Cordova’s Iceworm Festival (www.iceworm.org) comes to town the first full week of February. A 140-foot “iceworm” parades through the streets during this offbeat festival. Other events include a fun fair, a talent show, the crowning of Miss Iceworm, fireworks, and various wacky contests.

The big springtime event is the Copper River Delta Shorebird Festival in early May. Held as the first shorebirds appear, it includes workshops, educational seminars, a seafood dinner, and guided field trips to witness the migration of millions of shorebirds.

The arrival of the justly famous Copper River reds (sockeye salmon) is cause for celebration in this fishing town. The Copper River Wild Salmon Festival (www.copperriverwild.org) in early June includes a community salmon feed, street dance, and marathon race up the Copper River Highway.

One of the more unique annual events is the Cordova Fungus Festival in early September, with workshops, gourmet dining, and experts from the world of mushrooms. The Eyak Sobriety Celebration in mid-November attracts Native Alaskan dancers from across the state.

Don’t come to Cordova for the night life; other than drinking with the fishers, it’s strictly make-your-own. The Alaskan and Cordova bars, next to each other on 1st Avenue, and the Anchor Bar on Breakwater Avenue, are all hard-core. The Alaskan sometimes has live bands on summer weekends.

At the Powder House a mile out the Copper River Highway, you can have a drink on the deck along Eyak Lake.