Traveling to Fairbanks

The easiest way to get to Fairbanks is by airplane. Popular carriers are Alaska Airlines (the FSAF official transportation partner), Delta Airlines, and Frontier Airlines. One can see more of Alaska by flying into Anchorage and taking the Alaska Railroad up to Fairbanks. The train goes through the beautiful Denali National Park, and is an all-day trip.

In July, the average temperatures in Fairbanks are 72F high and 52F low, and there is little to no wind or precipitation. Sometimes in late summer the temperature can go up to 90F and the air can be smokey due to forest fires. There are about 20 hours of daylight per day in late July, although it does not actually get dark.

Finding a Place to Stay

One campus housing (i.e. dorm rooms) can be reserved through UAF Reslife Conference Services, 907-474-6769. Single rooms cost $36 per day and doubles are $43 per day (these are reduced rates that UAF offers Festival participants). In the dorms, kitchens and bathrooms are shared with other residents. In the past, campus apartments have been available, but due to scheduled renovations, they will likely not be an option this summer.

We suggest that registrants connect with others on the Festival's Facebook page to find roommates or local Festival participants willing to make space available in their homes (maybe even a rustic cabin for a true Alaskan experience).

There are many more housing options off campus, and the Fairbanks Convention and Visitors Bureau gives a fairly comprehensive listing of possibilities.

Those staying off campus may need some type of transportation, and to help alleviate expenses, and to help preserve our environment, the Festival is acquiring a limited supply of bicycles that registrants can rent to get them around Fairbanks. The city also has buses that go all over town, with a major stop right outside the music department.

Things to do

This summer the Festival is reserving Sunday, 7/25 for non-FSAF activities to give everyone a rest from coursework, rehearsals, and concerts, and a chance to explore our beautiful state. Visitors may also wish to come early and/or stay late to provide even more time to enjoy their trip. An excellent resource for finding activities in the area is the Fairbanks Convention and Visitors Bureau website, but here are a few of our suggestions (with more to come as we get organized):

Chena Hot Springs will provide free transportation for about forty people to the Hot Springs on Sunday for the day. Activities for the day include hiking, soaking in the Hot Springs, and exploring their Ice Hotel. Transportation is first-come, first-serve. Access to the Springs will cost $10 and the Ice Hotel is $15.

The Festival will provide a van to take interested people down to Denali National Park for the day. Once at Denali, shuttle buses are available starting at $24 for adults that travel through the park. These buses stop for wildlife viewing, restroom stops, and beautiful scenery. It is possible to leave the bus at any time, explore, and then get picked up by a different bus.

Whitewater rafting trips are available in Denali starting at $84 per person. Rafts, kayaks, and canoes may also be rented in Fairbanks, to float down part of the Chena River.

There are plenty of nearby hiking opportunities. UAF has an extensive trail system on campus. Details and maps can be obtained from the Festival Hospitality Desk. Creamer's Field is located a short bike ride from campus. There are well-maintained trails there with guideposts explaining Alaskan habitats. The Wildlife Sanctuary and Alaska Bird Observatory are part of Wedgewood Resort, bordering the Antique Auto Museum.