Memorial Day is Sunday, and many Alaskans will hit the road for the three-day weekend. The Anchorage Weekender rounded up five things to do in the city and a handful of happenings elsewhere around Southcentral Alaska.
1. 1st Tap
Thursday, 6 p.m., Moose’s Tooth Pub and Pizzeria (3300 Old Seward Hwy.)
Kick off Memorial Day weekend with SOJA, an award winning reggae band. Doors open at 6 p.m., with opener H3 to hit the stage at 7 p.m. This is an outdoor concert open to people 21 and older. Tickets are $65 in advance or $70 at the door.
2. Third Thursday
Thursday, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., Alaska Native Heritage Center (8800 Heritage Center Dr.)
The Alaska Native Heritage Center offers a 10% discount in the Ch’k’iqadi Gallery from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m on third Thursdays. The gallery features Alaska Native artists from every region of the state. This month’s program focuses on belongings from the Sugpiaq region.
3. Band benefit bash for East High
Saturday, 2 to 5 p.m., Club Nyt Lyt (221 E. 5th Ave.)
East Anchorage High School students are throwing an all-ages benefit bash to support the current band program, which the school is set to lose next year. The show features the school’s jazz ensemble, the band Vital and other guests. All proceeds from this event support East High’s band activity account. Tickets will be available at the door on a suggested donation scale starting at $15. The group is also accepting direct donations.
4. Comedy Show
Saturday, 8 p.m., The Nave (3502 Spenard Road)
Watch an improv competition, where a winner will be crowned at the end of the evening. Doors open at 7 p.m. with the show to start at 8 p.m. Tickets are $18 online or $20 at the door. Organizers say adult themes are unlikely, but anyone under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.
5. Alaska Public Gardens Day
Saturday, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., Alaska Botanical Garden (4601 Campbell Airstrip Rd.)Pay what you can or enjoy a free visit to the garden, plus guided tours along the Verna Pratt Wildfire Trail between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. The Alaska Rock Garden Society will also have plants for sale.
Whether you’re planning a weekend road trip or want a quick trip out of Anchorage, here are some events across Southcentral, from Big Lake to Hope and Homer.
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Palmer:
Watch bull riders battle it out for the prized golden buckle at the Alaska State Fairgrounds (2075 Glenn Hwy.) on Saturday from 5 to 11 p.m. and Sunday from 2 to 5 p.m.Attendees can also enjoy a variety of food and beverage options from local vendors, along with live music from country music singer-songwriter Dillion Carmichael.Multiple ticket options are available, including family bundles and discounts for first responders, but general admission is $47.
Big Lake:
Learn homesteading skills at the annual Homestead Expo (2942 S. Lions Ct.) on Friday and Saturday. There’s a variety of class offerings, including how to use food as medicine, herbal wound management and how to make pasta. More than 150 vendors will have goods for sale. Tickets are $85 if you’re looking to take a class or $5 if you’re just shopping the marketplace. Virtual options are available.
Talkeetna:
More than 50 Alaskan artisan vendors will offer hands-on workshops and performances at the Talkeetna Art Festival on Saturday and Sunday. The weekend lineup is packed with a range of bands, along with local youth and up-and-coming artists.
Hope: Hope Social Club and Cousin Curtis will take the stage at Creekbend Cafe (64777 Second St.) on Saturday from 7 to 11 p.m. Tickets are $35, but children 15 and younger get in for free. Organizers recommend bringing cash to purchase food and drinks, along with chairs, blankets and umbrellas if it’s raining.
Homer: On Saturday at Down East Saloon (3125 East End Rd.), Blackwater Railroad Company, Roland Roberts Band, Black Barrel and the Badmen and more local favorites will play an outdoor festival, called Way Down East Romp. Doors open at 1 p.m., with music running from about 2 to 11 p.m. There will be food trucks onsite, along with an outside bar. This event is open to those 21 and older. Tickets are $35 in advance or $45 at the door. Attendees are encouraged to bring their own lawn chairs.
Have an event we should consider for The Anchorage Weekender? Email us at [email protected].
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