The tiny town of Houston triples its population (all the way up to 6,000!) during this one-day family-friendly blowout on the third Saturday in August. And the best part is that everything’s free! Kids’ games and bouncy rooms, dunk tanks, fishing ponds, slides, and a BBQ…it’s all covered by the folks of Houston.

The block party-style festival, which has been going on for at least 30 years, was started for kids, and they’ve kept the focus on the youngsters. So bring the family for pie-eating contests, free hot dogs and burgers, and games.

There’s also a poker tournament and garage sale (for the adults) and what the folks of Houston claim is the best fireworks display in the state (a member of their fire department owns a pyrotechnic company and puts on the show). The Air Force Band also plays during the evening, and there are free tours of a life-flight helicopter.

August 19th from 11am-5pm enjoy that most tender BBQ in Alaska! Brisket, pulled pork, and more with amazing sauces crafted right here in Alaska.