FYI Fairbanks: Issue 14

There’s always something happening around Fairbanks—and we’re here to help you keep up with a little more of it.

Each week, we bring together local events, community updates, useful things to know, and stories from the people and businesses that make Fairbanks what it is. Whether you’ve lived here for decades or are still getting to know the area, we hope you find something useful, interesting, or worth sharing.

Thanks for spending a few minutes with us.

Let's get started.

If you haven't voted yet, today is Election Day in Fairbanks and the Borough. Polls are open from 7am–8pm for the 2026 Regular Municipal Election.

Depending on where you live, your ballot may include races for Borough Assembly, School Board, the IGU Board, Fairbanks or North Pole city offices, along with three borough propositions. You can find your polling place, view a sample ballot, and get more information directly from the Fairbanks North Star Borough website.

Find Your Polling Place and Election Information

Support events and businesses that help make Fairbanks a great place to live, work, and play. Click images for more information.

Looking for something free and family-friendly to do this weekend? The 11th annual Fairbanks Fiber Festival is back with three days of fiber arts, shopping and activities for all ages.

Explore knitting, crocheting, spinning, weaving, quilting, embroidery, felting, sewing, basketry and more, with workshops, hands-on demonstrations, educational booths, kids' activities, food and a marketplace filled with handmade goods from Alaska fiber artists. You don't have to be a crafter to enjoy Fiber Fest—there's plenty to see, shop and experience with the whole family.

Friday, Oct. 9 | 5–8 pm
Saturday, Oct. 10 | 10 am–5 pm
Sunday, Oct. 11 | 10 am–5 pm

Centennial Center at Alaskaland
2300 Airport Way
FREE ADMISSION • FAMILY-FRIENDLY

Mustard Seed Beauty is a Fairbanks small business creating handmade cosmetics with thoughtfully chosen ingredients and simple formulas. Owner Grace Collins makes the products herself, with a focus on creating quality cosmetics and keeping ingredient lists as clean and straightforward as possible.

The business grew out of Grace's desire to better understand the ingredients in the products she was using on her own skin. As she became more interested in what went into those products, she began creating cosmetics of her own where she could be intentional about every ingredient she used.

Grace especially enjoys the creative side of making cosmetics and developing products people can incorporate into their everyday routines. Her personal favorite is her castor oil lip balm, which she makes to be especially moisturizing.

Building Mustard Seed Beauty has also given Grace another way to be part of the Fairbanks small-business community. She says one of the things she appreciates most about living and working here is simply how wonderful the community is.

Want to support Grace and Mustard Seed Beauty? Look for her at local markets and events around Fairbanks, where you can shop her handmade cosmetics in person. You can also follow Mustard Seed Beauty on Facebook to see what she's making and find out where she'll be next.

Connect with Mustard Seed Beauty:

Facebook

Ongoing
Interior Gardens by Kyle Agustines at Well Street Art Company

Tuesday October 6
Apprenticeship Expo with Alaska Works Partnership — 10am-3pm
Political Forum: House Districts 31, 32, 35, 36 — 12-1:30pm
Pioneer Park Pickers Weekly Music Jam — 6:30-8:30pm

Wednesday October 7
Seismology Talk & “Listening to Alaska” Film Premiere — 7-8pm

Friday October 9
Fairbanks Fiber Festival — 5–8 pm
Spooky Trail at Tanana Lakes — 6-8pm

Saturday October 10
Frost & Fall NPMS Bazaar — 10am-4pm
Lavery Booksellers—Weekend Bookshop & Basement Tours — 10am-4pm
Fairbanks Fiber Festival — 10 am–5 pm
Cozy Collective — 12-6pm
Toy Story 5 Open Skate — 6-8pm
CMS: Beth Kolle & Rachel Nesvig Concert — 7pm

Sunday October 11
Cozy Collective — 10am-4pm
Lavery Booksellers—Weekend Bookshop — 10am-4pm
Fairbanks Fiber Festival — 10 am–5 pm
Tommy Emmanuel Concert — 7:30pm

Monday October 12
Chess Club at Noel Wien Library — 5:30-7pm

Last week, we asked what winter item is worth spending the extra money on, and there was one very clear winner: good winter boots.

Several readers recommended warm, insulated boots, with Stegers getting a specific shoutout. Sergio also recommended insulated clothing for anyone planning to spend much time outdoors, while Ted suggested heated gloves from Costco.

Shaun offered a different kind of winter essential: an outdoor electric timer for your vehicle. It's inexpensive, can help cut down on the electricity used to keep your vehicle plugged in, and makes it easier to have your car ready when you actually need it.

This week's question:

FYI Fairbanks is built by community members, for community members.

Have an event to share? Know a business we should meet? Interested in advertising? Have an idea for a future edition? Just hit reply, we’d love to hear from you.

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See you around town,

Your Friends at FYI Fairbanks