Just as July is finally bringing the heat, it’s time to slip into August. The Anchorage weekender rounded up nine events, from a car show to free clothes for students in need.
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1. Storytime in the Park at Chugiak-Eagle River Library
Friday at 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. (12001 Business Blvd. #176, Eagle River) Help your little ones expand their horizons with literacy skills and socialization for free this weekend. Storytime in the Park features 30 minutes of stories, songs and outdoor activities. And of course, playtime. Newborns to kindergarteners are welcome with their families or caregivers. Meet in the pavilion at the park across the street from the library at the top of the sledding hill. This event is weather dependent. Contact the Chugiak-Eagle River Library if the weather looks bad to see if the event has moved inside.
2. Denali Family Fest
Friday, 12 to 3 p.m., Chanshtnu Muldoon Park (1293 Muldoon Rd.)
Denali Family Services is holding a festival with free food, games, prizes and more. Get your face painted, jump in a bouncy house and browse community partner booths to find out about what family resources and services are available. This family- and community-focused event is free and open to the public.
3. Night Market
Friday 5:30 to 8:30 p.m., F Street
It’s the final Anchorage Summer Night Market of the season, and the event is going all out with live painting by Cha Flow, live music from local musicians, dozens of local booths, food trucks and more.
4. Salmonfest
Friday to Sunday, various times, Kenai Peninsula Fairgrounds (16200 Sterling Hwy.)
This annual three-day music festival in Ninilchik has a vast lineup, including national acts Goth Babe and Trampled by Turtles, as well as a wide variety of local artists. Salmonfest tickets sold out earlier this week, but organizers reserve a limited number for fishermen to purchase at the event.
5. Annual Clothesline Project
Saturday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Clark Middle School (150 Bragaw St.)
Every year, the Anchorage Cops for Community hold the annual Clothesline Project to distribute free back-to-school supplies for those in need. The Anchorage Police Department and community members will be distributing clothes to students and families ahead of the next school year. That includes new winter jackets, boots, socks and underwear. There will also be free haircuts, immunization screening, free food and entertainment.
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6. 2026 Run De Tour: Part Deux
Saturday, 10 a.m., Hillside Trailhead (6301 Abbot Rd.)
Join the Nordic Skiing Association for a summer version of the Tour of Anchorage. Runners can register for 20-, 10- and 5-kilometer races that wind through the Double Bubble and Spencer Loop trails. The 20k starts at 10 a.m., the 10k at 10:30 a.m. and the 5k at 11 a.m. General registration is $30 in advance and $40 the day of the race. Runners 17 and under can register for $15.
7. The Power of Drums
Saturday, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., Discovery Theater
Hear how traditional Japanese Taiko drumming mixes with the rhythms of West Africa this weekend at the Alaska Center for the Performing Arts, hosted by Anchorage’s Tomadachi Daiko. Chokoma, a group of Taiko performers from Japan,, will team up with Anchorage’s Oni iLu Drum Corps for a cultural exchange of high-energy drumming and artistic collaboration. Ticket prices start at $32.
8. 48th annual Jay Ofsthun Memorial Show and Shine car show
Sunday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Delaney Park Strip at P Street
Do classic cars, suped-up engines and motorized relics get your gears turning? You’re in luck, because this weekend is the 48th annual Jay Ofsthun Memorial Show and Shine. Last year featured hundreds of autos, from hot rods and super cars to restored beauties, and this year won’t be an exception. All cars and people are welcome to this free event. Visitors can also browse sponsor booths, vendors and food trucks.
9. Eagle River Market
Sunday, 12 to 5 p.m., Odd Man Rush Brewing (10930 Mausel St.)
Snag a cold one and dance your way through the Eagle River market while checking out more than 30 vendors, food trucks and live music outside at Odd Man Rush Brewing. This is the final market of the summer, rain or shine. This event is open to the public.
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