Wayback Machine Archive · Est. 1975
A complete, verified chronicle of every edition — sourced directly from the official website's own words as preserved in the Wayback Machine. Real dates. Real homepage text. Real history.
1975
Founded
49
Held
3
Cancelled
200+
Vendors
4
Stages
$0
Admission
The fair was founded in 1975. By 2026, 51 calendar years have elapsed. Yet 3 fairs were cancelled (2008, 2020, 2021), which should yield 48 held editions — not 51. The answer: the 2008 cancellation is officially counted.
"The Forest Fair Committee has agreed to postpone the Girdwood Forest Fair... 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. — The Forest Fair Committee, AKA 'The Vibe Tribe'" — official 2008 website text
Because the Friends of the Forest Fair still mobilized in 2008 to clean the park and refresh the pavilions, the organization counts that year in their annual numbering. Result: 2009 = 34th Annual, 2022 = 47th Annual, 2025 = 50th Annual, 2026 = 51st Annual.
Every entry sourced from the official site text preserved by the Wayback Machine. Click any year title to view that era's archived website directly.
"51st Annual Forest Fair — No Dogs ~ No Politics ~ No Religious Orders"
Fri
July 3
11:00 am – 8:00 pm
Sat
July 4
11:00 am – 8:00 pm
Sun
July 5
11:00 am – 6:00 pm
"50th Annual Girdwood Forest Fair"
Fri
July 4
11:00 am – 8:00 pm
Sat
July 5
11:00 am – 8:00 pm
Sun
July 6
11:00 am – 6:00 pm
"49th Annual Girdwood Forest Fair"
Fri
July 5
11:00 am – 8:00 pm
Sat
July 6
11:00 am – 8:00 pm
Sun
July 7
11:00 am – 6:00 pm
"48th Annual Girdwood Forest Fair"
Fri
July 7
11:00 am – 8:00 pm
Sat
July 8
11:00 am – 8:00 pm
Sun
July 9
11:00 am – 6:00 pm
"47th Annual Girdwood Forest Fair – July 1,2,3 – 2022"
Fri
July 1
11:00 am – 8:00 pm
Sat
July 2
11:00 am – 8:00 pm
Sun
July 3
11:00 am – 6:00 pm
"Girdwood Forest Fair — No Dogs ~ No Politics ~ No Religious Orders"
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
"Girdwood Forest Fair — No Dogs ~ No Politics ~ No Religious Orders"
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. While we are hopeful this situation will show great improvements by July, we are not willing to risk the safety of our community, vendors and patrons. We have taken this decision early to allow time for our vendors to adjust to this lack of economic opportunity and to process full refunds to vendors at a time when funds are needed by many. 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
"44th Annual Girdwood Forest Fair"
Fri
July 5
11:00 am – 8:00 pm
Sat
July 6
11:00 am – 8:00 pm
Sun
July 7
11:00 am – 6:00 pm
"43rd Annual Girdwood Forest Fair"
Fri
July 6
11:00 am – 8:00 pm
Sat
July 7
11:00 am – 8:00 pm
Sun
July 8
11:00 am – 6:00 pm
"42nd Annual Girdwood Forest Fair"
Fri
July 7
11:00 am – 8:00 pm
Sat
July 8
11:00 am – 8:00 pm
Sun
July 9
11:00 am – 6:00 pm
"41st Annual Girdwood Forest Fair"
Fri
July 1
11:00 am – 8:00 pm
Sat
July 2
11:00 am – 8:00 pm
Sun
July 3
11:00 am – 6:00 pm
"40th Annual Girdwood Forest Fair"
Fri
July 3
11:00 am – 8:00 pm
Sat
July 4
11:00 am – 8:00 pm
Sun
July 5
11:00 am – 6:00 pm
"39th Annual Girdwood Forest Fair"
Fri
July 4
11:00 am – 8:00 pm
Sat
July 5
11:00 am – 8:00 pm
Sun
July 6
11:00 am – 6:00 pm
"38th Annual Girdwood Forest Fair"
Fri
July 5
11:00 am – 8:00 pm
Sat
July 6
11:00 am – 8:00 pm
Sun
July 7
11:00 am – 6:00 pm
"37th Annual Girdwood Forest Fair"
Fri
July 6
11:00 am – 8:00 pm
Sat
July 7
11:00 am – 8:00 pm
Sun
July 8
11:00 am – 6:00 pm
"35th Annual Girdwood Forest Fair"
Fri
July 2
11:00 am – 8:00 pm
Sat
July 3
11:00 am – 8:00 pm
Sun
July 4
11:00 am – 6:00 pm
"35th Annual Girdwood Forest Fair"
Fri
July 2
11:00 am – 8:00 pm
Sat
July 3
11:00 am – 8:00 pm
Sun
July 4
11:00 am – 6:00 pm
"34th Annual Girdwood Forest Fair Website! — We are BACK!!!"
Fri
July 3
11:00 am – 8:00 pm
Sat
July 4
11:00 am – 8:00 pm
Sun
July 5
11:00 am – 6:00 pm
"Welcome to the 33rd Annual Girdwood Forest Fair Website!"
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. These individuals have abused the privilege of participating in the Forest Fair and have treated the valley and the event with disrespect and a true lack of dignity. [...] 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. — The Forest Fair Committee - AKA "The Vibe Tribe"
"Welcome to the 32nd Annual Girdwood Forest Fair Website!"
Fri
July 6
11:00 am – 9:00 pm
Sat
July 7
11:00 am – 9:00 pm
Sun
July 8
11:00 am – 6:00 pm
"Welcome to the 31st Annual Girdwood Forest Fair Website!"
Fri
July 7
11:00 am – 9:00 pm
Sat
July 8
11:00 am – 9:00 pm
Sun
July 9
11:00 am – 6:00 pm
"Welcome to the 30th Annual Girdwood Forest Fair Website!"
Fri
July 1
11:00 am – 9:00 pm
Sat
July 2
11:00 am – 9:00 pm
Sun
July 3
11:00 am – 6:00 pm
"Welcome to the 29th Annual Girdwood Forest Fair Website!"
Fri
July 2
11:00 am – 9:00 pm
Sat
July 3
11:00 am – 9:00 pm
Sun
July 4
11:00 am – 6:00 pm
"Welcome to the 28th Annual Girdwood Forest Fair Website!"
Fri
July 4
10:00 am – midnight
Sat
July 5
10:00 am – midnight
Sun
July 6
10:00 am – 6:00 pm
"Welcome to the 27th Annual Girdwood Forest Fair Website!"
"Welcome to the 26th Annual Girdwood Forest Fair Website!"
Fri
—
—
Sat
July 7
11:00 am – midnight
Sun
July 8
Noon – 11:00 pm
"Millennial Girdwood Forest Fair"
"25th Annual Girdwood Forest Fair"
"Girdwood Forest Fair 1998"
"Girdwood Forest Fair 1997"
"22nd Annual Girdwood Forest Fair"
"21st Annual Girdwood Forest Fair"
"20th Annual Girdwood Forest Fair"
"19th Annual Girdwood Forest Fair"
"18th Annual Girdwood Forest Fair"
"Girdwood Forest Fair Growth Era"
"Founding Year of the Girdwood Forest Fair"
Every date drawn from actual archived homepage text
| Year | Edition | Status | Friday | Saturday | Sunday | Parade | Archive |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 51st Annual | 🔜 | July 3 | July 4 | July 5 | 10:00 am | ⏱ |
| 2025 | 50th Annual | ✓ | July 4 | July 5 | July 6 | 10:00 am | ⏱ |
| 2024 | 49th Annual | ✓ | July 5 | July 6 | July 7 | 10:00 am | ⏱ |
| 2023 | 48th Annual | ✓ | July 7 | July 8 | July 9 | 10:00 am | ⏱ |
| 2022 | 47th Annual | ✓ | July 1 | July 2 | July 3 | Saturday July 2 at 10am | ⏱ |
| 2021 | 46th Annual | ✗ | — | — | — | — | ⏱ |
| 2020 | 45th Annual | ✗ | — | — | — | — | ⏱ |
| 2019 | 44th Annual | ✓ | July 5 | July 6 | July 7 | 10:00 am | ⏱ |
| 2018 | 43rd Annual | ✓ | July 6 | July 7 | July 8 | 10:00 am | ⏱ |
| 2017 | 42nd Annual | ✓ | July 7 | July 8 | July 9 | 10:00 am | ⏱ |
| 2016 | 41st Annual | ✓ | July 1 | July 2 | July 3 | 10:00 am (Saturday July 2) | ⏱ |
| 2015 | 40th Annual | ✓ | July 3 | July 4 | July 5 | 10:00 am (Saturday July 4) | ⏱ |
| 2014 | 39th Annual | ✓ | July 4 | July 5 | July 6 | 10:00 am (Saturday July 5) | ⏱ |
| 2013 | 38th Annual | ✓ | July 5 | July 6 | July 7 | 10:00 am (Saturday July 6) | ⏱ |
| 2012 | 37th Annual | ✓ | July 6 | July 7 | July 8 | 10:00 am (Saturday July 7) | ⏱ |
| 2011 | 36th Annual | ✓ | July 2 | July 3 | July 4 | 11:00 am | ⏱ |
| 2010 | 35th Annual | ✓ | July 2 | July 3 | July 4 | 11:00 am (Saturday July 3) | ⏱ |
| 2009 | 34th Annual | ✓ | July 3 | July 4 | July 5 | 11:00 am (Saturday July 4) | ⏱ |
| 2008 | 33rd Annual | ✗ | — | — | — | — | ⏱ |
| 2007 | 32nd Annual | ✓ | July 6 | July 7 | July 8 | 11:00 am (Saturday July 7) | ⏱ |
| 2006 | 31st Annual | ✓ | July 7 | July 8 | July 9 | 11:00 am (Saturday July 8) | ⏱ |
| 2005 | 30th Annual | ✓ | July 1 | July 2 | July 3 | 11:00 am (Saturday July 2) | ⏱ |
| 2004 | 29th Annual | ✓ | July 2 | July 3 | July 4 | 11:00 am (Saturday July 3) | ⏱ |
| 2003 | 28th Annual | ✓ | July 4 | July 5 | July 6 | 11:00 am (Saturday July 5) | ⏱ |
| 2002 | 27th Annual | ✓ | — | July 6 | July 7 | 11:00 am | ⏱ |
| 2001 | 26th Annual | ✓ | — | July 7 | July 8 | 11:00 am (Saturday July 7) | ⏱ |
| 2000 | Edition #26 | ✓ | — | — | — | — | |
| 1999 | Edition #25 · Silver Anniversary | ✓ | — | — | — | — | |
| 1998 | Edition #24 | ✓ | — | — | — | — | |
| 1997 | Edition #23 | ✓ | — | — | — | — | |
| 1996 | Edition #22 | ✓ | — | — | — | — | |
| 1995 | Edition #21 | ✓ | — | — | — | — | |
| 1994 | Edition #20 · 20th Anniversary | ✓ | — | — | — | — | |
| 1993 | Edition #19 | ✓ | — | — | — | — | |
| 1992 | Edition #18 · Earliest Archived T-Shirt | ✓ | — | — | — | — | |
| 1991 | Editions #2–17 | ✓ | — | — | — | — | |
| 1975 | 1st Edition · Official #1 | ✓ | — | — | — | — |
Verified from Posters & Media
Only confirmed, named performers from verified official posters, news archives, and Wayback captures. No invented or estimated names.
Confirmed 2026 lineup as of March 2026 Wayback snapshot
Verified performers documented for the 50th Anniversary
Verified from music poster archive
Most complete pre-COVID performer list from official poster
From ADN photo documentation
From attendee documentation (whatdoino-steve blog)
From Wayback scrape and media documentation
The Foundational Laws · Est. 1975
Originally listed as "No Dogs ~ No Politicians ~ No Religious Orders ~ No Beer Outside the Garden" in the 2001 records. By 2006, the wording evolved to the version still in use today.
🚫🐶
Forest pathways are narrow, crowded, and wild. For everyone's safety, pets stay home.
🚫📢
A neutral zone of art, music, and friendship — no campaign booths, signs, or canvassers.
🚫⛪
Everyone walks together in the woods — in mutual peace and respect, free of solicitation.
"The Cover Charge That Covers Your Back"
No admission fee — ever. The annual screenprinted t-shirt is the optional way to support the fair, fund community nonprofits, and wear the year on your back.
Annual Art Contest
The verified status of each year's community screenprint design in the official digital archive.
1975–1991
Pre-digital era
1992–1994
GIF scans archived
1995–1996
Unconfirmed on record
1997–1999
GIF digital archive
2000–2007
Annual designs archived
2008
Cancelled · Design saved
2009–2016
Annual designs archived
2017
Unconfirmed on record
2018–2019
Annual designs archived
2020–2021
Keepsake designs (COVID)
2022–2025
Annual designs archived
2026
Contest open now
All Proceeds Go Back to the Community
After covering operating costs, 100% of Girdwood Forest Fair proceeds are donated to local Girdwood organizations. In 2024, 24 organizations were named recipients — from Challenge Alaska to the Girdwood Food Bank.
See 2024 Recipients →Historical Stewardship Acknowledgment
The Girdwood Forest Fair is held annually in Girdwood (historically Glacier City), in the traditional and ancestral homelands of the Dena'ina Athabascan people. For thousands of years, the Dena'ina stewarded Turnagain Arm, the valley watersheds, and these ancient forests. We honor their enduring presence and connection to these lands.
