The leaves are changing colors. And if you’re looking to branch out, the Anchorage Weekender has you covered with 10 events in and around the city.
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1. Informational Travel Session
Thursday, 6 p.m., Alaska Aviation Museum (4721 Aircraft Dr.)
Join Alaska Travelgram’s Scott McMurren to hear his travel saving tips and tricks. Whether you’re traveling in the U.S. or abroad, it’s a chance to take a deep dive into Alaska Airlines’ loyalty program, Atmos Rewards, and more. Moose’s Tooth pizza and drinks are included. This event is open to those 21 and older. Tickets are $35.
2. Tidewater Fleece x Kaladi’s
Thursday, 5 to 7 p.m., Kaladi Brothers Coffee (6168 Jewel Lake Rd.)
Temperatures are dropping but your head (and coffee!) will be warm at this event. These two iconic local businesses are collaborating on a new hat that will be available for purchase. Wear your new swag while vibing to live music from local band Sazón and eating free pizza.
3. Stuffed Animal Sleepover
Friday to Saturday, Girdwood library (250 Egloff Dr.)
Bring your stuffed animal to the Girdwood library by Friday at 3 p.m. for a sleepover with other plushies. Staff will read them stories and let them play together. They’ll also snap photos of their adventures and share them with participating families. Your stuffed animal will be ready to pick up on Saturday.
4. Alaska Heart Run and Walk
Saturday, 7 a.m., Alaska Airlines Center (3550 Providence Dr.)
This annual event by the American Heart Association is an opportunity to run or walk while raising money to fund cardiovascular research. Participants can choose between a 3K or 5K. It’s free, but donations are suggested.
5. Genealogy Workshop
Saturday, 2 to 4 p.m., Chugiak-Eagle River Library (12001 Business Blvd.)
Staff from the Anchorage Genealogical Society will be onsite to help with your family tree, scanning documents and doing online research. Organizers recommend bringing a laptop or flash drive to save information found during the workshop. (Heads up: Saturday is also Talk Like a Pirate Day at the library, and some may be lurking around.)
6. Oktoberfest
Saturday, 49th State Brewing @ The Rail (721 Depot Dr.)
Grab your lederhosen and get ready to run or walk on Ship Creek’s trails at 1 p.m. Participants can choose a 5K or 10K course. Registration is about $55 and includes a few goodies.
After you run, it’s time to celebrate Oktoberfest from 4 to 9:30 p.m.. There’s a zone for the kiddos that has a petting zoo, face painting, cotton candy, an ice cream float station and more. For those 21 and older, enjoy German-style beer by the stein. There’s a variety of competitions throughout the night, from a brat toss to a yodeling contest. Admission is $25 for adults and $12.50 for kids. But if you run, your bib gets you in.
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7. Dachshund parade and races
Saturday, 2 to 3:30 p.m., Girdwood Brewing Co. (2700 Alyeska Hwy.)
Girdwood is also celebrating Oktoberfest with a day packed full of entertainment from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. But the small, short-legged dogs are the center of attention. Dachshunds meet up at Town Square around noon. Then, they’ll parade to the brewery at 2 p.m. before racing at 3:30 p.m.
A special beer for the event will be available, along with food trucks.
8. Harvest Festival
Saturday, noon to 6 p.m., Pyrah’s Pioneer Peak Farm (4350 Bodenburg Loop)
Head to Palmer for the farm’s annual Harvest Festival. This family-friendly event is jam-packed with a pumpkin patch, wagon and cattle train rides, farm animals, live entertainment, food and more. Tickets are about $12 each but are cheaper the more you purchase.
9. Talkeetna Brewfest
Saturday, 2 to 6 p.m., Denali Education Center (22510 Talkeetna Spur Rd.)
Taste brews from across Alaska, enjoy charcuterie and listen to live music in the heart of Talkeetna. Tickets are $65 but designated drivers are $25. If you’re looking for somewhere to stay, several campgrounds are open nearby.
10. Operation Santa
Through Dec. 5, 123 Elf Rd.
The holiday season is right around the corner. Earlier this week, the U.S. Postal Service announced that the North Pole is accepting letters to Santa. Write a letter to the big man and share your holiday wishes.
Santa has a lot of letters to read, so the postal service shared a few tips to make his job easier: include your full name and address and be specific. His address is 123 Elf Road, North Pole, 88888. The last call for letter writers is Dec. 5.
Operation Santa is a holiday program where people adopt letters written to Santa, and send gifts to those in need. Letter adoption starts in November.
If you have an event for a future Anchorage Weekender, email [email protected].
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