Festival will satisfy currant curiosity

Anna-Maija Mattila-Litvak
907-474-7448
Aug. 12, 2026

Close-up of clusters of red currants in varying stages of ripeness hanging from slender stems among green leaves. — Photo by Edwin Remsberg
Red currants grow on a bush at the Georgeson Botanical Garden in Fairbanks in July 2026.

The fourth annual Far North Currant Festival will celebrate one of �ֻ�ֱ��'s lesser-known berries from 1-4 p.m. on Aug. 22 at the Georgeson Botanical Garden in Fairbanks.

Visitors of all ages can enjoy berry tastings, educational exhibits, hands-on activities and garden tours. Local growers, gardeners, researchers, artists and community experts will be on hand to answer currant questions.

With six species native to �ֻ�ֱ�� — and hundreds of cultivated varieties — currants thrive all across the state. Currants come in a range of colors, from red to nearly black. They are easy to grow, burst with a variety of flavors and provide a nutritious addition to home gardens or specialty farms. Currants are a rich source of antioxidants and vitamins and can be made into jellies, syrups, pies and baked goods or enjoyed on their own.

This event is free. Minors must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. The Georgeson Botanical Garden is located at 2180 West Tanana Drive on the University of �ֻ�ֱ�� Fairbanks Troth Yeddha’ Campus.

For more information, visit or contact the Georgeson Botanical Garden at gbg@alaska.edu.

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