Arts and Entertainment

Here’s what’s coming in the Alaska State Fair’s fun-filled final days

If you haven't yet made it to the Alaska State Fair, don't despair. The final days are packed with performances and events. Here are some end-of-fair highlights:

The Giant Cabbage Weigh-Off

Will there be a head big enough to beat Scott A. Robb's world record-setting 138.25-pound cabbage in 2012? Find out when cabbage growers from around the state gather to see if their overgrown produce is prize-worthy at the 22nd Annual Giant Cabbage Weigh-Off. The young growers of the junior division will also get a chance to show off their very big vegetables.

Cabbage weigh-off is at 7 p.m. Friday, Sept. 1 at farm exhibits

[Video: 2017 Pumpkin weigh-off at the Alaska State Fair]

Spirit – The 7th Fire of Alaska

Soak up the sounds of Alaska Native culture when the Alaska Native Heritage Center, Alaska Dance Theatre and Theatre Artists United perform a trio of songs from their critically acclaimed production, "Spirit – The 7th Fire of Alaska." The show is an Alaska Native adaptation of Peter Buffet's "Spirit – The 7th Fire."

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1 p.m. and 4 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 3, Dena' Stage

DNCE

Get up and dance to DNCE, a high-energy L.A.-based rock band fronted by Joe Jonas. With its top 10 single "Cake by the Ocean," a recent tour with Selena Gomez and a collaboration with Nicki Minaj on the song "Kissing Strangers," DNCE is a hot ticket. $45 for lawn; $60 for reserved seating (plus fair admission).

3 p.m. Monday, Sept. 4, Borealis Theatre

Silent disco

Slide on some headphones and move and groove at the fair's first silent disco. This curiously quiet dance party is presented by Silent Events, a company that has put on silent discos at Bonnaroo and Vans Warped Tour. There will also be a Silent Disco Kids' Dance Party featuring Clifford The Big Red Dog.

8:30 p.m. Friday, Sept. 1 and Saturday, Sept. 2, Borealis Plaza Tent. Silent Disco Kids' Dance Party, 5 p.m. Friday, Sept. 1 and Saturday, Sept. 2.

Bobby D. and Jack

What are Robert DeNiro and Jack Nicholson doing at the Alaska State Fair? Well, they're not actually there, but some very convincing  impersonators will be making folks do double takes and undoubtedly asking for some, "You talkin' to me?" and, "You can't handle the truth!" Take a selfie with the duo and tell your friends they're the real deal. This is the first year Bobby D. and Jack are making an appearance.

1 p.m. Friday, Sept. 1 through Monday, Sept. 4, around the grounds

Demolition Derby

See which vehicle can take the worst beating during this smashing display of destruction. $12 for ages 13 and up, $8 for kids ages 6-12. Kids under 5 get in free.

6 p.m. Friday, Sept. 1, Ram Truck Grandstand

Karaoke Contest Finale

Lend your ears to some of Alaska's finest karaoke artists as they croon for cash and prizes.

7 p.m. Friday, Sept. 1, SBS Woodlot

For a full schedule and more information on events, visit alaskastatefair.org.

Tamara Ikenberg

Tamara Ikenberg is a former reporter for Alaska Dispatch News.

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