Est. 1975 · Girdwood, Alaska
Every edition of the Girdwood Forest Fair — exact dates sourced directly from archived official websites. Three cancellations. 49 editions held. Zero admission fees. Always.
1975
Founded
49
Editions Held
3
Cancellations
$0
Admission
July 3, 4, 5 — 2026
Friday
July 3
11am – 8pm
Saturday
July 4
11am – 8pm
Sunday
July 5
11am – 6pm
🥁 Parade: Saturday July 4 at 10:00 am · Highway closes 9:30 am
| Year | Edition | Status | Friday | Saturday | Sunday | Hours (Fri/Sat · Sun) | Parade | Archive |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 51st Annual | 🔜 Upcoming | Jul 3 | Jul 4 | Jul 5 | 11am–8pm · 11am–6pm | 10:00 am | ⏱ Archive |
| 2025 | 50th Annual | ✓ Held | Jul 4 | Jul 5 | Jul 6 | 11am–8pm · 11am–6pm | 10:00 am | ⏱ Archive |
| 2024 | 49th Annual | ✓ Held | Jul 5 | Jul 6 | Jul 7 | 11am–8pm · 11am–6pm | 10:00 am Sat Jul 6 | ⏱ Archive |
| 2023 | 48th Annual | ✓ Held | Jul 7 | Jul 8 | Jul 9 | 11am–8pm · 11am–6pm | 10:00 am Sat Jul 8 | ⏱ Archive |
| 2022 | 47th Annual | ✓ Held | Jul 1 | Jul 2 | Jul 3 | 11am–8pm · 11am–6pm | 10:00 am Sat Jul 2 | ⏱ Archive |
| 2021 | 46th Annual | ✗ Cancelled | — | — | — | — | — | ⏱ Archive |
| 2020 | 45th Annual | ✗ Cancelled | — | — | — | — | — | ⏱ Archive |
| 2019 | 44th Annual | ✓ Held | Jul 5 | Jul 6 | Jul 7 | 11am–8pm · 11am–6pm | 10:00 am | ⏱ Archive |
| 2018 | 43rd Annual | ✓ Held | Jul 6 | Jul 7 | Jul 8 | 11am–8pm · 11am–6pm | 10:00 am | ⏱ Archive |
| 2017 | 42nd Annual | ✓ Held | Jul 7 | Jul 8 | Jul 9 | 11am–8pm · 11am–6pm | 10:00 am | ⏱ Archive |
| 2016 | 41st Annual | ✓ Held | Jul 1 | Jul 2 | Jul 3 | 11am–8pm · 11am–6pm | 10:00 am | ⏱ Archive |
| 2015 | 40th Annual | ✓ Held | Jul 3 | Jul 4 | Jul 5 | 11am–8pm · 11am–6pm | 10:00 am | ⏱ Archive |
| 2014 | 39th Annual | ✓ Held | Jul 4 | Jul 5 | Jul 6 | 11am–8pm · 11am–6pm | 10:00 am | ⏱ Archive |
| 2013 | 38th Annual | ✓ Held | Jul 5 | Jul 6 | Jul 7 | 11am–8pm · 11am–6pm | 10:00 am | ⏱ Archive |
| 2012 | 37th Annual | ✓ Held | Jul 6 | Jul 7 | Jul 8 | 11am–8pm · 11am–6pm | 10:00 am | ⏱ Archive |
| 2011 | 36th Annual | ✓ Held | Jul 2 | Jul 3 | Jul 4 | 11am–8pm · 11am–6pm | 11:00 am | ⏱ Archive |
| 2010 | 35th Annual | ✓ Held | Jul 2 | Jul 3 | Jul 4 | 11am–8pm · 11am–6pm | 11:00 am | ⏱ Archive |
| 2009 | 34th Annual | ✓ Held | Jul 3 | Jul 4 | Jul 5 | 11am–8pm · 11am–6pm | 11:00 am | ⏱ Archive |
| 2008 | 33rd Annual | ✗ Cancelled | — | — | — | — | — | ⏱ Archive |
| 2007 | 32nd Annual | ✓ Held | Jul 6 | Jul 7 | Jul 8 | 11am–9pm · 11am–6pm | 11:00 am | ⏱ Archive |
| 2006 | 31st Annual | ✓ Held | Jul 7 | Jul 8 | Jul 9 | 11am–9pm · 11am–6pm | 11:00 am | ⏱ Archive |
| 2005 | 30th Annual | ✓ Held | Jul 1 | Jul 2 | Jul 3 | 11am–9pm · 11am–6pm | 11:00 am | ⏱ Archive |
| 2004 | 29th Annual | ✓ Held | Jul 2 | Jul 3 | Jul 4 | 11am–9pm · 11am–6pm | 11:00 am | ⏱ Archive |
| 2003 | 28th Annual | ✓ Held | Jul 4 | Jul 5 | Jul 6 | 10am–Midnight · 10am–6pm | 11:00 am | ⏱ Archive |
| 2002 | 27th Annual | ✓ Held | — | Jul 6 | Jul 7 | Until Midnight · 11pm | 11:00 am | ⏱ Archive |
| 2001 | 26th Annual | ✓ Held | — | Jul 7 | Jul 8 | Until Midnight · 11pm | 11:00 am | ⏱ Archive |
All dates sourced verbatim from official archived website text per year via the Wayback Machine. Hours reflect what was published on the homepage that year. 2001–2002 were 2-day (Sat–Sun) events.
First cancellation in 33 years of continuous operation
Official Statement — verbatim from homepage
"The Girdwood Forest Fair committee has agreed to postpone the Girdwood Forest Fair. This difficult decision is based on the realization that while the fair in itself is a success, the activities that occur outside of the event present an unsafe environment for the community at large. The Forest Fair draws a significant population increase which stresses the resources of Girdwood and has in recent years drawn a number of undesirable characters to the valley — many of which do not attend the Forest Fair itself."
"Thank you to all of the vendors, musicians and patrons who have made the Girdwood Forest Fair the best arts, crafts, music & food festival in all of Alaska. We sincerely hope you will send us the positive energy needed to bring back the Forest Fair in the years to come!"
— With love and deep regret, The Forest Fair Committee — AKA "The Vibe Tribe"
COVID-19 pandemic · Virtual event offered
"The Girdwood Forest Fair committee has made a decision to cancel the 45th annual Girdwood Forest Fair. This decision was based out of respect for the community of Girdwood. The GFF committee is United on prioritizing the safety of our community and the Alaskans who recreate in our valley."
"It is a disappointing decision yet we are fully committed to continuing our planning for an amazing Girdwood Forest fair in 2021. Sincerely, Girdwood Forest Fair Committee"
COVID-19 second year · Announced April 24, 2021
"April 24, 2021 — After much brainstorming, planning, and deliberation the Girdwood Forest Fair committee has taken decision to opt out of a live fair for 2021. This decision has fallen heavy on our souls and while we desperately want to bring the vibe alive in our park, out of respect for our community, our volunteers, our vendors and our patrons we are choosing an alternative path for 2021. We are committed to keeping the Forest Fair Vibe Alive and are looking forward to the next live Girdwood Forest Fair. Thank you for your patience and support as we navigate through difficult challenges. With much Love, Girdwood Forest Fair Committee"
Saturday/Friday closing time, sourced from annual homepage text
2001–2002
Midnight 🌙
2-day format
2003
Midnight 🌙
3-day, closes midnight
2004–2007
9:00 pm 🌆
Earlier close introduced
2009–Now
8:00 pm 🌇
Standard today
Sunday has always closed at 6:00 pm (or 11:00 pm in 2001–2002 when there was no Friday)
The 51st Annual Girdwood Forest Fair
July 3, 4, 5 — 2026 · Mile 2.2 Alyeska Highway, Girdwood, Alaska
