The days are getting shorter, but there’s no shortage of things to do in and around Anchorage.
Read more Arctic Report Card gets new support after NOAA funding cut
The Anchorage Weekender has rounded up 10 things to do this weekend, from the Girdwood Fungus Fair and roller derby clinics to Athabascan fiddlers and bears eating giant veggies.
1. Alaska BOOtanical Garden
Friday, Saturday and Sunday, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., Alaska Botanical Garden
Flower season might be coming to an end, but you can still get outside and take a festive stroll through a transformed Alaska Botanical Garden. There will be themed displays, spooky sights and programs like fairy house building, storytime and more.
Admission is $8 per person or free for members and children 6 and under.
2. Free Day at Alaska Veterans Museum
Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Alaska Veterans Museum (411 W. 4th Ave., Suite 201)
In honor of those lost during the September 11, 2001 attacks on the World Trade Center, the Alaska Veterans Museum is offering free admission on Friday. Browse displays about the Alaska Territorial Guard, Tlingit code talkers and even Alaska’s connection to the American Civil War.
3. Athabascan Fiddlers Dance and Potluck
Friday, 7 to 11 p.m., The Nave (3502 Spenard Rd.)
Bring some food and dance the night away at the Athabascan Fiddlers Dance and Potluck. The suggested admission is $10, but you can pay what you can. This is a sober event and all ages are welcome.
4. Girdwood Fungus Fair
Saturday, 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday, 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., Girdwood Community Room (250 Egloff Dr.)
Grab your fun guys and gals and head to Girdwood to make mycological memories at this mushroom meetup. The Fungus Fair is two days of displays, talks, workshops and more. You can check out examples of fungi and lichen and then attend talks to learn about mushroom identification or cultivation for free.
The guided mushroom walks filled up fast, but you can still register for some of the workshops being offered. Paid workshops run from $50 to $60.
You can find the complete list and schedule of events here.
5. Community Open House for Anchorage Youth Programs
Saturday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., The Nave (3502 Spenard Rd.)
If you’re struggling to find out what programs are available in Anchorage for your kid, this event might be for you. Local youth organizations will be gathered at the Nave to showcase Anchorage youth programs in the Spenard area.
Meet representatives from Anchorage Classical Ballet Academy, Alaska Children’s Museum, Blaine’s Art Supply and more. There will also be themed crafts, information booths and free classes and demonstrations. This event is free and open to the public.
6. Big Bears Big Veggies
Saturday, 12 to 2 p.m., Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center
Alaska is famous for its giant vegetables prominently featured at the state fair. Colossal cabbage and prodigious pumpkins are stars of the show while the state fair is underway, but what is the ultimate fate of these voluminous veggies? Being devoured by brown bears.
Read more Tok prepares for winter amid devastation from the Mukluk Fire
You can watch as the resident brown bears at the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center show the giant veggies their place in the food chain. Regular fees apply.
Their voracious veggie appetites will also be broadcast on the conservation center’s Facebook live.
7. Turnagain Ceramics Clay Fest 2026
Saturday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., Turnagain Ceramics (1343 G St.)
Join Turnagain Ceramics for a celebration of all things clay. The fourth annual Clay Fest is a street fair with food, live music, demos and, of course, locally made pottery.
8. Anchorage 4-H Open House
Saturday, 1 to 4 p.m., UAF Cooperative Extension Office — Anchorage (219 E International Airport Rd)
Join Anchorage 4-H to find out what youth learning and leadership opportunities are available. At this open house you can meet the local club leaders, find out about upcoming projects and how youth can get involved. Families and community members are welcome to attend.
9. Great Alaska Quilt Show 2026
Saturday and Sunday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., ConocoPhillips Building (719 H St.)
Are you quixotic about quilting? Who isn’t?! Join the Anchorage Log Cabin Quilters for the annual Great Alaska Quilt Show. They will be celebrating 250 years of American quilting with auctions, a quilt raffle and all the handmade quilts you could shake a needle at.
10. Rage City Roller Derby Junior Roller Derby Intro Session
Sunday, 5:30 to 6:30 p.m., Fairview Rec Center (1121 E 10th Ave.)
Are the standard team sports just too vanilla for your kid? Maybe roller derby is more their speed. This introductory session will discuss the Rage City Juniors league and what the season will look like. No gear is needed for this first meetup. Just bring your kid between the ages of 7 and 17 and something to write on. Register for free here.
Adult Roller Derby Info and Clinic
Sunday, 3 to 5 p.m., O’Malley Sports Pavilion (11051 O’Malley Centre Dr.)
If you’ve been dying to strap on some skates and get gnarly on the derby track, now is your chance. This clinic will teach you all about the sport of roller derby, the Rage City league and basic skating and derby skills. About half the time will be spent on skates, but no one is getting hit. Yet. Wear something comfortable and get there 15 minutes early to borrow gear if you need it. Register for free here.
11. Trick or Treat in the Heat
Sunday, 5 to 7 p.m., various neighborhoods
Who says you have to wait until October to go trick-or-treating? Trick or Treat in the Heat brings Halloween to September, giving kids a chance to put on their costumes and collect some candy without bundling up for an Alaska Halloween. The annual event takes place in participating neighborhoods around the Anchorage area, Wasilla and Palmer.
You need to buy a wristband for your kid ahead of time. They cost $15 here.
If you have an event for a future Anchorage Weekender, email [email protected].
Read more Skagway’s ferry terminal is set to reopen weeks after sudden closure