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Music

Performer & Stage Guidelines

Since its beginning, the Forest Fair has brought together the finest musicians and entertainers from Alaska and beyond! Like the craft booths, the focus is on original works and bringing a variety of musical styles to the stage — something for everyone.

The Forest Stages

Four Stages · All Three Days

Girdwood has long been an ardent supporter as well as successful breeding ground for musicians and entertainers. Some of Alaska's most popular bands got their start and have their biggest success playing in Girdwood.

1. Marlow Pavilion

Main Stage

The fair's heartbeat. Full-size bands, high-energy acts, and evening headliners under a professional sound rig. Minimal seating — designed to make you stand up and dance.

2. The Beach Stage

Acoustic & Eclectic · General Admission

The alternative cultural hub. Acoustic performers, belly dancing, flame throwing, and intimate avant-garde acts. Smaller footprint, big personality.

3. Hoppin' Barley Stage

Beer Garden · 21+ Zone

Situated in the Biergarten. Acoustic sets, folk, and lighter performances make for a relaxed backdrop while you enjoy local craft beer and cider.

4. Swingin' Slide Stage

Youth Performers · All Ages

Where's our young talented musicians?! Dedicated to youth acts and rising juvenile talent — nurturing the next generation from within the Alaskan artistic pipeline.

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