GirdwoodForest FairGet Updates

Music

Performer & Stage Guidelines

Three days of original, authentic Alaskan music across four forest stages. Discover how to apply, performer rules, and youth slots.

The Forest Stages

Our Four Spruce Stages

1. Main Stage

The fair's heartbeat, featuring large bands, high-energy acts, and evening headliners under a full professional sound rig.

2. Beach Stage

Intimate gravel clearing with mountain views. Ideal for acoustic folk, singer-songwriters, and small ensembles.

3. Beer Garden Stage

Lively venue next to local craft beer and cider concessions presenting high-energy rock, blues, and alt-country.

4. Youth & Community Stage

Dedicated space for musicians 18 and under, local youth bands, community storytelling, and creative puppet shows.

Performer Expectations

Original Music & Sound Rules

The Girdwood Forest Fair celebrates independent Alaskan music. Please review our selection and performance rules:

  • Original Content: We heavily prioritize bands performing original compositions. Traditional cover groups are rarely booked.
  • Voluntary Cooperation: The fair is a volunteer-led nonprofit. Musicians receive a travel stipend, but book slots in the spirit of celebrating community.
  • Stage sound limits: Sound bleed is a challenge in our compact forest. Performers must follow all decibel limits set by our Sound engineers. Direct Inputs (DIs) are preferred over loud speaker cabinets.
  • Sanctuary Policies: Artists must strictly adhere to our core taglines. Speeches must remain focused on the arts, and no political or religious campaigning is allowed from the stage.

Kidz Music

Youth Performer Program

We love supporting the next generation of Alaskan musical talent! We offer custom Saturday and Sunday stage slots for artists aged 18 and under:

  • Performance Perks: All young performers receive a commemorative screenprinted Forest Fair T-shirt and a custom concession token.
  • Duration: Slots are typically 15–20 minutes to allow multiple young performers to share the spotlight.
  • Mentorship: Play on professional sound layouts with active support and sound shaping from our expert stage crew.

Music Deadlines

  • Applications Open: Jan 15, 2026
  • Applications Deadline: Apr 1, 2026
  • Schedule Release: Jun 1, 2026