A First Timer's Guide to Girdwood's Forest Fair in Alaska

The Girdwood Forest Fair is one of the most unique festivals in Alaska, and if you're lucky enough to be visiting this area during early July then you might have a chance to experience it for yourself! After visiting the Forest Fair just last week, I've gathered all my favorite tips, tricks, and things to do to make your first visit as enjoyable as can be!

​*If you have any questions that aren't answered in this post, please leave them in the comments section where I do my best to answer all Alaska related questions directly!

My Essential Alaska Travel Resources :
There are a lot of travel companies out there, but some are better than others. These are my favorite websites and resources to help plan an incredible trip to the 49th State.

For flights, I recommend using WayAway or Hopper to compare the cheapest dates to travel to Alaska.

Car rentals, arguably the best way to see Alaska, are best through Discover Cars!

I always use AGODA for hotels. They have an easy-to-use platform where you can compare the best rates.

To keep cell phone service if you're traveling internationally, I always use Airalo’s easy to purchase eSIM’s (no installation required).

For fun things to do, I recommend Viator to find the best tours in the area, otherwise Klook also does the trick.

Just in case, Safetywing is the insurance I always use for travel insurance.

Lastly, my Alaska packing list for your travels to the Last Frontier.

Planning Your Visit to the Forest Fair

The Girdwood Forest Fair started in 1975, when a group of local artists wanted to sell their art pieces. Now, this multi-day event has plenty of vendors, yummy food, and fun entertainment for all ages. However, there's one thing to keep in mind before visiting the Girdwood Forest Fair - essentially the only rule of the fair - and that is that there's no dogs, no politics, and no religious orders on the fairgrounds.

As you plan your visit to Girdwood, you can expect busy roads, tough parking, long lines for food, and plenty of incredible local vendors selling amazing variations of their art. I recommend planning to spend a full day there to really soak it all in while allowing time to enjoy the entertainment. As for anything else (like what to wear) it's completely up to you - you'll see people in mushroom hats, wearing wings, or even dressed as fairies - my only recommendation is to wear shoes you don't mind getting dirty!

My best tip is to either go early (think before noon, ideally around 11:00 am when the fairgrounds opens) or to take the $5 Each Way Shuttle from Anchorage with pickup at the Dimond Center. If you make it to Girdwood early enough you should be able to park at the Alyeska Daylodge - from here you can either walk about 1 mile to the fairgrounds or catch the free shuttle.

My second best tip is to bring cash since many booths either only take cash or have signs sharing that they prefer cash. If you're really in the shopping mood, it might be beneficial to also bring a reusable bag to hold all your new finds!

My Favorite Tour from Girdwood : 
- Glacier Landing Helicopter Tour

Don't Miss These at the Forest Fair

1. Talkeetna Spinach Bread
Alright, so it's no surprise that my first "activity" had to be food centered - and although there's plenty of food vendors the Talkeetna Spinach Bread is one thing you won't want to miss (it's a highlight at the Alaska State Fair too). They also have a unique "Brazilian Limeade" if you're thirsty! Some other booths I highly recommend are the Crepes De Paris for sweet & savory crepes, and the Empanada Stand!

2. Live Entertainment
No matter which day you visit the Forest Fair you're bound to find someone at the main pavilion, rain or shine. Similar to the artist vendor booths, the Girdwood Forest Fair focuses on finding unique voices that bring something new to the stage - so there's a good chance you'll find something to enjoy. If you're a bit tired, not to worry, there's plenty of seating and even a reserved areas for those who've acquired a few more years. You can find a full line up of each year's entertainment here.

3. The Bier Garden
With their own "Hoppin' Barley Stage" that has live music and delicious local brews, this is one spot that the 21+ crowd won't want to miss.

4. The Vendor Booths
Chances are if the Girdwood Forest Fair is on your radar it's because of the incredible, local vendor booths. As you walk the grounds you'll find hundreds of unique booths - from seasoned artists and those just starting out - that sell everything from hand carved wood bowls to beautiful wall art to intricate earrings and jewelry. If you're in the mood to shop, then visiting all the booths could easily take you all day!

5. The Forest Fair Parade
Typically held the Saturday morning of the Forest Fair, this is personally one of my favorite parades in all of Alaska. You'll find unique floats, lots of candy, and fun costumes! I recommend parking at the Alyeska Day Lodge, then walking down about 30 minutes before the start time to find a spot, then when it's over you can just continue the walk to the Forest Fairgrounds!

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Other Alaska blog posts you might be interested in : 
-> 11 Best Things to Do in Girdwood
-> 7 Best Tours in Alaska

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