On July 4th, tens of thousands of Alaskans will celebrate the 248th year since the Second Continental Congress officially adopted the Declaration of Independence in 1776 – formally declaring that the American colonies were independent from Britain.

Most major cities and towns will host a litany of parades, games, music and other celebrations to mark the event. Below is a list of some of the upcoming festivities.

ANCHORAGE

Anchorage’s 4th of July celebration occurs on the Delaney Park Strip (between E and I Street) on July 4th starting at 10 a.m. Festivities will include carnival rides and games, food trucks, myriad vendors, live music, a beer garden and more. The parade starts at 11 a.m. More information here.

FAIRBANKS

Fairbanks residents will gather at Pioneer Park for the city’s 35th annual 4th of July Community Celebration. This year’s event features activities including a balloon artist, face painting, foam party, children’s Gold Rush Games, DJs, live music and more. Events are scheduled from 1-6 p.m. Click here for more information.

NORTH POLE

North Pole will hold a 4th of July parade, starting at 10 a.m., which will feature festive floats, marching bands and community groups. After the parade, residents will gather at North Pole Grange until 3 p.m. with games, food, and fun for the whole family. Click here for more information.

SEWARD

Seward will kick off July 4 with festival booths, games, singing the National Anthem, free BBQ, and the annual Mt. Marathon Race. Details here.

KENAI

The Kenai Independence Day Parade begins at 11 a.m. At noon, there will be live music, a kids carnival, water games, a beer garden and more than 60 vendors and food trucks. Click here for more information.

JUNEAU

Juneau will hold its popular Independence Day Parade at 11 a.m., starting at 9th Street and Egan. Click here for more information.

WASILLA

Mat-Su residents are expected to turn out in large numbers for the annual Independence Day parade through downtown Wasilla. The parade starts at 11 a.m., followed by the Mayor’s Picnic at Iditapark from 1-3 p.m. The festivities will include live music, food and fun activities. For more information, click here.

GLACIER VIEW CAR LAUNCH

Arnie’s 4th of July in Glacier View is a unique and entertaining celebration. This is the home of the famous launching cars. This one-of-a-kind event celebrates freedom, family, fun, faith, and friends. There will be vendors and food trucks on hand. Click here for more information.

HAINES

Haines kicks off Independence day at 7 a.m. to raise Old Glory at Historic Fort William Seward Parade Grounds. From 7-10 a.m., the American Legion will serve breakfast. At 11 a.m. the parade starts, and kids are encouraged to decorate their bikes and join the procession. A picnic party will follow at Tlingit Park. Later in the day there will be bike, foot and rafting races. Click here for more information.

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