Highlights this weekend at the Alaska State Fair

State Fair Parade and Family Day

Pre-game the fair by catching the floats and performers in the official State Fair Parade, which kicks off in downtown Palmer at 11 a.m. Saturday.
After the festivities, head to the fairgrounds for Family Day – kids age 12 and under get in free, with a suggested donation of two non-perishable food items per child. The fair is open from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday.

[Related: How to get to the Alaska State Fair by car, train or bus]

Rodeo champs

Alaska's top cowboys and cowgirls will compete in bull riding, breakaway roping, barrel racing, bareback riding, mutton bustin' and more. At 2 p.m. Saturday and Sunday at the RAM Trucks Grandstand. Tickets $10-$15 in addition to fair admission.

Byron Nicholai

Toksook Bay teen Byron Nicholai has won a passionate following for his Yupik drumming and music through his Facebook page "I Sing. You Dance." He'll perform at 2 and 5 p.m. Saturday. Check out more Alaska Native culture throughout the fair at the Dena' Stage at the Gathering Place, including the Inupiaq Blanket Toss at 6:30 p.m. Sunday.

The Band Perry

Sibling trio The Band Perry ("If I Die Young," "You Lie") will headline the first weekend of state fair music with their brand of rock 'n' roll-influenced country music. 7 p.m. Saturday at the Kendall Toyota Borealis Theater. Tickets $40-$75 in addition to fair admission.