From Juneteenth to Father’s Day on summer solstice, it’s a packed weekend. The Anchorage Weekender rounded up six events in the city and a few festivals in the region.
Read more Crisis response teams free up Anchorage police and emergency services, officials say
1. Community Bike Rides
Thursday, various times and routes
Pedal to the Anchorage Museum (625 C St.) for a public art tour on wheels. The ride will cover between four and eight miles, starting at 5:30 p.m. Organizers say to meet on the lawn at 5 p.m. This free event repeats every third Thursday through August.
Coed Cheese and Crackers Rides are back with accessible routes for everyone. This week, riders will meet at Hillside Park (7011 Abbott Rd.) to cruise the Service Singletrack. Participants will ride for about an hour, then feast on charcuterie with friends. Organizers ask that you leave your furry friends at home (no cheese tax today, doggos).
2. Juneteenth
All weekend, 1 to 6 p.m., Delaney Parkstrip (W. 9th Avenue)
Juneteenth is Friday, but the city is celebrating all weekend. The three-day outdoor celebration includes cultural performances, guest speakers, live music and vendors. Organizers say the celebration is a time for assessment, reflection and rejoicing. This year’s theme is “Celebrating Black Excellence: Past, Present, Future.” All are welcome to this free, family-friendly event.
3. Summer Solstice
Summer solstice is Sunday, with 19 hours and 21 minutes of daylight in Anchorage. If you’re looking to celebrate, here are a few options in the city:
Friday
Reggae band H3 is celebrating the sunshine at 9:30 p.m. at Humpy’s Great Alaskan Alehouse (610 W. 6th Ave.).
Saturday
The Anchorage Glacier Pilots are playing the Chugiak-Eagle River Chinooks at Mulcahy Stadium (498 E. 16th Ave) at 9 p.m. With temperatures forecast near 75 degrees, the midnight sun will keep the game lit.
Sunday
The annual Downtown Summer Solstice Festival is a celebration featuring a wide variety of entertainment, including dance performances, aerialists, a bucking salmon and a basketball tournament. Molly of Denali will also make an appearance. Join fellow solstice revelers along Fourth Avenue between C and G Streets from noon to 5 p.m.
Groove in the Garden at 49th State Brewing (717 W. 3rd Ave.). features live music, lawn games, luau-inspired activities and local brews from 5 to 9 p.m.
4. Youth Fishing Day
Saturday, 6 a.m. to 11 p.m., The Bait Shack (212 W. Whitney Rd.)
Anglers 15 and younger can fish for salmon in Ship Creek all day, but officials say the best chances will be between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m., based on the tides. The first 200 kids get free swag, but all attendees get hot dogs, chips and drinks.
Read more Sterling wildfire not fully contained but bounded, after multi-agency response
This event coincides with the Slam’n Salm’n Derby, which runs until Saturday. There’s a youth category, so be sure to get a derby ticket for $20.
5. Boozy Book Fair
Saturday, 2 to 8 p.m., Moonstone Farm (2141 S. Church Rd.)
Bring a picnic blanket or your favorite camping chair for a free Boozy Book Fair in Palmer. The local band Braided River will play music from 5 to 7 p.m. Food trucks will also be onsite with grub for purchase. Attendees will also have the opportunity to meet authors, including E.M. Shue, Cayenne Sirois and Denali Peaks.
6. Chugach Fest
Friday and Saturday, various times, Arctic Valley Ski Area (18800 Arctic Valley Rd.)
Listen to more than a dozen local bands while surrounded by the Chugach Mountains. This two-day festival is headlined by Black Barrel and the Bad Men, along with The Jephries and the Roland Roberts Band. Tickets start at $50 for adults. Kids 12 and younger get in for free with a paid adult ticket.
7. Rodeo
All weekend, various times, William Clark Chamberlin Equestrian Center (3900 Abbott Rd.)
The Dan Fowlie Memorial Rodeo is a thrilling weekend of competition, organizers say. The event features classic rodeo events, including barrel racing, bull riding and roping. The rodeo starts at 6 p.m Saturday, followed by a championship at 2 p.m. Sunday.
If you’re taking advantage of the midnight sun by hitting the road, here are a few events to consider.
Moose Pass
The Moose Pass Summer Solstice Festival is a two-day festival at Mile 29.5 on the Seward Highway. It’s a family-friendly event that includes live music, a beer garden, vendors and a carnival for the kids. The festival starts at noon Saturday and Sunday, running until 9 p.m. and 5 p.m., respectively.
Seldovia
If you make it across the Kachemak Bay to Seldovia, the community’s Summer Solstice Music Festival runs through Saturday, headlined by Tumbledown House, Dirty Cello and The John Brother Piano Company. Multiple ticket options are available.
Fairbanks
Residents and visitors will pack downtown Fairbanks on Saturday between noon and midnight for the city’s annual Midnight Sun Festival. Dozens of performers will perform throughout the day, including musicians and circus artists. The Alaska Goldpanners will face off against the Utah Yaks for the well-known Midnight Sun Baseball Game at 10 p.m. at Growden Memorial Park (207 Wilbur St.)
Have an event we should consider for The Anchorage Weekender? Email us at [email protected].
Read more State’s refusal to put Petersburg Sullivan on ballot ‘likely not legally justified,’ attorney says