Best time to go to Alaska

4th of July in Anchorage 2024

Plunge into the exciting atmosphere of Independence Day celebrations with the Alaskans!

Dates: July 3-7

4th of July in Anchorage
4th of July in Anchorage
4th of July in Anchorage
4th of July in Anchorage

On the Fourth of July, all of Anchorage and its neighboring areas turn red, white, and blue. Some festivities begin as early as July 1 and continue through Independence Day. The midnight sun makes local celebrations an exceptionally beautiful experience. Check out what's on in Downtown Anchorage, Eagle River, Girdwood, and Seward.

4th of July Parade and Festival at Delaney Park (July 4, 2023)

The central celebration takes place at Delaney Park, Downtown Anchorage. The merriments start with the iconic pancake breakfast at 8 am and continue with a patriotic parade, which commences from Ninth Avenue and G Street and proceeds along the Delaney Park Strip. Afterward, from noon to 9 pm, you can enjoy live entertainment, children's rides, and local delicacies, such as grilled reindeer, fresh seafood, and local brews. The tickets are $8 for adults and $5 for kids, seniors, and the military.

Alaska Baseball League Fourth of July (July 4, 2023)

Watching a baseball game is another must-do to mark July 4 as Alaskans do. The action starts at 7 pm at Mulcahy Baseball Stadium, Chester Creek Sports Complex, just a 20-minute walk from Delaney Park. Cap the evening with a gorgeous fireworks display, launching at about 11 pm. You can grab your blankets and watch the show from the nearby Kosinski Fields.

Eagle River Third of July (July 3, 2023)

If you can't wait till the Fourth, you might be happy to discover the Independence Day Early in Eagle River. This event runs on July 3, from 6 pm through midnight, and boasts everything a typical celebration can have: music, food, kids' entertainment, and fireworks. The festival is sponsored by the Eagle River Alaska Lions Club and runs at their community park, 16 miles (26 km) northeast of Anchorage.

Girdwood Forest Fair (July 7, 2023)

Another great tradition to check out is the Girdwood Forest Fair, taking place over the first weekend in July and offering lots of fun with no admission fee. The fun-packed program features a community parade, live music on three stages, a beer garden, and dozens of vendors, selling hand-crafted souvenirs and exotic Alaskan treats​. The venue is located at the Forest Fairgrounds in Girdwood, 40 miles (64 km) southeast of Anchorage.

Mount Marathon in Seward (July 4, 2023)

If you feel like challenging yourself, consider participating in one of the world's toughest runs. Seward's Mount Marathon Race runs annually on July 4 and is a perfect option if you want to make unique and life-long memories of this glorious holiday. The course is 3.1 miles (5 km), rising to 2,974 feet (906 m) above the sea. Note that the car drive from Anchorage to Seward takes about 2.5 hours, so plan ahead.

If you need more information on the events listed in this short article, please go to External Resources below and check the official websites. As for your stay in or near Anchorage, examine the options available on the map. And have yourself a Happy 4th in Alaska!

Last updated: by Eleonora Provozin