Alaska State Fair plans $10 million Borealis Theatre rebuild

The Alaska State Fair plans to rebuild the Borealis Theatre, its marquee outdoor concert venue, expanding it after this year's fair and before the next one opens.

The fair announced the plan Thursday. Construction is expected to begin right after the 2026 fair closes Sept. 7 and finish before the 2027 fair opens next August. The rebuild would raise capacity from 5,200 to 6,500 guests, including the lawn, and add a larger stage, upgraded sound, and a regraded lawn with a steeper slope so more of the crowd can see the stage. The theatre sits in Palmer with the Chugach Mountains rising behind the stage.

The project also replaces two restrooms with larger ones, accessible from inside and outside the theatre, with family restrooms and an adult changing room.

"The Borealis Theatre has become an iconic part of the Alaska State Fair experience," fair CEO Blake Allen said in the announcement. The fair, a private nonprofit, put the cost at about $10 million, paid for largely through a push for sponsorships.