Who needs national music festivals like Lollapalooza or Ozzfest? Alaska has its own good thing going with the return of Summer Meltdown. The local rock event started in 2004, and it is now hosting more national acts, while still showcasing local talent.

A few years ago, 36 Crazyfists lead singer Brock Lindow asked AK Soul Productions to help create a summer rock scene. 36 spends most of its time on the road, but maintains a fiercely loyal Alaska fan base that packs local shows. Building on that support, the all-day rock fest was born.

On Saturday Summer Meltdown celebrates its fifth anniversary, with 10 hours of music from 12 bands at an outdoor, all-ages festival at Chilkoot Charlie's.

Kurt Bunde of AK Soul said the goal of the festival is to put Alaska on the map, so more national bands will want to play here.

"After five years I feel like we have really come of age," Bunde said.

36 Crazyfists is still the big draw, and this year they're sharing the bill with national act Straight Line Stitch. The Knoxville, Tenn., band is headed north after an invitation extended by Lindow while the groups toured together earlier this year.

Because Lindow and his wife are expecting their first child next week, 36's normally intense summer tour schedule was wiped clean so he could be home. Coincidently, it allowed him to be involved with this year' Meltdown from concept to stage, including judging the battle of the bands competition.

"I definitely didn't want to be the guy to tell people they couldn't play the festival. All the bands played great," Lindow said.

Straight Line Stitch lead singer Alexis Brown said she isn't quite sure what to expect in the Last Frontier, but she was happy to accept the gig.

"Oh man, we are so stoked. We can't wait. We are packing our drinking boots, and we are ready to do it," Brown said.

As a woman, Brown is a rare gem in the melodic metal genre. If you are tempted to write her off because you think it takes a man to throw down some face-melting guttural rock, check out "Taste of Ashes," a song that features a screaming duet by Brown and Hatebreed's Jamey Jasta.

Brown said the group will stay in Alaska for a week with beer pong rivals 36 as their tour guides.

"We want to meet and talk to and hang out with as many people as possible," Brown said.

More than just a mosh pit (although there will be lots of that), this year's festival will also include a sound stage for video game rockers and an obstacle course provided by the Alaska Army National Guard.

"We are going to see if we can get thrown into the fire by having a little timed trial (of the obstacle course) to see who can beat us," Lindow said.

Summer Meltdown V promises to be a loud 'n' lively bash with plenty of local acts making noise and a more intimate setting then you'll find at Outside music fests.

Summer Meltdown V

Doors open at noon Saturday, Chilkoot Charlie's (2435 Spenard Road, 272-1010)

All ages with beer garden available

$30-$80, tickets available at aksoul.com, Chilkoot Charlie's and The Look.

For more information, visit aksoul.com.