THINGS TO DO IN TALKEETNA, AK

Talkeetna still very much thrives in the winter. Aside from being a hub for snow machine adventures, or other standard Alaskan winter activities like cross country skiing, dog sled runs, or gazing at the northern lights, Talkeetna has many other events going on throughout the Winter. 

Here’s a list of some our favorite events that make the Winter’s here special.

Talkeetna Bachelor Auction, Wilderness Woman Contest, and the Talkeetna Parade of Lights

It all started off as a ploy to get more women into the Fairview Inn in the 1980’s and now has grown into over $20,000 being raised in a single night for charity. 30-40 men are auctioned off at the Community Arts Hangar filled with screaming women.  The purchase of a bachelor will get you a drink and a dance at the Bachelor Ball that immediately follows the auction. Many of the bachelors will have additional items, excursions or certificates up on the block with them.  These men come from all walks of life, including mechanics, firemen, loggers, pilots, miners, guides, businessmen, carpenters, geologists, teachers and more. Bachelors range in age from 21 to 70. Although the bachelors themselves are not married, all ladies are encouraged to attend, no matter their relationship status! 

The weekend kicks off with the Wilderness Woman Contest. In 1986, Pam Rannals created the Wilderness Woman Contest in order to allow women to show off their uniquely Alaskan skill sets. The events include hauling water down Main St, making a sandwich and delivering it with a beer to a bachelor in waiting and followed by sawing and hauling wood. The last round is full of adventure! Fishing, snowshoeing, shooting “ptarmigan”, ringing the dinner bell and shooting a moose! 

Once night falls, the locals come out and party down Main St with the Parade of Lights. Local businesses, groups, and societies all band together, build floats and put on a show. It’s certainly not to be missed.

Taste of Talkeetna

On the second Saturday of the December Taste of Talkeetna takes place. An annual event featuring Talkeetna’s restaurants and watering holes! Participants travel door to door trying special menu items and beverages from local establishments. You visit each of the seven restaurants between 4 p.m. and 8 p.m. Then, you make your way back to the Fairview Inn, where your ticket becomes your entry for several prize packages being given away, including flightseeing trips, jetboat trips, overnight packages and much more.

Iditarod Restart

On the first Sunday of March, the Iditarod Restart happens. While the Iditarod does not actually restart in Talkeetna, many people choose to stay here because Willow is only an hour away and has very limited accommodations. Many mushers live in Talkeetna as well, including 3 time champion Dallas Seavey. 

Fat Tire Bike Race

On the second Saturday of March fat tire cyclist come in from all over Alaska to compete in this exciting race. The course features beautiful and challenging rolling terrain with approximately 1200′ of climbing per lap and each lap goes through downtown Talkeetna. Start and Finish will be at Denali Brewing Company.

Oosik Classic

On the third Saturday of March, around 750 people take to the tracks for this funky ski race. People often dress up in costumes and it’s followed by a party at the Community Arts Hangar. The race is held on the 3rd Saturday of March every year. The race course varies from year to year. Oosik distances are approximate but are generally a 25km and 50km race. The 50km is a single loop added to the 25K.