Summer might be winding down, but there’s still plenty to do. The Anchorage Weekender picked out eight local events, from a harvest festival to plant sales.
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1. UAA Summer Stroll Series
Friday, 12 to 1 p.m., University of Alaska Anchorage Rasmuson Hall (3416 Seawolf Dr.)
For the final chapter of the UAA Summer Stroll Series, anyone in the community can participate in a tour of campus trees and learn all about the variety of species growing there and each type of tree’s needs. The UAA grounds crew will share their methods for planting and preparing for fall.
2. Ambassador Bird Program
Friday, 12:30 to 1:15 p.m. Bird Treatment and Learning Center (15510 Old Seward Hwy.)
Join the Bird Treatment and Learning Center to get up close and personal with wild birds. Experts will teach about different bird species and their behavior and discuss training methods they use for their bird ambassadors. Programs run every Friday and feature one or more birds, including snowy owls, a great horned owl, a bald eagle, a peregrine falcon and more. Admission is $10 for anyone over the age of 12. Visitors younger than 12 get in for free. Presentations are outside, but cover is provided.
3. Alaska Master Gardeners Anchorage late season plant sale
Saturday, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Alaska Botanical Garden (4601 Campbell Airstrip Rd.)
Summer is on its way out, but it’s never too late to provide plant friends a good home. Join our local master gardener organization for a plant sale outside of the Alaska Botanical Garden. Find perennials, houseplants and even some friendly gardening advice. This event is free and open to the public.
4. The Houseplant Market
Saturday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., Green Connection (804 E 15th Ave.)
Get ready for Anchorage’s premier potted plant party. You can meet your fellow plant enthusiasts, browse local vendors and find that perfect plant companion. This family-friendly event will also include activities for the kids along with giveaways and door prizes.
5. Parlor In The Round with Emma Hill, Ashley Young and Tyson Davis
Saturday, 5:30 p.m., Anchorage Museum lawn (626 C St.)
If you’re the person who constantly requests “Free Bird” at a concert, you probably need a new joke (and see Bird TLC above). If you like being able to submit creative prompts to songwriters, hear them play music and tell stories, Parlor in the Round is for you. Every concert experience is different and allows the audience to take part in the songwriting process while having a laugh and, of course, hearing music from some of the best songwriters in the state.
The featured artists are locally renowned singer-songwriter and founder of the Spenard Song Circle, Emma Hill, lead creative force and frontman of Blackwater Railroad Co., Tyson Davis, and rising Tlingit singer-songwriter Ashely Young. This event is free and open to the public.
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6. Alyeska Resort Blueberry Festival
Saturday and Sunday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Alyeska Resort, Girdwood
Celebrate Alaska’s favorite berry at Alyeska Resort for the annual Blueberry Festival. This free family-friendly event will feature live music, food trucks, craft vendors, contests and kid activities. You don’t have to pick berries while you’re there, but you just might want to. For the adults, there will be a beer and wine garden to kick back and enjoy a drink.
Parking is limited, and you’ll need to leave the dogs at home. Visitors are encouraged to bring their own cup if they will be drinking. There’s plenty more information on activities, parking and logistics.
7. Hmong Harvest Festival
Saturday and Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Anchorage Football Stadium
The Hmong Harvest Festival is a celebration of the Hmong new year and a chance to gather and share their culture. The event will feature traditional clothing, music, dancing, food and all things celebrating Hmong traditions. All community members are welcome at this free event.
8. 49th Skate Roller Derby Tournament
Saturday and Sunday, 12 p.m. To 5:30 p.m., Begich Middle School (7440 Creekside Center Dr.)
Get ready to get gnarly, because we’re in store for the first-of-its-kind, flat-track roller derby competition in Alaska. Join teams Alaska Roller Derby, Philippines Roller Derby, Maryland All Star Roller Derby and Flower Power Roller Derby from Alberta, Canada. Watch them compete in seven games over two days. Elevated track views at Begich Middle School make it so you don’t miss any of the action.
Tickets are $10 per game and anyone under 3 is free. Single day or weekend passes are available as well.