Alaska State Fair in Palmer: Mat-Su Valley’s Largest Event

The Alaska State Fair

The Heart Of an Alaska Summer

The Alaska State Fair in Palmer is more than just a festival. It is a testament to the enduring agricultural legacy and community pride of the Matanuska-Susitna Borough. For over 80 years, locals and visitors have gathered in the The Mat-Su to celebrate the end of summer under the midnight sun, making this the state’s most anticipated annual tradition.

A man proudly displays a massive cabbage at an indoor agricultural event in Mat-Su, Alaska

Yes. Those Giant Vegetables.

Thanks to The Mat-Su’s rich glacial soil and nearly 20 hours of summer sunlight, the Fair is home to world-record-breaking produce. From 100-pound cabbages to massive pumpkins, these agricultural wonders are a testament to the fearless craftsmanship of our local farmers. Don’t miss the chance to see these grown in the Mat-Su giants at the livestock and produce exhibits.

A vintage-style poster advertising an evening with CAKE at the Alaska State Fair on August 27, 2020, featuring an illustration of two men in a horse-drawn carriage with a giant cabbage in Mat-Su, Alaska

Entertainment

Beyond the farm, the Fair serves as Alaska’s premier entertainment hub. The Borealis Theatre hosts national headliners across every genre, while the fairgrounds buzz with local musicians, lumberjack shows, and street performers. It is a vibrant display of the creative energy that defines life in the heart of Alaska.

A Feast for the Senses

The Mat-Su knows how to fair well. Indulge in local favorites like Denali Cream Puffs, fresh Alaskan seafood, and deep-fried treats that make for a dining experience as grand as the surrounding Chugach Mountains.

Dates

The fair typically runs from late August through Labor Day. Check out this year’s exact dates and details.

Location

Plan your visit to the Alaska State Fairgrounds in Palmer, AK to make the most of your time.

Highlights

Concerts, giant vegetable weigh-offs, carnival rides, and hundreds of local Alaska vendors.

Explore the Fair

Browse the schedule to find the official concert lineup, ticketing information, and daily schedules to help you plan your perfect day at the Alaska State Fair.

BUILD YOUR OWN ADVENTURE

Our multi-day itineraries are filled with helpful suggestions as you sculpt your own Alaska journey. If you’re staying in nearby Anchorage, check out our day-trip ideas.