Fun things coming up: Alaska State Fair kicks off, Alaska Brew Fest hits the Park Strip, and more

Alaska State Fair opening week — After skipping 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the state fair is back and expanded to 14 days to spread out the crowds. More than 400 vendors will be there this year, including five new food vendors. But likely the most exciting addition is a new, permanent roller coaster, the Aftershock.

To see daily hours a full schedule of events, visit the state fair site. Here are the shows scheduled for the first week.

Portugal. The Man: Much of the Grammy-winning band hails from near where the state fair takes place. Catch them live at 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Aug. 20 and 21 (gates open at 5:30 p.m.). Tickets $49-$69, not including fair admission.

Martina McBride: The country pop artist (”Concrete Angel,” “A Broken Wing”) has won the Country Music Association’s “Female Vocalist of the Year” award four times and was nominated for 14 Grammy awards. She plays at 6 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 22. $39-$85, not including fair admission.

Michael Jr.: Billed as a “comedic thought leader,” Michael Jr. has appeared on “The Tonight Show,” “The Late, Late Show,” “Oprah,” “Jimmy Kimmel Live” and “Comedy Central.” $29-$39, not including fair admission, 7 p.m. Monday, Aug. 23.

State fair tickets are $7-$15. Runs 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday, Aug. 20, through Monday, Sept. 6, (closed Tuesdays and Wednesdays) at the Palmer Fairgrounds (2075 Glenn Highway). For more details see alaskastatefair.org.

Alaska Craft Brew Fest: Summer edition — The celebration of craft brew and barleywine is moving outdoors for an event on the Park Strip. Sample from over 50 beers, talk to local brewers and enjoy some live music and food from one of the food trucks. $45-$55 admission includes a commemorative cup and 20 tickets for samples. Designated drivers are $10 (no drink tickets). The connoisseur session will be from 12-3 p.m. and general session from 6-9 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 21. Must be 21 or over, of course. For a list of brewers or to buy tickets, see alaskacraftbrewandbarleywine.com.

Greek Festival — Taste traditional Greek foods and pastries, watch Greek folk dancing, stop by the agora (marketplace) to buy books, pottery and jewelry and have a glass of wine or a local beer at the taverna. 3 p.m.-9 p.m., Friday-Saturday, Aug. 20-21, and 1 p.m.-6 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 22 (drive thru pickup only on Sunday), at the Holy Transfiguration Greek Orthodox Church (2800 O’Malley Road). See Facebook for details.

Anchorage RunFest — Expect to see a lot of runners this weekend downtown and along the Coastal Trail as they test their mettle during one of the half dozen events encompassed by Anchorage Runfest (née Big Wild Life Runs, née Humpy’s Marathon). Cheer them on, plan accordingly, or join them! There’s a variety of distances, and even a 49K Ultra for those who find regular-length marathons too pedestrian (see what we did there). The military mile and kids 2K is Saturday; the 5K, Humpy’s Marathon, Skinny Raven Half Marathon and 49K Ultra are all Sunday. See anchoragerunfest.org for registration and other details.

Anchorage re:MADE Summer Market — re:MADE is an organization that works to empower creators in the community and repurpose materials that would otherwise end up in the landfill. At this market you’ll find find upcycled art and vintage items, plus food and coffee from The Gathering AK Cafe. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 21. 13500 Old Seward Highway. See Facebook for details.