Solstice is behind us, but summer is just ramping up.
From colorful celebrations and baseball backstories, The Anchorage Weekender rounds up seven things to do this weekend.
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1. Comics Workshop with Lee Post
Thursday, noon to 1 p.m., Chugiak-Eagle River Library (12001 Business Blvd.)
Join local artist Lee Post for a free, fast-paced cartooning session for all ages and skill levels in Eagle River. The event is first-come, first-serve, so show up early to grab your spot. If you miss this session, there’s another on Friday at 4 p.m. at the Mountain View Library (120 Bragaw St.).
2. Pride Celebrations
Saturday, various locations
Celebrate love, identity and community at the city’s annual pride parade and festival along the Delaney Park Strip (W. 9th Avenue) from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.. The festival includes performances, food trucks and dozens of vendors. Bright floats, music and residents carrying rainbow flags will parade through downtown at 11:30 a.m. Attendees can park at First Presbyterian Church (616 W. 10th Ave.) for free. This year’s theme is “Pulse of Pride: a decade United.”
Mad Myrna’s (530 E. 5th Ave.) is throwing a massive party to celebrate Pride, starting at 9 p.m. Saturday. Organizers say to come ready to party and sparkle.
3. Week of Dreams kickoff
Saturday, 6:30 p.m., Mulcahy Stadium (498 E. 16th Ave.)
To commemorate the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, the city is celebrating Alaska’s deep history with baseball. The opening ceremony features a game between the Anchorage Glacier Pilots against the Mat-Su Miners. Several Alaskan Olympians and Alaska Hall of Fame Inductees will be in attendance. Tickets are $10.
On June 29, attendees can watch a demonstration of how to play the Southwest Alaska version of baseball, called Miachee at the Alaska Native Heritage Center (8800 Heritage Center Dr.) from 6 to 9 p.m. The evening also includes conversations, music and more. Tickets are $25 and include drinks and appetizers.
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4. Korea-Alaska Friendship Festival
Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Dimond Center Mall (800 E. Dimond Blvd.)
Celebrate the friendship between Korea and Alaska with The Korean American Community of Anchorage. Organizers say it’s their largest event of the year, boasting authentic Korean food, cultural performances, community vendors and giveaways. This is a free, family-friendly event.
5. Kincaid Market
Saturday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., Kincaid Chalet (9401 W. Raspberry Rd.)
More than 30 community members will sell various goods, including art, jewelry, vintage items, trading and tarot cards, baked goods and more. The park once held a Cold War military installation, and along with the Chalet, some vendors will be located in a bunker.
6. Music with Musk Ox
Saturday, 7 to 9:30 p.m., The Musk Ox Farm (12850 E. Archie Rd.)
Known for their harmonies, versatility and vibrancy, the group Hussy Hicks will perform an outdoor concert in the farm’s backyard area. Attendees are welcome to bring a picnic, lawn chairs and blankets. Organizers ask to leave your furry friends at home. Alcoholic beverages will be available for purchase, but you need to bring your own reusable cup.
7. Roleplaying Game Day
Saturday, all day, Bosco’s Comics Cards and Games (2301 Spenard Rd. and 800 E. Dimond Blvd.)
The two Bosco’s locations will have free roleplaying games when they open on Saturday. Attendees have many game options to choose from, including Kobold Press, Renegade Game Studios and Son of Oak. The store in the Dimond Center opens at 10 a.m., while the one in Spenard opens at noon. Each location will have free exclusive items and prizes while supplies last.
Have an event we should consider for The Anchorage Weekender? Email us at [email protected].
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