Alaska
Alaska events and things to do, from northern lights in Fairbanks and Denali National Park to Inside Passage cruises, glacier tours, the Alaska Railroad and the Iditarod.
Alaska Events & Things to Do: Northern Lights, Denali, Glaciers, Cruises & Tours
Quick answer: The best things to do in Alaska include seeing the northern lights in Fairbanks, visiting Denali National Park, cruising the Inside Passage and Glacier Bay, riding the Alaska Railroad, spotting whales, bears, and bald eagles, and flightseeing over glaciers. Coming up: aurora season (late August through April), the Fur Rondy winter festival (February 25 through March 7, 2027), and the Iditarod ceremonial start in Anchorage (March 6, 2027).
Looking for things to do in Alaska in summer, in winter, or from a cruise port? Summer brings Inside Passage cruises, glacier and wildlife tours, Denali National Park, and the Alaska Railroad, while the northern lights light up Fairbanks from late August to April. Anchorage, Juneau, Ketchikan, and Seward each make great bases, and winter events like Fur Rondy and the Iditarod start draw crowds.
Start Here: Your Alaska Trip Planner
- Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park Tours & Tickets: Guided tours and outdoor experiences.
- Kenai Fjords National Park Tours & Tickets: Day trips and guided outdoor adventures.
- Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center Tours & Tickets: Top-rated tours, tickets, and experiences.
- Denali National Park and Preserve Tours & Tickets: Day trips and guided outdoor adventures.
- Alaska Food, Wine & Nightlife: Browse food, wine & nightlife in Alaska.
- Resurrection Bay Tours & Tickets: Boat trips, beach time, and water tours.
- Alaska Seasonal & Special Occasions: Browse seasonal & special occasions in Alaska.
Quick Links: Alaska Tours & Activities • Alaska Tours, Sightseeing & Cruises • Alaska Sightseeing Cruises Product Tours, Sightseeing & Cruises • Alaska Outdoor Activities
Upcoming Alaska Events in 2026 and 2027
- Northern lights season: The best viewing runs from late August to late April, when nights are long and dark.
- Alaska Railroad winter service: The winter train season runs September 19, 2026 through May 9, 2027.
- World Ice Art Championships: Ice sculptors compete in Fairbanks beginning February 15, 2027.
- Fur Rondy: Alaska's largest and oldest winter festival runs in Anchorage February 25 through March 7, 2027.
- Iditarod: The 55th race kicks off in Anchorage on March 6, 2027.
Find Tickets: Alaska Seasonal & Special Occasions • Alaska Sightseeing Tickets & Passes • Portage Glacier Tours & Tickets
When and Where Can You See the Northern Lights in Alaska?
The aurora is visible in Alaska from late August to late April. Fairbanks sits under the "aurora oval," which makes it one of the best places in the world to see the lights. Book a northern lights tour with heated viewing cabins, a remote lodge, or a winter train trip for the best chance at clear, dark skies.
Explore: Alaska Helicopter Tours • Alaska Outdoor Activities • Tongass National Forest Tours & Tickets
What Is There to Do in Denali National Park?
Denali is home to North America's tallest peak and wildlife like grizzly bears, moose, caribou, and Dall sheep. Most visitor services and activities are available between late May and early September, when park buses run deep into the park. In the off-season, the Winter Visitor Center opened for the season on September 24, 2026 for snowshoeing, skiing, and sled dog kennel visits.
Explore: Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center Tours & Tickets • Yukon Territory Tours & Tickets • Matanuska Glacier Tours & Tickets
What Are the Best Alaska Cruise Ports and Shore Excursions?
Alaska's cruise season generally runs May through September. Popular ports and excursions include:
- Juneau: Mendenhall Glacier, whale watching, and helicopter glacier landings.
- Ketchikan: Totem poles, Misty Fjords flightseeing, and the Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show.
- Skagway: The White Pass and Yukon Route Railroad and Gold Rush history.
- Glacier Bay and Hubbard Glacier: Tidewater glaciers calving into the sea.
- Seward and Whittier: Gateways to Kenai Fjords wildlife cruises.
Explore: Misty Fjords National Monument Tours & Tickets • Alaska Art & Culture • Alaska Kayaking & Canoeing
Alaska Food, Culture & Anchorage
Try wild salmon, king crab, halibut, and reindeer sausage, then learn about the state's first peoples at the Alaska Native Heritage Center in Anchorage. Anchorage is also the hub for Fur Rondy, the Iditarod start, and day trips along the scenic Seward Highway.
Explore: Saxman Native Village Tours & Tickets • Alaska Art & Culture • Mt. Roberts Tramway (Goldbelt Tram) Tours & Tickets
Things to Do in Alaska With Kids
Traveling with kids? Visit a sled dog kennel, ride the Alaska Railroad, see sea life at the Alaska SeaLife Center in Seward, take a wildlife cruise in Kenai Fjords, pan for gold in Fairbanks, and watch the ice sculptures come to life in winter.
Explore: Alaska Water Tours • Alaska Dolphin & Whale Watching • Kenai Fjords National Park Tours & Tickets
Free Things to Do in Alaska
- Tony Knowles Coastal Trail: An 11-mile path along Anchorage's waterfront with mountain views.
- Exit Glacier: Kenai Fjords National Park has no entrance fee.
- Creek Street in Ketchikan: A historic boardwalk over the creek near the cruise docks.
- Northern lights viewing: Free on clear, dark nights outside town.
Things to Do in Alaska for Adults & Couples
- Flightseeing over glaciers: Floatplane and helicopter tours with glacier landings.
- Chena Hot Springs: A soak under the aurora near Fairbanks.
- Anchorage breweries: A growing craft beer scene downtown.
- Alaska Railroad dome cars: Scenic rides between Anchorage, Denali, and Seward.
Things to Do in Alaska This Weekend & Today
Alaska trips are usually planned by season: May through September for cruises, wildlife, and Denali, and late fall through winter for the northern lights. Book glacier cruises and Denali lodging early in summer.
Browse Now: Alaska Tours & Activities • Alaska Tours, Sightseeing & Cruises • Gates of the Arctic National Park and Preserve Tours & Tickets • Fortress of the Bear Tours & Tickets
Popular Alaska Questions
What are the best free things to do in Alaska?
Free favorites in Alaska include Tony Knowles Coastal Trail, Exit Glacier, Creek Street in Ketchikan, and northern lights viewing. See the free things to do section above for details.
What are the best things to do in Alaska for adults and couples?
Popular picks for adults and couples in Alaska include flightseeing over glaciers, Chena Hot Springs, Anchorage breweries, and Alaska Railroad dome cars.
When is the best time to see the northern lights in Alaska?
The best time is late August to late April, when nights are long and dark enough for the aurora.
When is Alaska cruise season?
Alaska's cruise season generally runs May through September.
When is the Iditarod 2027?
The 55th Iditarod starts in Anchorage on Saturday, March 6, 2027.
When is Fur Rondy 2027?
Fur Rondy runs February 25 through March 7, 2027 in Anchorage.
Is Denali open in winter?
Yes. Most services are summer-only, but the Winter Visitor Center opened for the season on September 24, 2026 for winter visitors.
What is there to do in Alaska this weekend?
Browse Alaska tours and activities for aurora tours, glacier trips, and experiences you can book for your dates.
Plan Your Alaska Trip
Chase the northern lights in Fairbanks, explore Denali, cruise past glaciers, ride the Alaska Railroad, cheer on the Iditarod, and taste wild Alaska salmon.
Start exploring Alaska with Get Your Ticket and discover your next event, tour, or adventure.
Keep Exploring Alaska: Bear Glacier Tours & Tickets • Alaska Unique Experiences • Alaska Classes & Workshops
More Alaska Experiences: Alaska Transfers & Ground Transport • Alaska Glacier Walk • Alaska Rail Tours
Get Travel Tips & Event Guides: Read the Get Your Ticket Blog