It’s finally starting to feel like summer in the city, and the to-do list is already a mile long. The Anchorage Weekender rounded up a whopping 10 events, from social outings for you and your pet to outdoor concerts.
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1. Social Ride
Thursday, 6 p.m., Jodhpur Trailhead (7631 Jodhpur St.)
Make new friends, get outside and explore the Kincaid Park singletrack bike trails. This relaxed ride is open to all riders, but organizers ask you to leave your furry friends at home.
2. Summer Night Market
Friday, 5:30 to 8:30 p.m., F Street
Each Friday throughout the summer, this family-friendly event takes over downtown Anchorage with community, celebration and good vibes. This week’s soulful sounds will be provided by Anchorage-based Hawaiian reggae band H3. There’s also a kids zone with hands-on activities and crafts, food trucks and a wide variety of local vendors.
3. Yappy Hour
Friday, 4:30 to 7:30 p.m., 49th State Brewing (717 W. 3rd Ave.)
Enjoy local brews and chow while your pup socializes with other dogs this summer in the beer garden. There will be complimentary dog-friendly beer and treats available, along with vendors with goods for sale.
4. Slam’n Salm’n Derby
Friday, 7 a.m., The Bait Shack (212 W. Whitney Rd.)
For the next few weekends, anglers will fish the banks of Ship Creek from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. in hopes of landing the largest chinook, also known as king salmon. Derby tickets are $20 each, and there are four classes: men, women, military and youth. Anglers can enter one salmon per day and up to five total throughout the derby, which ends June 20. There’s a range of prizes up for grabs, including cash, fishing gear, gift cards and more.
5. Spenard Jazz Fest
Various days and locations
Thursday is forecast to be a scorcher, so cool off at Balto Seppala Park (3360 Wisconsin Dr.) from 7 to 9 p.m. with the Summer Concert Series, featuring Hot Club of Nunaka. Two local food trucks – Spicy Riggies and High Five Hand Pies – will be onsite with grub for sale. Parking is available, but if you bike in you can snag a free drink card from Kaladi Brothers Coffee. There’s also a pedal party to the event starting at King Street Brewing (9050 King St.).
There are concerts all day Saturday in Spenard at Organic Oasis and Refuge Coffee with a wide variety of local musicians. Tickets start at $25. There’s also Jazz on the Lawn at the Anchorage Museum (625 C St.) from noon to 2 p.m. Later, at 8 p.m., boogie down to Bernie’s Bungalow Lounge (626 D St.) for an outdoor concert featuring Powerplay, The Robotz and dreamcat.
The festival wraps up Sunday at The Nave (3502 Spenard Rd.) with a vocal improv workshop, a community gathering and more.
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6. Three Barons Renaissance Fair
Saturday and Sunday, noon to 8 p.m. (801 Pine St.)
Get immersed in a whimsical weekend full of fantasy, history and fun. This family-friendly event includes circus acts, a costume contest, comedic stage performances, pirate taverns and more. Tickets are $12 for adults and $6 for kids 12 and younger. A free shuttle is available from the University of Alaska Anchorage’s west lot.
7. Pedals and Petals
Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Over a dozen vintage cars will roll to the Alaska Botanical Garden (4601 Campbell Airstrip Rd.), celebrating the 30th anniversary of the Alaskan A’s Ford Model A Club. The event is included with admission to the garden, which is $14 for adults and $10 for students. Kids 6 and younger get in for free.
8. Run for Women
Saturday, all morning, UAA Campus (3400 Seawolf Dr.)
Lace up your running shoes and opt for a one-mile or five-mile course, racing through the city’s U-Med District. Nearly a dozen local entertainers will be along the route, singing and playing music.
Attendees can pick up their bibs starting at 6:45 a.m., followed by a yoga warm-up at 7:30. Runners and walkers will hit the course starting at 8:30 a.m. There’s a Zumba workout at 10:15 a.m., followed by an awards ceremony. Organizers say pets, scooters, wagons and roller blades aren’t allowed. There’s no set registration fee for this event, but organizers suggest a $25 donation.
9. Drag: Pride Edition
Saturday, 7 to 9 p.m., The Nave (3502 Spenard Rd.)
June is Pride Month, and Drag with a Cause is celebrating with a special lineup of performers. Organizers say the night will be full of self-expression, fierce performances and unapologetic pride. This event is open to those 18 and older. General admission is $15. ASL interpreters will be present.
10. Picnic Concert
Sunday, 4 to 6 p.m., Alaska Botanical Garden (4601 Campbell Airstrip Rd.)
Bring your own picnic to this weekly concert series happening each Sunday in June. Listen to bluegrass played by The Grassteroids. Wild Scoops will be there with ice cream available for purchase. Adult admission is $14, with discounts available for students, seniors and military members. Kids 6 and younger get in free.
Have an event we should consider for The Anchorage Weekender? Email us at [email protected].
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