Special Days

Alaska Oil and Gas Association presents
Energy Day
Friday August 19

Energy fuels Alaska’s economy, and the activities and exhibits on this special day recognize the people and projects that keep this important industry moving forward. In an effort to help those facing challenging circumstances, please bring a donation of shelf-stable food items to Fair gates to share with Alaska’s food banks. Come to the Hobo Jim Tribute Jam at the Alaska USA Bluebonnet stage and share a favorite Hobo Jim song or story. Ever wished you could play in a giant pile of bubbles? Now you can, at the FoamDudes Foam party in the Channel 2 and CBS 5 Corral.  Then, come by the Plaza to help AOGA celebrate Energy Day, and get your photo take at the free photo booth! Finish off the evening with some high-energy country-rock with the Wilder Blue, straight up from Texas for their first-ever appearance in Alaska.

Council of Alaska Producers presents
Mining Day
Saturday August 20

Celebrate Alaska’s mining past and explore the future of mining in Alaska with fun activities and giveaways. Kids and adults alike can try their hand at gold panning and enter a free drawing for a chance to win a child’s bike or a portable solar charger! But first, start by cheering on the Fair parade in downtown Palmer, then head over to the fairgrounds for a day of Fair fun!With many Alaskans facing food insecurities, we encourage patrons to bring shelf-stable food items to the Fair gates.  Also, visit our mining industry partners’ booths under the eaves of the Craig Taylor Farm Exhibits, and witness the strength and agility of athletes competing in the Wrestling Tournament at the Holland America Princess (HAP) Events Tent.

Buddy Day
Monday August 22

Everything is more fun with a friend, and what’s more fun than saving money? After your buddy gets in free with your paid admission courtesy of Coca-Cola Bottling of Alaska and Holiday Stationstores, head to the Holland America Princess (HAP) Events Tent for the 49^th State Street Rodders Car Show. Don’t miss Senior Joke and Story Telling at the Wineck Barn, and the Staff Goat Milking Competition at the Channel 2 and CBS 5 Corral. Then get your fill of thrills at the carnival (your buddy rides for free with your paid tickets!) and be sure not to miss the final day of performances of the Mariachi Divas presented by Mat-Su Valley Cancer Center.

Division of Agriculture presents
Alaska Agriculture Day
Thursday August 25

We celebrate Alaska’s agriculture roots – and the importance of agriculture today – during Alaska Agriculture Day! Get all the fun you can handle for just three bucks on this special day! Admission to the Fair is only $3 between the hours of 11am and 2pm (you must be through the gate by 2pm). Stop by the Alaska Grown and Division of Agriculture booths to learn about the Nenana Totchacket Agricultural Project & Land Sale, along with all the programs offered by the Division and grab some Alaska Grown Swag! There will be a milking parlor demonstration and ag games too. Today’s must-see event is the Second Annual “Tundra Chef Cookoff” featuring local celebrities who will battle it out on charcoal grills using Alaska Grown ingredients from 11am-2pm in the events tent. During the Tundra Chef Cookoff, you can taste Alaska Grown Specialty Crops served by the Future Farmers of America, sample Alaska Grown products, help us celebrate the 2022 Farm Family of the year thanks to Mat-Valley Federal Credit Union, and hear the announcement of the 2022 Division of Agriculture’s Friend of Farmer.

GCI presents
GCI Kids Day
Friday, August 26

We celebrate our youngest fairgoers on this very special day of the Fair! Enjoy free admission for kids 12 and under all-day compliments of Alaska Born and Raised GCI. We believe hunger knows no age, and neither does teaching kids the importance of giving to others. Please bring a donation of two shelf-stable food items per child to the Fair gates.

We believe hunger knows no age, and neither does teaching kids the importance of giving to others. Please bring a donation of two shelf-stable food items per child to the Fair gates.

Today’s schedule features kid-approved events including Kids’ Day Games, the Diaper Derby and the Toddler Trot at the Channel 2 and CBS 5 Corral. Young athletes can also show off their skills at the Ninja Kids’ Camp, presented by the University of Alaska (UAA) and GCI, at the Holland America Princess (HAP) Events Tent!

Cosplay Day
Thursday September 1

Daily Schedule

Back by popular demand, this day promises to be a ton of fun! Dress up like your favorite superhero, sci-fi, anime, video game or movie character and enter the Cosplay Contest. No costume? No problem! You can still mingle with all the characters at the Cosplay Meet and Greet. Then, catch up with your favorite Star Wars-themed 501^st Legion characters at the Holland America Princess  (HAP)Events Tent!  Two world records have already been set at our Fair – will one of these giants gain Guinness status again this year? Come see who will take home the big prizes in the 26^th Annual Giant Cabbage Weigh-Off in Craig Taylor Farm Exhibits.

MTA presents
MTA Day
Saturday September 3

Daily Schedule

As a 100% wholly-owned co-op, MTA is proud to keep Alaskans from Eagle River to the Mat-Su Valley and north to Anderson and Glacier View connected. Our 100% local support team is available 24/7/365 and we’re constantly expanding our network. Discover the MTA difference at mtasolutions.com and join us for MTA Day at the Fair! Enjoy local talent at the Native Youth Olympics, Silent Disco, Alaska’s Got Talent preliminary, Beard Contest, and Fiddle Contest. Then sample fresh, local flavors at the Alaska Seafood Throwdown in the Holland America Princess (HAP) Events Tent and while you’re there meet recruiters and learn more about job opportunities with Holland America Princess (HAP) booth daily.

AARP presents
Military Appreciation
Sunday September 4

Daily Schedule

Today honors and celebrates Alaska’s active military, retired military and veterans with special events and savings. All military personnel (active and retired) receive Fair admission for just $5, courtesy of AARP! Each service member can bring up to three dependents at the discounted admission price by showing valid military ID or proof of service at the Fair gate. Learn about ranked choice voting by participating in AARP Alaska’s mock online election ranking your favorite fair foods. Vote for your favorite fair food at each gate using your phone and our QR code or at AARP’s booth in Pioneer Plaza. Everyone who votes in the mock election is entered to win a $500 gift card!!! Retiring Old Glory? Bring your flag to the Fair ticket booth collection points we’ll dispose of it properly. Then, head over to the MTA Grandstand, where the NC Machinery All Star Monster Trucks are back – bigger and better than ever! And don’t miss the Homesteader Games and Alaska Beef Showdown. Close out the evening with Avalanche 9^th Army Rock Band.

First Responders Day
Monday September 5

Police, firefighters and EMS personnel are the first responders in emergency and crisis situations. On First Responders Day (Labor Day), we honor, celebrate and say THANK YOU to these brave and dedicated professionals by offering $5 admission at the gate, with valid ID. Then, let the fun begin, with the Alaska State Fair BBQ Bash, Powerhouse Cloggers, and the Alaska’s Got Talent finals! There is no more fitting way than to close the Fair with a Tribute to Alaska’s beloved Hobo Jim by Ken Peltier and friends.