Celebrate one of Alaska’s most valuable resources at the Salmon Daze festival Saturday, July 19 from noon-6 p.m. at the Anchorage Museum at Rasmuson Center.

Salmon related organizations, local Alaska artists, food carts and more will be in the Anchorage Museum courtyard. Learn about ways salmon impact Alaska! Admission to the outdoor event is free!

If you find yourself in the valley this weekend, don’t miss out on the Palmer Midsummer Garden & Art Faire in downtown Palmer all day Saturday.

Live music, vendors, cooking, gardening and art classes, the Palmer Art Walk, a Recipe Swap, Rhubarb Rumble and more!

For a schedule of events visit http://www.palmergardenandart.org/schedule/

Anchorage Midtown Dental Center is having a 50th anniversary block party this Saturday, July 12 from 1-7 p.m. at their new office at 2805 Dawson St.

Food trucks, FREE entertainments by Matt Hopper & The Roman Candles, The Eternal Cowboys and Turquoise Boy plus enter to win loads of prizes!

This event is free and open to the public.

Celebrate the rich culture of Japan and the strong bonds of friendship shared between Alaska and Japan at the Japanese Summer Festival, Saturday, July 12 at the UAA Cuddy Hall from 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Check out the live music, Taiko drumming, martial arts demonstrations, dancing, food and various cultural exhibitions.

Plus prizes, watermelon smashing and a fun carnival!

Free admission and parking for the public. Visit http://www.jsak.org for more information.

Celebrate our Independence Anchorage style! With more than 1,000 active participants and 25,000 attendees, the Anchorage July 4th Celebration has been described by our elected officials as, “part of the fabric of Anchorage!”

Rise and shine and hit the pancake breakfast at 8 a.m. followed by the parade at 11 a.m. and a festival with rides, games, vendors and food from noon-6 p.m. At 1 p.m. there will be a reading of the Declaration of Independence.

Meander over to Town Square for Live After Five from 5-8 p.m. with FREE live music.

And don’t miss the fireworks at 11:20 p.m. following the Alaska Baseball League doubleheader with the Anchorage Bucs and Anchorage Glacier Pilots that begins at 7 p.m.

If you’re in Eagle River, the festivities begin July 3 at Lion’s Park at 6:30 p.m. and feature sky divers! Their parade starts at 2 p.m. at Chugiak’s Latimer Fire Station.

Of course, if you’re in the Girdwood area, the Girdwood Forest Fair will be in full force — and it’s free to attend!

Wear your red, white, and blue!

For more information, visit http://www.anchoragejuly4thcelebration.com/

Celebrate Polynesian Culture Awareness Day on the Park Strip Saturday, June 28 with Polynesian food, dances, singing, arts, crafts, games, vendors and more. Free and open to the public, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Don’t miss Alaska Botanical Garden’s Boreal Garden & Arts Fest June 28 and 29. Chef demos, Tai Chi demos, Inupiaq dancing, live music and many how-to’s and educational talks from Alaskan gardening experts!

Help stop violence in Anchorage and attend the Stop the Violence Concert Rally, Friday, June 27 from 6-10 p.m. at the Rock Wood Fired Pizza. This free, family event features live music performances, arts and crafts and informational booths.

Celebrate World Refugee Day – JUNE 20 at Mountain View Lions Park tomorrow from 4-7 p.m. There will be an awards ceremony for communities and people who have welcomed refugees to Alaska. Also a free BBQ, children’s activities and live performances by a variety of entertainers.

Summer’s here and that means the annual Mountain View Street Fair! From noon-4 p.m. June 28, head to Clark Middle School for live music, a book giveaway and rock wall, food for under $1, and more!