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Tuesday, June 20, is the solstice in Anchorage, and there are plenty of events before, during and after the day to keep Alaskans occupied until the sun sets.
Live music, a marathon, midnight baseball, meditation and much more are in store.
Downtown Summer Solstice
Saturday, Anchorage
This year's celebration includes a sidewalk chalk art challenge, performances from Conway Seavey, the Alaska Native Heritage Center Cultural Dancers and Karen Asenati Brown, plenty of treats in the Taste of Anchorage Food Zone, opportunities to sit, sip and soak up the sun at the Petals & Spokes Beer Garden and a chance to cheer on Alaska first responders at the Hero Games. (anchoragedowntown.org)
The Mayor's Midnight Sun Marathon & Half Marathon
Saturday, Anchorage
Run in the sun in one of several simultaneous races. Choose from the Midnight Sun Marathon, Alaska Half-Marathon, Coastal 5K and the relay-style Buddy Half Marathon. The full marathon course runs from the foothills of the Chugach Mountains and through the Chester Creek trail before concluding in Delaney Park. Registration is $25-$95. (www.mayorsmarathon.com)
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Zoolstice Solstice Celebration
Saturday, Anchorage
Spend solstice with the animals at this family-friendly celebration at the Alaska Zoo. Zoolstice features arts and crafts, a petting zoo, scavenger hunt, and music from Meagan Hayes and the Gamma Rays and bluegrass artist Bob Fairchild. Free with zoo admission. (direct.alaskazoo.org)
Moose Pass Summer Solstice Festival
Saturday and Sunday, Moose Pass
Pretty Gritty, Old Timber and the Tanana Rafters are among the acts playing this year's Moose Pass Summer Solstice Festival. The event, started in 1978, also features a bake sale, beer garden, local vendor booths and carnival games. (Search "Moose Pass Summer Solstice Festival" to find details on Facebook)
Midnight Sun Festival
Sunday, downtown Fairbanks
Thousands of folks flood downtown Fairbanks each year for this solstice extravaganza. New this year are carnival rides and an event starring the Fairbanks Ladies of Wrestling. The fest will also entertain with more than 30 live performances on three stages from acts including Dead Calm, Cold Steel Pan Orchestra, North Star String and Goats With Headlamps. More than 100 vendors, a kids' activity park, and gold-panning are also on the fest menu. (downtownfairbanks.com)
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Flattop Hike
Tuesday, Anchorage
Hiking Flattop Mountain and admiring Anchorage from the peak is a solstice ritual for many. If you haven't tried it yet, this may be your year.
Silent Disco
Tuesday, downtown Anchorage
Put on some headphones and dance like nobody's listening on the Anchorage Museum lawn. DJs will spin from 9 p.m. to midnight, and refreshments will be available in the Muse Restaurant beer garden. The party will move inside the museum if the weather is bad. $20 admission includes headphones. Food and drink cost extra. (www.anchoragemuseum.org)
Black Sheep's Summer Solstice Comedy Show
Tuesday, Anchorage
Catch "Comedians and Craft Beer on a Crazy Tuesday" at this show hosted by 49th State Brewery. After the show, hit the Brewery's deck and enjoy the view. $10-$15. Visit the Eventbrite page.
Summer Solstice Cemetery Tour
Wednesday, Anchorage
Go on a guided walk in Anchorage Memorial Cemetery and hear actors present stories at gravesites from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. (Website)
Midnight Sun Game
Wednesday, Fairbanks
It's time to root, root, root for the Alaska Goldpanners Baseball Club or The San Diego Waves at Growden Memorial Park. This "high noon at midnight" baseball game has been a Fairbanks tradition since 1906. $25-$75. 907- 451-0095, (goldpanners.pointstreaksites.com)
Seldovia Summer Solstice Music Festival
June 22-25, Seldovia
Ferry Jams on the Seldovia Bay Ferry, live performances all over town, yoga and barbecues are all part of this solstice celebration in scenic Seldovia. A festival pass is $49 for adults and $16 for teens. Children under 12 are free. Single night performances are $25 for adults and $8 for teens. Purchase at the festival or Thyme on the Boardwalk, 184 Bay St. in Seldovia. 907-399-7379, (seldoviaartscouncil.net)
Summer Solstice 2017- Reborn
June 24, Willow
Get in the spirit of solstice at The Alaska Pagan Community Center's celebration at The Land in Willow. Attendees are invited to craft spells, awaken spirits, belly dance, meditate, and enjoy lunch, dinner and dessert. $25. $5 per tent for overnight camping. (pcc-ak.org)