June is right around the corner and there’s plenty on the calendar. The Anchorage Weekender rounded up eight things to do this weekend, from live music returning to downtown to plant sales and swaps.
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1. Live music downtown
Various times and locations
The Super Saturated Sugar Strings will kick off Live After Five on Thursday from 5:30 to 8 p.m. along F Street between six and seventh avenues. The event includes a beer garden and free bike valet parking. At each show, attendees can enter to win two roundtrip tickets from Alaska Airlines. Jazz on the Lawngets underway at the Anchorage Museum (625 C St.) on Saturday from noon to 2 p.m. The Advanced Student Jazz Ensemble from the Alaska Jazz Workshop will jam on blues, funk and more.Each of these events are free and family friendly.
2. Twilight Run
Friday, 7 to 10 p.m., Rose Garden at Delaney Park Strip (10th Ave. and N Street)
Start your weekend with the three B’s: beer, bands and Bear Tooth. Participants can choose between a 6K or 12K run. The course starts at the corner of 8th and H Street, then loops around Government Hill, through downtown and along the Coastal Trail before finishing back at the Rose Garden. Local bands will be performing along the trail. Registration fees depend on which race you sign up for.
3. Friday Fling
Friday, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. (720 S. Valley Way)
Palmer’s weekly outdoor farmers market is back for the summer. Shop locally-grown produce, handmade goods, eat grub from local vendors and dance to music. This event runs through early August.
4. First Fish
Friday, 5 to 7 p.m. Petroleum Club of Anchorage (3301 C St.)
Celebrate the start of the Copper River salmon season by feasting on fresh seafood prepared by local chefs. Guests will vote for their favorite dish, with the winner announced at the end of the evening. Tickets are about $55 each.
5. Plant Sales and Swaps
Various times and locations
Bring your leafly friends to the Alaska Rock Gym (655 E. 33rd Ave.) on Friday from 6:30 to 10 p.m. to trade, swap or take home a new plant. You don’t need to bring a plant to take one. Browse a variety of hardy perennials, along with unique plants, on Friday from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. at the Anchorage Senior Activity Center (1300 E. 19th Ave.). If you have extra plants, starts or divided perennials, the center is accepting donations. On Saturday, the Wildflower Garden Club of Alaska at 1300 W. Benson Blvd., shop native plants, annuals, house plants, shrubs, vegetable starts and more from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
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6. Camp Bow Wow
Saturday, noon to 4 p.m. (1885 E. 64th Ave.)
Camp Bow Wow, a dog day care and boarding franchise, is hosting a grand opening event with tours, pet portraits and more. If you’re looking for a furry friend, there’ll be a chance to adopt one. The facility is offering a free first day of camp for pet parents.
7. Culture Flag Day
Saturday, noon to 6 p.m., Delaney Park (W. 9th Ave.)
To round out Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, flags showcasing Asian Pacific Islands nations will be showcased. This free event also includes cultural performances, sports, singing and more.
8. Community Clean Up
Saturday, 1 to 4 p.m., Whaley School
Help clean up the area around Tikishla Park along Chester Creek. Participants will meet in the Whaley School parking lot. Water, snacks and essential equipment will be provided by organizers. The citywide cleanup runs through the end of May, although you can pick up trash around Anchorage anytime.
9. Anchorage Glacier Pilots opening day
Monday, 6 p.m., Mulcahy Stadium (498 E. 16th Ave.)
The Anchorage Glacier Pilots, a summer collegiate baseball team, will face off against the Alaska Goldpanners of Fairbanks, kicking off the baseball season in the city. Tickets are $5 for general admission, but seniors and kids ages 6 to 12 are $2. Kids 5 and younger get in for free.
Have an event we should consider for The Anchorage Weekender? Email us at [email protected].
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