Fairbanks has a lot of tourist-oriented evening activities, as well as entertainment also attended by locals. Call the 24-hour event recording of what's playing currently (tel. 907/456-INFO) or get a copy of the Fairbanks Daily News-Miner. A large multiplex movie theater is located on Airport Way. The evening show at the Palace Theatre is discussed earlier under "Pioneer Park."
There are places to go out in the evening without having to hear about the gold rush (in other words, places real locals go). Check out the "Downtown Guide" and "Events" pages of the Downtown Association of Fairbanks (tel. 907/452-8671; www.downtownfairbanks.com) for an updated list of entertainment in that part of town.
In the University area, hear local and imported folk music live at the College Coffeehouse, at 3677 College Rd. (tel. 907/374-0468; www.collegecoffeehousefairbanks.com). The website lists upcoming acts. Three miles south of town on the Parks Highway, The Blue Loon (tel. 907/457-5666; www.theblueloon.com) has live music, many beers on tap, and good burgers. They even show movies and call themselves the "cultural epicenter of Fairbanks."
For something a bit wilder, the Howling Dog Saloon, out in Fox, 2160 Old Steese Hwy. (tel. 907/456-4695; www.howlingdogsaloon.com), has long been the place to cut loose in the summer. Besides a bar, "The Dog" offers live music Wednesday to Saturday, a cafe, and volleyball out back. It is open May to September.
