Alaska State Fair
Giant veggies, big concerts, late-summer fun
Alaska's end-of-summer tradition in Palmer — famous for record-setting giant vegetables, headliner concerts, carnival rides, livestock, and legendary fair food. The growing season's long daylight produces cabbages over 100 pounds.
Dates
Aug 21 – Sep 7, 2026
closed some weekdays
Where
Palmer
Mat-Su Valley
Known for
Giant veggies
100+ lb cabbages
Concerts
Yes
national headliners
The guide
Alaska State Fair
What it is
The Alaska State Fair has run in Palmer since 1936. Over ~12 days it draws hundreds of thousands for concerts, rides, competitions, and the famous giant-vegetable weigh-offs.
Giant vegetables
Alaska's 19+ hours of summer daylight grow monsters — world-record cabbages, kale, and more. The weigh-offs are a fair highlight.
Plan your visit
Palmer is ~45 minutes from Anchorage. Check the daily schedule for concert dates and which weekdays the fair is dark.
Plan around it
Events near Palmer
On the calendar
Related events
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Plan your trip
Tours & things to do
Things to Do in Alaska
Tours, adventures & once-in-a-lifetime experiences
Denali National Park Day Tour
$299+Full-day tour to Denali with wildlife spotting, mountain views, and a guided nature walk.
Glacier & Wildlife Cruise
$179+Cruise Prince William Sound to see glaciers calving, whales, sea otters, and bald eagles.
Alaska Railroad Scenic Train
$149+Ride the Alaska Railroad through mountain passes with panoramic dome car views.
Flightseeing Tour: Glaciers & Denali
$299+Small-plane flight over glaciers, Ruth Gorge, and Denali's south face.
Local partners
Where to eat & stay
Good to know
Alaska State Fair FAQ
When is the Alaska State Fair 2026?
August 21 – September 7, 2026, in Palmer (it's closed on certain weekdays — check the daily schedule).
What is the Alaska State Fair known for?
Record-setting giant vegetables (100+ lb cabbages), national-headliner concerts, carnival rides, livestock shows, and fair food.
Where is the Alaska State Fair?
In Palmer, in the Mat-Su Valley, about a 45-minute drive north of Anchorage.
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