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.
The Anchorage Museum gathers together some of Alaska's most dramatic traditions and transforms them into exhibits and attractions that allow them to come alive in various multi-dimensional presentations. One of the museum's galleries features 600 Alaska Native artifacts that are on loan from the Smithsonian Institution. Some of these items include ceremonial masks, battle armor and waterproof clothing made from the intestines of a seal. The museum features 80 exhibits that include an aurora machine, a marine animal touch tank and the very popular earthquake shake table. New additions include a planetarium and an Alaska Native contemporary art gallery.
Enjoy Anchorage's crisp weather by taking the family for a picnic and an afternoon of fun at Valley of the Moon Park. This is one of the city's most popular and well-used recreation areas that features excellent spots to have a picnic, inviting play areas, open fields and the city's tallest play structure, boasting a climbing tower that looks like a castle. The playground also features two slides, lots of swings, a large soccer field, a walking path and lots more. You and the kids will absolutely love this Anchorage attraction.