Alaska State Fairgrounds

The feel

The Alaska State Fairgrounds sit at mile 40 on the Glenn Highway in Palmer, an hour's drive north of Anchorage. They are the home of the 100-lb cabbages every late August. Concerts and events fill much of the rest of the year.

Outside fair season the grounds still host events. Boofest, a ticketed year-round event, is on October 24 at 6:00 PM.

What to expect

What it is

The Alaska State Fair grounds in Palmer, with a fair in late summer and concerts and events through the year.

Crowds and best time

The fair runs August 21 to September 7, 11AM to 10PM every day, closed Tuesday and Wednesday.

Parking

The Purple, Red and Yellow gates have parking, with accessible spaces in those lots nearest the entrance. The General fair parking fee is waived. The Green Gate is a drop-off and pick-up zone. Premier and reserved lots are for passenger vehicles only.

Fees and passes

Admission good any day is $20 adult, $13 senior and $13 youth. RV parking is $30 per day or $200 for the season, and a tent permit is $7 per day or $40 for the season.

Kids

Kids 12 and under get free admission on Kids' Day, and youth admission is for ages 6 to 12.

Season and access

The fairgrounds are at 2075 Glenn Hwy, Palmer. The fair office is open Monday to Friday 9:30am to 3:30pm and closed Saturday and Sunday.

Mingo says

Go during the fair if you want the cabbages. On $5 Thursday, admission is $5 between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m.

Before you go

• Buy fair admission separately, since it is not included in a Grandstand, event or concert ticket.
• Buy advance admission online by August 20 for $16 for adults and $9 for youth and seniors.
• Buy premier or reserved parking permits online, for passenger vehicles only.
• Call 907.745.4827 with questions.

Written October 2026. Sources are listed at the end of this page.