It’s never too early to get a head start on Halloween. Why not this weekend?
This Anchorage Weekender rounds up eight events, from spooky-season celebrations to the annual Alaska Federation of Natives convention.
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1. Alaska Federation of Natives convention
Thursday, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Saturday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Dena’ina Center
The annual Alaska Federation of Natives convention is a time for Alaska Native people to come together to . The convention also includes dance performances and an exhibitor hall featuring Native art and various business and nonprofit organizations. The “overflow” Alaska Native Artist Market will take place at 609 F Street, formerly Willawaw, from Wednesday-Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily.)
The 2026 AFN Convention guide can be found .
2. Baxter Trunk or Treat
Friday, 5 to 6:30 p.m., Baxter Elementary
For most kids, a single Halloween just isn’t enough. Let your little monsters enjoy a safe and abbreviated Halloween this weekend at Baxter Elementary for a trunk or treat and get a head start on that candy stash.
3. Sand Lake Fall Carnival
Friday, 6 to 8 p.m., Sand Lake Elementary
Gather up the little ones and head to Sand Lake this weekend for trick or treating, games, concessions and more. Entry is free for everyone and tickets for carnival activities can be purchased at the door. When you get hungry, you can grab a Yeti Dog or something sweet at Baby Cakes.
4. TBA Theatre’s “Dracula”
Thursday through Sunday, 7 p.m., Grant Hall (4101 University Dr.)
Get spooked this weekend with TBA Theatre’s production of “Dracula.” Follow the famous count as he leaves his decrepit castle in Transylvania to terrorize London in this story adapted from Bram Stoker’s classic novel. The performances are recommended for ages 10 and up or anyone who can keep their cool in the face of blood-sucking evil.
Tickets run from $10 to $17, with discounts for seniors, students and military.
5. Dine, Drama and Dance Tour
Friday, 6:30 p.m., Wilda Marston Theater, Saturday, 6:30 p.m., Bayshore Clubhouse
Join the Alaska Black Caucus for a weekend of film, music and voter information at the Dine, Drama and Dance Tour.
On Friday, you can catch the award-winning film “Can You Stand the Rain,” which follows two lifelong friends who reunite after losing their childhood anchor. The filmmaker, Eden Marryshow, describes it as “a love note to my brother and an invitation to reflect on friendship, grief, forgiveness, and the people who help us keep going.” The event will also include voter information and a meet-and-greet with the filmmaker and local candidates.
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Saturday’s event features a soul food dinner, the music of Mr. Houston, dancing and voter information.
Single tickets for the weekend are $28.52 and couples’ tickets are $49.87 with an option for a six-seat VIP table.
6. NSAA Ski Swap
Saturday, 1 to 4 p.m., Kincaid Park
Find equipment for your winter adventures at the NSAA Ski Swap this weekend. There will be everything from cross country skis and ice skates to snowshoes and outerwear. 30 percent of the proceeds support NSAA to help maintain Anchorage’s trail system.
7. Samhain Fire Celebration
Saturday, 6 to 9:30 p.m., Anchorage Senior Activity Center
Just because you can’t pronounce the word doesn’t mean you can’t celebrate Samhain. The Celtic event marks the end of harvest season and the beginning of the long dark days ahead. The Celtic Community of Alaska will be hosting this family-friendly celebration with feasting, fires, a kids’ costume parade, céilí group dancing and more. Tickets are $30 in advance and $40 at the door. Children are $15 and dinner is extra. Get tickets here.
8. UAA Music Faculty Chamber Recital
Sunday, 4 to 5 p.m., UAA Recital Hall
Hear University of Alaska Anchorage Department of Music faculty perform a selection of chamber music including the haunting “Trio in E minor” by Dmitri Shostakovich, Frank Bridge’s dramatic “Pensiero” and “Allegro appassionato” for viola and piano, as well as the expressive melodies of “Piano Quartet in E-flat Major” by Robert Schumann.
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Standard tickets are $29 with discounts for students, seniors and military.