The annual Ester Fest on Saturday July 18, will be more than a concert, it’s a celebration of, and fundraiser for, the volunteer-operated Ester Community Park. From up-and-coming rock and roll youth, to long-time local music legends, this year’s Ester Fest is sure to please.
Featuring live music from 2 to 10 p.m., food trucks and vendors, Ester Fest 2026 showcases the beautiful venue, provides income for its ongoing maintenance and improvements, as well as features incredible local and guest music talent. A beer garden will be available to sell drinks to legal adults over 21.
The fest kicks off at 2 p.m. with students and instructors from the Rock Band Camp, showcasing the culmination of two weeks of intensive study and practice for 6-12 grade aspiring musicians. Then the lineup takes a turn to country and western with the Goddam Ranch Hand – aka. Boot – from Trapper Creek Alaska, followed by the Fairbanks Rag Time piano Club. Local favorites Ned Gaines and Tom Letson hit the stage at 4:15, Valley Below at 5 p.m, followed by the foot stomping harmonies of the Honeybucket String Band at 6 p.m. King Swardfish from Whitehorse, a longtime feature of Chickenstock Music Festival, takes the stage at 7 p.m. Rounding out the evening are the groovy tunes of JZAMM at 8 p.m. followed by local legends of rock the Skidmarks at 9 p.m.
More than two dozen local businesses have signed up to sell wares and share their art with the community. Festival t-shirts designed by Leah Hill will also be available for purchase.
Admission is $10 adults, youth/children under 18 are free. The park is located at 3566 Old Nenana Hwy, Fairbanks, and is only a short 8 minute drive from West Fairbanks.
“I am so excited about our unique line-up of musicians, huge variety of booths to shop at, and great food options. Plus it’s all happening at one of Interior Alaska’s finest venues – our beloved Ester Community Park,” said ECA President Monique Musick. “Now that we have paid off the mortgage to purchase the park, we are able to funnel revenues into improvements to our lot, playground, and stage, and to start to look at building additional facilities and features.”
Unlike most other parks in Alaska, the Ester Community Park is privately operated by the all-volunteer Ester Community Association with the help and assistance of members of the community. In January 2026 the final land payment was made. The lush field, large stage and beautiful playground have all been built and maintained by community labor, and is funded by donations, facility rentals, revenue from annual fundraisers, and the state’s Community Revenue Sharing program.
Parking at the park is limited so people are encouraged to carpool if they are able. The spacious lawn has lots of room to spread out – bring a chair or blanket and enjoy live music on the biggest outdoor stage and best grass in Fairbanks.