15 things to check out on the final weekend of the Alaska State Fair

This is the final weekend to experience the fun, food and frivolity of the 2024 Alaska State Fair. There are still plenty of concerts, myriad rides and a cornucopia of corn dogs available to fair-goers during the final weekend.

Sunday is Military Appreciation Day and all military personnel receive admission for just $5. That includes active or retired military and veterans, and each member can bring three dependents for the discounted price. Monday is First Responders Day, and police, firefighters and EMS workers can receive $5 admission with valid ID. The fair closes at 8 p.m. Monday, which is Labor Day.

Thursday

Cosplay Contest: 4 p.m. at Events Tent

Dress up as your favorite character and compete in youth and adult categories. Attendees can meet the contestants from 11 a.m.– 6 p.m. Sign-up for the contest is at 3:30 p.m. and the actual contest starts at 4 p.m.

West Alaska Yup’ik Dancers: Noon/3:30 p.m. at The Gathering Place

One of the state’s favorite cultural dance groups takes the stage for two performances.

Summer Barrel Series: 6 p.m. at France Equestrian Center

Some of Alaska’s best riders compete in barrel racing and pole bending.

Friday

MSBSD Career And Technical Education Showcase: Noon-5 p.m. at Events Tent

Explore robotics, an interactive broadcast simulator and check out programs like Girls Who Code at this educational showcase that allows students to get their hands dirty.

28th Annual Giant Cabbage Weigh-Off: 6 p.m. at Craig Taylor Farm Exhibits

Will any world record head of cabbage emerge from this year’s fair? It’s happened before, so head to the fair to check out which growers will take home a share of more than $2,000 in prizes.

Demolition Derby: 6 p.m. at MTA Grandstand

Vroom vroom, crash crash. Check out which vehicle can withstand the greatest amount of damage and continue to operate. Tickets are $15 for ages 13 and up, $11 for ages 6-12 and ages 2-5 are free.

Saturday

All Star Monster Trucks: 1 p.m./5 p.m. at MTA Grandstand

Four trucks compete in a wheelie contest, full-throttle side-by-side racing, and a no-holds-barred freestyle. You can also catch the show at the same times on Sunday. Tickets are $17 for ages 13 and up, $12 for ages 6-12 and $7 for ages 2-5.

Beard Contest: 2 p.m. at SBS Woodlot

There are four categories — Urban Alaskan, Soup Strainer, Colonist and Homesteader — with the winner of each division moving on to compete for the Mr. Sourdough title. Sign-ups start at 1:30 p.m. with cash, prizes and pride on the line.

Fiddle Contest: 11 a.m. at Alyeska Pipeline Colony Stage

Alaska’s finest fiddlers rosin up the bow and compete for cash and bragging rights. There’s always a chance to dance on grass in front of the stage.

Sunday

Homesteader Games: 4 p.m. at SBS Woodlot

There are men’s and women’s divisions in axe throwing, water hauling, cross-cut saw and wood splitting. Sign-up starts at 3:30 p.m. and entrants must be at least 18 to compete.

Alaska Beef Showdown: 11 a.m. at Events Tent

Local chefs compete in three categories using USDA-graded beef and Alaska-grown vegetables. Fair-goers can sample and vote for their favorite. Tastings are at 12:30 p.m., 2:30 p.m. and 4:30 p.m.

Yodeling Contest: 4 p.m. at Craig Taylor Farm Exhibits

Whether it’s “The Lonely Goatherd” or a Jimmie Rodgers blue yodel, warm up your voice and give it a shot.

Monday

Alaska’s Got Talent Finals: 2 p.m. at Alyeska Pipeline Colony Stage

The top 10 performers from the preliminary rounds advance to compete for $2,500 against statewide winners from other fairs in Alaska.

Twindly Bridge Robotics: Noon at the Events Tent

Lego robotics and competitions for kids to enjoy and engage with.

Cookie Decorating For Kids: 2 p.m. at Hoskins Exhibits

There will be 200 cookies for kids to decorate and consume.

This week’s main stage Borealis Theatre concerts

• Thursday: Ready for some reggae? Hawaiian group Kolohe Kai is led by singer-songwriter Roman De Peralta. The band’s debut “This is the Life” spawned hits “Ehu Girl” and “Cool Down.” Concert at 7 p.m.; doors open at 5:30 p.m.; tickets cost $59 for reserved seating/$45 for lawn seating.

• Friday: British Columbia-rooted band Theory Of A Deadman has produced a collection of major hits, including double-platinum “Bad Girlfriend” and triple-platinum “RX (Medicate).” Concert at 7 p.m.; doors open at 5:30 p.m.; tickets cost $49 for reserved seating/$39 for lawn seating.

• Saturday: Whiskey Myers brings a countrified Southern rock sound to the fair. The Texas band’s recent hit “John Wayne” was the No. 17 most-played Americana song of 2022. Concert at 7 p.m.; doors open at 5:30 p.m.; tickets cost $79 for reserved seating/$59 for lawn seating.

• Sunday: Upstart Oliver Anthony hit the scene with the viral hit “Rich Men North of Richmond.” This show is sold out.

• Monday: There aren’t many genres that Stephen Sanchez doesn’t dabble in, from soul to folk to rock. Just 21, the Nashville-based troubadour broke out with the viral song “Lady by the Sea.” Concert at 3 p.m.; doors open at 1:30 p.m.; tickets cost $49 for reserved seating/$39 for lawn seating.