There’s loads to do in the city this weekend.
From a block party to community hikes, The Anchorage Weekender rounded up eight ways to make the most of it.
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1. Junior Ranger
Friday, 10 a.m. to noon, Campbell Creek Science Center (5600 Science Center Dr.)
Young outdoor enthusiasts can learn about the natural cycle of wildland fire and what it’s like to fight them. Organizers say the program is for children between 5 and 9, and they must be accompanied by an adult. Tickets are $8. If you miss this one, rangers can learn about gold panning on July 25 from 1 to 3 p.m.
2. Driving test for teens
Friday, noon to 3 p.m., Muldoon Library (1251 Muldoon Rd.)
Teenagers 13 and older can test their ability to handle road hazards with a free computer-based driving test, which takes about 20 minutes to complete. Participants will also learn safe driving tips through short videos.
3. Birds up close
Friday, 12:30 to 1:15 p.m., Bird Treatment and Learning Center (15510 Old Seward Hwy.)
Learn about birds, their behavior and how staff train the wild animals. Programs feature one or more “ambassador birds,” including a red-tailed hawk, snowy owl, black-billed magpie and bald eagle. Tickets are $10 for adults and children 12 and older. Kids 12 and younger are free.
4. Bear Paw Festival
Wednesday to Sunday, all day, downtown Eagle River (Business Boulevard)
The annual outdoor festival is jam-packed with activities, from carnival rides and a vendor market to a picnic for stuffed animals. For attendees 21 and older, there’s a music and beer festival on Friday and Saturday featuring local bands and brews.
5. Community Hikes
Various days, times and trails
Start your weekend with a stroll around the University of Alaska Anchorage on Friday from noon to 1 p.m., starting at Rasmuson Hall (3416 Seawolf Dr.). This week, attendees will explore garden plots around campus and learn about what grows in them.
Community members will explore the Muktuk Marston Memorial Trail in Arctic Valley (18800 Arctic Valley Rd.) on Saturday from about 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. The eight-mile trail is surrounded by the Chugach Mountains, and organizers say the group will take plenty of breaks to soak in the scenery.
Volunteers from the Alaska Native Plant Society will lead a one-mile walk along the Williwaw Nature Trail on Saturday from 10 a.m. to noon. The trail is flat and accessible, and showcases a variety of plants. Organizers say to meet at the Trail of Blue Ice trailhead near Portage Glacier (Mile 1 of Portage Glacier Rd.)
6. Collectible convention
Friday and Saturday, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., The Arctic Rec Center (4855 Arctic Blvd.)
Whether you collect comics, toys or coins, all are welcome to shop, trade and mingle with other hobbyists. More than 75 vendors will have items on display, including a dedicated kids table. Admission is $5, but children 12 and younger get in for free.
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7. Meet artists from Hope Studios
Saturday, 5 to 8 p.m., Ravens Ring Brewing Co. (12150 Industry Way)
Celebrate Disability Pride Month by mingling with local artists from Hope Studios. Organizers say it’s an opportunity to connect with fellow art lovers and experience the creativity of the community. Along with a variety of beers, the brewery offers non-alcoholic options.
8. Local and national music acts downtown
Various days, times and locations
609 F Street
There’s a block party along F Street this weekend, starting Friday at 6 p.m. with a doubleheader. Hip-hop duo Atmospherehave been making music for decades, drawing inspiration from a wide variety of genres, including soul, funk and rock. They’ll be joined by G. Love, who’s performed at massive festivals like Lollapalooza. If you’re not 21 or older, you’ll need to be accompanied by an adult. Tickets start at $78.
You’re not paranoid or trippin’, Ty Dolla $ignis actually performing in Anchorage on Saturday at 6 p.m. Opened by Saint Deon, Ed Washington and Cypress, this outdoor concert will feature a variety of hip-hop and R&B hits. Tickets start at about $90.
For each of these events, kids 12 and younger get in for free when accompanied by an adult. Showdown Alaska, the event’s organizer, is offering discounted weekend passes for music enthusiasts interested in both days. You can also volunteer in exchange for a free concert ticket.
Anchorage Museum (625 C St.)
You can find food trucks and live music in downtown Anchorage throughout the week. Lunch on the Lawnhighlights different local and national acts each Thursday from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., while bringing the community together. Sazón, a local neo-soul band, will be performing this week. Plus, the Alaska Bookmobile, a free library in a white bus, is rolling up.
Jazz on the Lawn brings a similar vibe to the lawn on Saturdays from noon to 2 p.m. This week, the outdoor concert series features the Melissa Fischer “Jazzmom”quintet.
If you have an event for a future Anchorage Weekender, email [email protected].
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