One of the state's most popular events is the Great Alaska Beer and Barley Wine Festival, held every January. This year, the festival marks its 15 year anniversary, and it brings together not only the people who enjoy imbibing but also the people who create the beers, wines, and other assorted beverages. Demonstrations, lectures, exhibits, and of course, samples all make this event an extremely popular tradition.
If you have a motorboat, want to go jet skiing or enjoy other water sports, the Mat-Su Valley just north of Anchorage is a highly popular destination to enjoy that brand of aquatic adventure. There is also the very popular Nancy Lakes Recreation Area where you can light out on your own or perhaps take a jet boat tour of the northern and southern parts of Anchorage.
The Phillips 26 Glacier Tour is nearly as formidable and impressive as a glacier itself. This incredible seven-hour tour allows you to get really up close and enjoy views that you may not get on any other tour. The tour travels over 135 miles into Prince William Sound where you will see 26 named glaciers as well as many more unnamed ones. You encounter these glaciers from the vantage point of a three-deck catamaran which allows you to cover many miles of scenery on this incredible, unforgettable tour.
The Anchorage Symphony Orchestra is a group of performers that takes pride in always offering the most dramatic and satisfying entertainment. This season is no different, as the orchestra is featuring several crowd-pleasing fare as Champagne Pops, the Best of Broadway, Out of This World which couples their performance with images of outer space, and a tribute to the Silent Film era. You won't want to miss these unique and highly entertaining presentations. If you've never been to the symphony, make plans to get dressed up for a magical evening of music that you'll never forget!