sitka Sound Science Center, this four-day festival and scientific symposium is held around town in early November, when the whales are plentiful (as many as 80) and tourists are not. Events include lectures, concerts, races, and cruises.

The monthlong celebration known as Winterfest encourages visitors to visit Talkeetna during the very snowy and very cold month of December, offering plenty of activities, events, and live music. Part of this is the tongue-in-cheek Wilderness Woman Contest, where women compete in a variety of events like fishing, sawing wood, and yes, sandwich prep (that’s the tongue-in-cheek part, don’t worry). Afterward, women are invited to the annual Bachelor Auction & Ball, where they can purchase a dance from any of Talkeetna’s eligible bachelors. Proceeds from both events go to funding local domestic violence programs.

This weeklong event in early August is Interior Alaska's largest annual gathering. If you've ever wondered just what a 50-pound cabbage looks like, this fair might be your best chance to find out. You can also peruse the handiwork of local artisans.

Since 1927 locals and visiting actors have performed a show at Eagles Hall called The Days of '98 with Soapy Smith. You'll see cancan dancers (including Molly Fewclothes, Belle Davenport, and Squirrel Tooth Alice), learn a little local history, and watch desperado Soapy Smith being sent to his reward. At the evening show you can enjoy a few warm-up rounds of mock gambling with Soapy's money. Performances of Robert Service poetry start a half hour before showtime. Shows take place from one to four times daily, from mid-May through mid-September.

An ice-sculpting extravaganza, these competitive events that unfold from late February to late March draw ice artists from around the world.

The early February Yukon Quest calls itself the "toughest sled dog race in the world," passing through historic early-gold-rush territory. In odd-numbered years the 1,000-mile race starts in Whitehorse, in even-numbered ones in Fairbanks. Both the start and finish are festive events, with huge crowds on hand even when the temperatures plunge.