The midnight sun is in full effect, and it’s nearly impossible to stay inside. The Anchorage Weekender compiled nine events to help you soak up the city’s more than 19 hours of daylight.
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1. National musicians downtown
Friday and Saturday, 6 p.m., F Street
Country artist Paul Cauthlen is performing at a block party Friday, opened by local bands Hope Social Club and Good Company. All attendees under 21 years old must have a parent or legal guardian with them. General admission tickets are $53, but upgraded options are available.
The party continues Saturday with a doubleheader. You’ll feel the “Electric Love” with musician BØRNS, blending different sounds and styles. They’ll be featured alongside the rock band STRFKR and several local acts. Enjoy the music, as well as food trucks and local vendors. General admission is about $80. Kids 12 and younger get in free.
2. Knit on the lawn
Saturday, noon, Anchorage Museum (625 C St.)
Bring your yarn and a chair to the museum lawn for World Knit in Public Day. Whether you’re learning, a lifelong knitter or even a crocheter, all are invited to this free event.
3. Blossom Festival
Saturday, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Boyer’s Orchard and Greenhouse (645 E. 81st Ave.)
Enjoy live music, food, vendors, kids activities and a free chair massage while celebrating budding flowers and blooming blossoms at a hidden orchard located off the Old Seward Highway. Tickets are $10 each or $30 for a group.
4. Storytime on wheels
Saturday, 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Loussac Library (3600 Denali St.)
Take a short ride on the People Mover bus while reading and singing songs. And no, the pigeon won’t be behind the wheel. Rides take off every half hour, starting at 11 a.m. The bus can accommodate about 40 riders per storytime. Officials anticipate a high turnout, so it’s recommended to arrive early.
5. Healing on the trail
Saturday, 10 to 11:30 a.m., Goose Lake (2801 UAA Dr.)
Those carrying loss are invited to walk, reflect and heal in a supportive, community setting. Getting outside can be therapeutic and boost mental health. Organizers say participants will walk at a calm pace, giving room to breath, remembering and connecting with each other.
6. Community Hike
Saturday, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., South Fork Trail (2098 W. River Dr.)
Bring your friends, family and well-behaved pets for a group hike in Eagle River. Participants will be hiking from the trailhead to a bridge, just over four miles round trip. Organizers recommend bringing water, snacks, a rain jacket and sunscreen. RSVP here.
7. Colony Days
All weekend, various locations in Palmer
This three-day festival includes activities for all ages, from an outdoor vendor market to live music and a parade. Colony Days kicks off with the ringing of the St. Mihiel Bell on Friday at 11 a.m. at Colony Quad Park (237 E. Elmwood Ave.), followed by a chalk drawing contest, live music and more. There’s a parade through downtown Palmer on Saturday from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. The event wraps up Sunday with a cribbage tournament, a car show and bingo.
8. Dragon Boat Festival
Sunday, noon to 3 p.m., Brotherhood Sisterhood Park (4910 Van Buren St.)
The Dragon Boat Festival, also known as the Double Fifth Festival, is a traditional Chinese holiday. It’s a full afternoon of activities and food, including boat races to drum beats and zongzi, or sticky rice dumplings.
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Attendees can bring a miniature boat to participate in the Raingutter Regatta Competition. Lanes are over nine feet long, six inches wide and about six inches deep. Prizes will be awarded to the fastest boat and the most creative.
This is an outdoor event, but if it rains it’ll move next door to the Alaska Asian Cultural Center (4807 Northwood Dr.). Event organizers are still looking for volunteers, who’ll get free entry and meals for their time. Tickets are $15 for adults and $10 for children and seniors, although a discount is available for Alaska Chinese Association members.
9. Markets
1317 W. Northern Lights Blvd.
Shop goods by local queer artists and allies at the Spenard Pride Market on Saturday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Support over a dozen small businesses and learn about resources in the community.
1520 O’Malley Rd.
Shop for locally made goods, vintage finds and more at the June Handmade and Flea Market on Sunday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. This outdoor market repeats on the second Sunday of each month.
600 E. Northern Lights Blvd.
Browse handmade items, from jewelry and home decor to baked goods on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The Alaskan Crafted Summer Markets are held each Saturday through August, excluding the Fourth of July.
1111 O’Malley Centre Dr.
Each Saturday in the summer from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., you can find an array of fresh produce at the South Anchorage Farmers Market. There’s also live music.
8100 Starview Dr.
The Pena Park Market, also known as the Hmong market, brings flavor to east Anchorage each Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Along with produce, dozens of vendors sell delicious food, including fried pork belly and rice, spring rolls, tacos, poke and authentic Thai tea. You can also find balut, a fertilized duck or chicken egg.
713 S. Denali Street
If you need to replenish your pantry with produce mid-week, head to the Matanuska Community Farmers Market in Palmer on Wednesdays from 4 to 7 p.m. This year, the market is offering sliding scale discounts up to 50% off for those in need, available on a first-come, first-serve basis. Market vendors also accept SNAP/EBT and can double SNAP dollars by up to $40 at each market.
Have an event we should consider for The Anchorage Weekender? Email us at [email protected].
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