You could always go to the Alaska State Fair this weekend, but what about the hometown hermits?
Read more A federal prisoner with no clear ties to Alaska advances in primary for the state’s U.S. House seat
The Anchorage Weekender rounded up eight things to do in and around the city that don’t include the State Fair, from volunteering and berry picking to markets and live music.
1. Little Explorers hike
Friday, 11 a.m., Eagle River Nature Center
Take your little one on a guided hike around the Rodak trail at their pace and explore the abundant sights and sounds of the Eagle River Nature Center. This adventure is best suited to babies and kids up to 6, accompanied by an adult. The older kiddos are invited too, but not the dog. Check in at the Nature Center building by 11 a.m. There is no registration required for this free event.
2. Music on the Patio: Solar
Friday, 6 p.m., Hilltop Ski Area
The weather might be chilling down and outdoor concerts might be dwindling, but the urge to groove knows nothing of the elements. Start your weekend off with the silky smooth sounds of 5-piece jazz quintet, Solar, as we bask in the last vestiges of open-air parties.
3. Powerline Trail Brushing
Saturday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Upper Huffman Trailhead
If you’ve ever complained about overgrown trails, now is your chance to help. You can join other volunteers to help clear brush on the Powerline Trail this weekend. The plan is to clean up the trail using handsaws and loppers with about 2.5 miles of hiking on easy grade.
Volunteers will meet up at 9 a.m. at the Upper Huffman Trailhead and return at 3 p.m. Parking passes will be provided to those without them. Dress appropriately for hiking and work and be prepared for the elements. Gloves and safety glasses will be provided to those who need them.
This event is open to anyone 12 and up. Anyone under the age of 18 will need to be accompanied by an adult or present a parental consent form. RSVP here.
4. Muldoon Community Market
Saturday, 9:30 to 3 p.m., Chanshtnu Muldoon Park (1301 Muldoon Road)
Check out local vendors and artists, hear live music and connect with your neighbors at the Muldoon Community Market. Located at Chanshtnu Muldoon Park, the market is the perfect chance to bring the whole family together for an afternoon.
Read more In third place, U.S. Senate candidate Dan J. Sullivan says he doesn’t plan to withdraw
5. Alaskan Crafted Summer Market
Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Midtown Mall
It’s your last chance to peruse local crafts at the Alaskan Crafted Summer Market. The rotating lineup of vendors has kept things fresh with home decor, jewelry, art, treats and more.
6. Alaska Run for Healing, Run for Justice
Saturday, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., Kincaid Park Chalet
Help remember and honor missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls and their families with this community run. Participants of the MMIWG2S+ Alaska Run for Healing, Run for Justice can race in a timed 5k or do an untimed mile walk. This is a free event, but donations are encouraged. Pre-race activities will start at 11 a.m. and the race will begin at 12 p.m.
7. Scared Scriptless featuring ComedySportz
Saturday, 6 to 9:30 p.m., The Nave (3502 Spenard Rd)
Get a double dose of comedy with Anchorage’s premier improv group, Scared Scriptless, and the newest addition to the scene, ComedySportz. The two-part show will start with the family-friendly and interactive ComedySportz’s improv competition where the applause can decide who wins. Then the heat gets turned up for the Scared Scriptless performance, which caters to an older audience as the themes could likely tilt risque.
Scared Scriptless only tickets are $18 online presale or $20 at the door. Combo tickets are $28 online presale or $30 at the door. ComedySportz only tickets are $22.14 online and teachers can get in for free with ID
8. Community Berry Picking
Sunday, 11 a.m., Arctic Valley Ski Area
Alaska Native Professional Association is inviting the community to join them for a day of berry picking at Arctic Valley. The first 65 people there will get a lift ticket for free. Dress for the weather, bring your bucket and enjoy one of Alaska’s favorite pastimes.
If you have an event for a future Anchorage Weekender, email [email protected].
Read more Small plane crashes in water near Seldovia, killing all 4 on board