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Alaska State Fair
11 a.m.-10 p.m. Thursday-Monday; Alaska State Fairgrounds, 2075 Glenn Highway in Palmer
Alaska’s biggest summertime gathering rolls into its second weekend, with rides, concerts, contests, food, fun and much more. Parking is free in 2024, and fair admission starts at $16 with $9 admission for seniors and youths ages 6-12. There are also specials this weekend for Kids’ Day, Family Day and AARP Day. There’s plenty to see and do on the fair’s second weekend, which runs through Monday. The fair takes Tuesday and Wednesday off before firing back up on Thursday, Aug. 29.
Homer Invasion
7 p.m. Friday and Saturday; Van’s Dive Bar, 1027 E. Fifth Ave.
This two-night showcase of Homer bands includes a dozen acts representing genres including metal, hardcore, grind core, punk, funk and rock. Suggested donation of $15.
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Arctic Cross
9:30 a.m. Saturday; Russian Jack Cartee Fields, 801 Pine St.
The first race of the season is Saturday with races in various divisions for men, women, juniors and kiddo kross. Registration for adults is $25 in advance or $29 on race day. Juniors and kids race for free.
Hmong Festival
10 a.m. Saturday/Sunday; Delaney Park Strip, West Ninth Avenue
Celebrate the Hmong New Year with Hmong culture, food, traditional clothing and entertainment. There will be vendors, a talent show, soccer and more.
Anchorage Hobby Fest
1 p.m. Saturday; The Dome, 699 W. Dowling Road
More than 13 hobby clubs will be in attendance for this annual gathering. That includes RC racing, rocketry, model trains, pinewood derby and more. Admission is $5, and kids 12 and under attend for free.
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UAA Campus Kickoff
2-6 p.m. Saturday; UAA Student Union and Avis Alaska Sports Complex, 3211 Providence Drive
The Campus Kickoff is a great way for UAA students, staff and faculty to get together to connect and celebrate the beginning of the school year. There will be representatives from campus groups and student organizations, live music and food as well as the Seawolf Hockey Puck Shoot and Canoe Battleship.