Fair Info

 Admission

Prices:

If you purchase admission before August 25:

Monday – Thursday: $9 adults, $5 youth/senior
Friday – Sunday: $11 adults, $6 youth/senior

If you purchase admission on or after August 25 the following gate prices are in effect:

Monday – Thursday: $11 adults, $7 youth/senior
Friday – Sunday: $13 adults, $8 youth/senior

Note: Senior are 65+, adults are ages 13 – 64, youth are 6 – 12, 5 and under are free.

Is Fair admission included in my Grandstand/concert ticket?:

No, you will need to buy your admission ticket before you arrive or purchase at one of the four gates in order to get into the Fair for a concert or Grandstand event. More information on this topic is included in one of our previous blog posts.

What are the hours?:

On weekdays (Monday — Friday), we’re open from noon to 10 p.m. On weekends (Saturday — Sunday), we’re open from 10 a.m. – 10 p.m. On Labor Day, the Fair is open from 10 a.m. – 8 p.m.

Where is the Fair located?:

The fairgrounds are located just an hour’s drive north of Anchorage at mile 40 on the Glenn Highway. Our address is 2075 Glenn Hwy. Palmer, Alaska 99654. Google Map

Once at the Fair there are four entrance gates. Three gates, the Purple, Red and Yellow, have parking areas. The fourth, the Green Gate, serves as a drop-off and pick-up zone, and as the depot for the Fair Train. No parking fee is required to access the drop-off or pick-up areas at the entrance to the Green Gate. Access is from the Inner Springer Road at the north end of the fairgrounds.

For more information, view the map on our website or download the new FREE Fair mobile app by Alaska App, which includes an interactive map with GPS-driven directions.

What items should I NOT bring to the Fair?:

We ask that you not bring the following unauthorized items on to Fair property: Firearms, knives or weapons of any kind are strictly prohibited. Animals, except for service animals, Alcoholic beverages,  Bicycles, scooters, roller blades, roller skates or skateboards

We also ask that you please refrain from unauthorized: Soliciting, Distributing materials, Smoking, except in designated areas (find out more about our smoking policy on our blog)

You can read more about the Fair “welcome policy” on our blog.]

Ways to Save

Are there discounts?:

You can save on admission by purchasing before August 25. Admission tickets are on sale at the Fair website now (convenience fees apply).  Starting on August 25, gate prices are in effect.  

$2 Buck Thursday:

On opening day, Thursday, August 25, daily admission bought at the Fair gates between noon – 2 p.m. is only $2.

Military Discount:

We’re pleased to offer a discount for members of the military, available on Elmendorf Air Force Base at Information Tickets and Travel. Tickets are $9.75 for adults or $6.25 for youth/seniors, and are good any day of the Fair (available on Elmendorf Air Force Base).

6 Pack $60:

With our admission 6-pack, you can save up to $18 on six adult daily admissions! Or pick up a youth or senior 6-pack for just $30. These are good any day of the Fair. Order online by August 24 (convenience fees apply).

Dr. Pepper Presents Buddy Days:

On Wednesday and Thursday, August 31 and September 1, from noon – 5 p.m., you can:

Save at Fair gates: Beginning August 11, pick up a Dr. Pepper Buddy Days coupon at any Holiday Store (while supplies last, no purchase required). Turn the coupon in at the Fair gate and, with your purchase of an admission ticket, receive a second ticket of equal or lesser value.

Save at the carnival: Buy your tickets to ride and your buddy rides FREE from noon – 5 p.m. on Buddy Days (no coupon required to enjoy Buddy Days at the carnival). Please note that the carnival is operated by Golden Wheel Amusements and not the Fair.  

Season Pass:

Our new season pass includes admission all 12 days of the Fair, a general season parking permit* and ticket to your choice of Foghat or Rat Pack Revue (general admission) or Original Synners or the Demolition Derby. The pass is $50 for adults or $30 for youth/seniors, and is available on the Fair website June 1 – July 31.

* Parking permit included only with adult or senior season pass purchase. Not included with youth season passes.

Kids’ Day:

On Friday, August 26, MTA presents Kids’ Day, and children 12 and under attend the Fair FREE this day!

Family Day:

On Saturday, August 27, BP presents Family Day at the Fair. Kids 12 and under receive FREE admission to the Fair on this day, thanks to BP

Getting to the Fair

See our Fairgoer Map. Use the interactive Map or print it.
More Info >>

The fairgrounds are located just an hour's drive north of Anchorage at Mile 40 on the Glenn Highway. Once at the Fair, there are four entrance gates. Three gates, the Purple, Red and Yellow have parking areas.

Green Gate Information
The fourth, the Green Gate serves as a drop-off and pick-up zone, and as the depot for the Fair Train. No parking fee is required to access the entrance area to the Green Gate. Access is from the Inner Springer Road at the north end of the fairgrounds.

Parking at the Fair

Handicap accessible parking is available at the Red, Yellow and Purple Lots, which offer the closest entrance to the fairgrounds.

Tow-away zones. For pedestrian safety, parking on
the Glenn Highway or right-of-way by the fairgrounds is not allowed. These areas will be closed off and clearly marked "no parking." Any vehicles parked there will be towed.

Parking Fees:

- Daily Car / Truck / Motorcycle – $5.00
- Season Car / Truck / Motorcycle – $25.00
- Daily RV – $15.00 *
- Camping RV – $15.00 *
- Season RV – $75.00 *
- Daily Tent – $5.00
- Season Tent – $30.00

* $10 additional for tow behind car or trailer

Motorcycle Parking

There is designated motorcycle parking at the northwest corner of the fairgrounds. If traveling toward Palmer on the Glenn Highway, turn right onto Springer Loop (at Spenard Builders Supply). Turn right again to enter the fairgrounds, and follow the direction of Fair parking attendants.

Tenting Information

• $5.00 per night. $30 season.
•  Purchase your Fair Admission at any of our gates during Fair hours and proceed to Pass Office (south end of grounds). Tent Permit, directions to tent camping area, and re-entry procedure can be obtained there.
• Place Tent Permit in a visible position to avoid being evicted.
• Outdoor cooking and campfires are not allowed. Any patron burning a fire will be asked to leave the property and no refund will be given.
• Please pick up your trash and place in the provided trash containers. Trash left behind hinders others enjoyment of the area.
• Pets are not permitted inside the Tent Camping Lot.

There will be 24 hour security on site so please follow all regulations

Ride the Fair Train

Leave the driving to someone else – hop on the Fair Train to travel to the Fair. Save on fuel and headaches, avoid traffic jams, and enjoy a scenic and relaxing ride on the Alaska Railroad’s Fair Train!

This year the Fair Train will run Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, August 26, 27, 28 and September 2, 3, 4.To book your tickets, call 265-2494 or 800-544-0552.

All tickets are round trip. You can choose tickets that include Fair admission or purchase rail-only tickets if you already have your Fair admission. Fair Train fares are:

Ride the Valley Mover Bus

Valley Mover, which operates year-round mass transportation between Wasilla and Anchorage, will be offering direct service between Anchorage and the fairgrounds during the Fair. The bus operates Monday through Friday, and will be closed on Labor Day. Fares are $10 per person, round trip. Children 5 and under ride free with a paying adult; limit one free child fare per adult. 

RV Parking

You will be directed to the Inner Springer South. From there, you will turn on Rebarchek Road and follow signage.  Prices are $15  per vehicle. An additional fee of $10 will be charged for fifth wheels and any vehicle with a tow-behind.

You will receive parking coupons for the day(s) you will be staying. You will also receive a window hanger with the dates punched that you will be staying.

The lots will be checked daily to see if your pass is current. If not visible or current, your vehicle will be towed. Your daily payment allows you to stay until 9:00 am the following morning.
RV Lot General Regulations:

• Outdoor cooking and campfires are not allowed. Any patron burning a fire will be asked to leave the property and no refund will be given.
• Please pick up your trash and place in the provided trash containers. Trash left behind hinders others enjoyment of the area.
• A 16 foot wide bay space is allowed. Allow 4 feet between you and your neighbor. Only extend awnings 4 feet.
• The parking lot and RV lot are dangerous places for kids to play. Please restrict children's activities in the lot. 
• Pets are not permitted inside the Fairgrounds. Do not tether your pet(s) outside your vehicle. All pets must be on a leash. Unattended pets found tied outside will be removed by the proper authorities. All animal waste must be picked up immediately.
• Absolutely no RV parking is allowed in the Purple, Yellow or Red General Parking Lots.

There will be 24 hour security on site so please follow all regulations.

Lost Children and Items

I have lost my child. What do I do?:

Lost children are taken to the Lost Kids Building, which is located behind the Security Building, on the Green Trail, southwest of the Borealis Theatre, next to the public restroom and the ATM. Additionally, you can ask any of our security personnel for assistance.

Where are lost items claimed?:

Lost items are claimed at Security Building, located on the Green Trail, southwest of the Borealis Theatre, next to the public restroom and the ATM. Please note that the Fair keeps all lost items for one month after the Fair. After that the unclaimed items are donated to charitable organizations.

The Emergency Services Building is also located on the Green Trail, southwest of the Borealis Theatre, between the ATM and the public restrooms.

All of these buildings are clearly marked on the Fair map, available on the Fair website or in the daily schedule, which may be picked up at the kiosks inside the Fair walk-in gates. You can also download the new FREE Fair mobile app by Alaska App, which features an interactive map of the fairground, including GPS-driven directions to Fair venues, stages, food booths, restrooms and more!

Events, Will Call, and Contests

Where do I find a daily schedule of Fair events?:

To find out what’s going on each day of the Fair, visit the Fair website or pick up a daily schedule at the kiosks located just inside the Fair walk-in gates. In addition to event information, these schedules include a map of the fairgrounds showing the location of event venues as well as ATMs, restrooms, and security and first aid areas.

Got a smartphone? Get the daily schedule on your phone by downloading a QR Code Reader and then scanning the code displayed at the schedule kiosks just inside the Purple, Yellow and Red Gates. Or download the new FREE Fair mobile app by Alaska App. This interactive mobile guide features the Fair daily schedule, with detailed event listings, as well as concert info, an interactive map, food guide, rides guide, venue descriptions and more!

Where is will call?:

You can pick up all will call admission and concert tickets at the Green Gate, which is located outside of the Fair gates. Concert tickets may also be picked up at the Borealis Box Office, located inside the Fair gates.

Green Gate Will Call: To access the Green Gate, turn in by the Purple Gate (gate closest to Palmer) and follow the road paralleling the fairgrounds to the Green Gate. There is a small area to park while you pick up your tickets. After you get your tickets, you may continue to park in the Red Parking Lot or turn and go back onto the Glenn Highway.

Borealis Box Office: You’ll find the Borealis Box Office on the Green Trail, in front of the Borealis Theatre.

For more information, view the map on our website or download the new FREE Fair mobile app by Alaska App, which includes an interactive map with GPS-driven directions.

Where can I find contest results and when are they posted?:

Results are usually posted on our website within 48 hours of judging.