Springtime in Alaska heralds many things for Alaskans, most notably the return of migratory birds to the state. From April 26-28, flock to Wrangell for the annual Stikine River Birding Festival.

This three-day event celebrates the arrival of the largest springtime concentration of bald eagles in North America – as well as other shorebirds – to the Stikine River Delta. Next for avian admirers is the 28th annual Copper River Delta Shorebird Festival in Cordova. From May 3-6, watch as millions of shorebirds take a break on the Copper River Delta en route to breeding grounds in the north.

– Bri Kelly, The Alaska 100

Ready, set, spring! The ground has begun to thaw, and we’re pumped to dust off our kicks and stretch out our winter legs with these spring footraces:

• Anchorage: The Alaska Heart Run on April 21 will bring together hundreds to raise awareness about cardiovascular disease and funds for the American Heart Association.
• Fairbanks: The Breakup Triathlon on May 16 celebrates Alaska’s spring season with a course around the University of Alaska Fairbanks campus.
• Ketchikan: The Prince of Wales Island Marathon on May 26 invites runners and walkers from across the country to southeast Alaska for good competition and better views.

– Nikkie Viotto, The Alaska 100

As an Alaska-grown bank, Northrim knows what it’s like to start small and grow into a statewide institution. That’s why it’s proud to support the Iditarod—an Alaskan-grown race—as a Lead Dog Partner.

New to the race this year is Northrim’s Achieve More Award, a $2,500 prize for the first musher to arrive in White Mountain, a checkpoint on the way to Nome.

When the race kicks off, Northrim will also encourage Alaskans to join their local branch in keeping up with a musher to follow, tracking their progress and watching closely as Iditarod action unfolds.

– Katie Bender, Northrim Bank

This Alaska tradition has been going strong for over 100 years. The Nenana Ice Classic draws participants from around the world who submit guesses for the exact time the Tanana River will break up enough to knock over the tripod. When it falls, the clock stops, and it’s a sure sign that winter is over and spring has arrived!

In 2017, the jackpot reached $267,444. The winnings are split between everyone who guessed the winning time. Last year there were 42 winning tickets. Learn more about how to participate, and get in on the guessing for 2018 breakup season

– Kelsey Fiedler, The Alaska 100

Days are getting longer as spring and summer get closer. Around Alaska people are looking to get outside and enjoy what’s left of winter. In Valdez, that means attending Frosty Fever, put on by KVAK Radio 93.3 FM & 1230 AM.

The 10-day festival starts with Feb. 23’s kickoff party at Fat Mermaid. The event will feature live music, a prize extravaganza and Frosty Fever button giveway. Other popular events include a chili cookoff, sled building and international food fair. Frosty Fever also means deals and discounts from retailers all over town. Here is a complete list of events.

– Ashleigh Ebert, The Alaska 100

During the winter most people stay inside, bundle up and wait for spring. Not Alaskans! Instead, these hearty souls head outdoors for the Fur Rendezvous winter carnival. One of the premier events is the sprint races, where sled dog teams charge down a 25-mile race course in downtown Anchorage.

There are few things like taking in the Alaska view from atop a ferris wheel in the middle of February at the Rondy Carnival, which also offers a chance to get wild with beard competitions and the running of the reindeer.

Find a complete list of Fur Rondy events here.

– Ashleigh Ebert, The Alaska 100

When the north is frozen and summer feels like a distant memory, it is time for the annual 40 Below Ball. For the fifth year in a row, the Ballroom Dance Club of Fairbanks is putting on this event on January 27 in the Westmark Gold Room.

There will be hors d’oeuvres, a no-host bar and endless dancing. It’s a formal affair so it’s the perfect occasion to bust out your best dress clothes.

Tickets are available online. Get yours today and make sure you don’t miss this event. Bring your friends and show off all your best moves.

– Kelsey Fiedler, The Alaska 100

Ketchikan is known for summer fun, but there is plenty going on during the holidays as well!

1. Immerse yourself in Alaska Native culture at the Totem Heritage Center.

2. Board a flightseeing tour and witness the pristine beauty of Misty Fjords and Tongass National Forest.

3. With Alaska Native artifacts in the lobby and sweeping scenic views, Cape Fox Lodge is a great place to eat, play and stay year-round.

4. Shop local at one of the many retail shops located in the heart of downtown.

5. Browse Main Street Art Gallery, featuring a new exhibit each month.

– Liz Baker, The Alaska 100

It’s hard to get more festive than an entire village dedicated exclusively to Christmas. Through Dec. 24, Camp Gorsuch in Chugiak is transformed into Christmas Towne, a holiday destination for people of all ages.

Kids can bake cookies, with Mrs. Claus in the kitchen, and customize them with specialty sugars. Then, they can paint ornaments with Santa Claus and create a variety of Christmas crafts to get excited about the spirit of giving. Don’t forget about Santa’s reindeer – they’ll be on location at Christmas Towne Saturdays and Sundays.

Admission is free, but make sure to reserve your time slot online!

– Emily McLaughlin, The Alaska 100

The holidays are fun, but they can get expensive. Keep a smile on your face and your money in your wallet with free activities around the state:

• Each Friday through the end of 2017, Anchorage Distillery will host free tours for those 21+.

• On Mondays in Anchorage, head to Tidal Wave Books for Scrabble Night. On Tuesdays and Saturdays at 1 p.m., Tidal Wave hosts Children’s Storytime.

• Enjoy the spirit of the holidays in Fairbanks on Saturday, Nov. 18, with the Quota Christmas Bazaar at Pioneer Park.

• Take a self-guided tour of the Alaska State Capitol in Juneau.

– Liz Baker, The Alaska 100

Anchorage Valley Therapy Radiation Center and Mat-Su Regional Medical Center bring Breast Cancer Awareness Month to life with Breastival 2017, a free breast cancer awareness and survivor celebration event.

At Mat-Su Regional Medical Center on Saturday, Oct. 21, enjoy an educational presentation and cooking demonstration from 11 a.m. to noon. Then, from noon to 2 p.m., visit vendor booths to win fabulous prizes while enjoying a complimentary lunch, music and games. The theme, Hakuna Ma Tatas, reminds everyone to slow down, realize what is important in life and celebrate the positive community support around us. #BreastCancerAwarenessMonth

– Shannon Sadler, The Alaska 100

Recovery Month is a time to highlight recovery from mental health and substance use disorders. It’s a time for honoring the warriors among us who have faced the hardships of alcohol abuse and lived to tell the tale. It’s for sharing victories.

In honor of Recovery Month, Recover Alaska brought communities and businesses across the state together to support those struggling with alcohol and substance use. From featured alcohol-free cocktails at local restaurants to dry weekend activities, specialty Facebook profile frames and a final SoberAF concert & celebration, September honors Alaskans in recovery as well as all who support them.

– Shannon Sadler, The Alaska 100

Two weekends of oompah bands, beer-filled steins and schnitzel mean one thing. It’s Oktoberfest at Alyeska Resort!

Head to Girdwood Sept. 22-23, and Sept. 29-30, for a menu packed with German favorites like grilled bratwurst and beer braised schweinehaxe. Then you can polka to the tunes of local oompah bands while you burn off the calories. Each weekend, festivities begin at the Sitzmark Bar & Grill at 4 p.m. and last until 11 p.m. or midnight. This is a free event.

Pro Tip: Book a room and catch the shuttle for a fun, safe weekend. Prost!

– Kelsey Fiedler, The Alaska 100

Families in Fairbanks looking for an informative and engaging afternoon need look no further than the University of Alaska Museum of the North’s upcoming Family Day featuring Alaska’s bears. On Saturday, Sept. 23, from noon to 4 p.m., visitors can learn all about the different bears in the Last Frontier, including black, brown and polar bears.

Explore the Polar Passion exhibit, which showcases a selection of polar bear-themed artwork donated by Grace Berg Schaible. While onsite, visitors can even create their own bear-themed work of art. The museum will offer free admission for kids 14 and under.

– Bri Kelly, The Alaska 100