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Hi Anchorage, we made it to Thursday! 

In today’s fun-for-grown-ups edition: Iditarod ceremonial start, Great Alaska Sportsman Show, and TransNorthern Aviation’s scheduled flights approval + plenty of reasons to put on real pants this week.

Today’s sponsor, Spot Pet Insurance, is something I wish I had before a late-night emergency vet visit left me with a $10,000 credit card bill. It’s cheaper than Netflix… and means you never have to choose between your pet and your savings. It takes less than 5 minutes to sign up – get started here.

📰 In the news

Spotlight for emerging performers: Anchorage Symphony will host the 40th Cassetta Memorial Scholarship competition on April 28 at Alaska Center. High school senior music students can apply by April 14 for $1,000 scholarship — see how and when to apply.

Regional air access expands: Anchorage-based TransNorthern Aviation has been approved by the U.S. Department of Transportation for scheduled interstate passenger flights, opening steadier Essential Air Service connections for remote Alaska villages — learn what the approval means.

New milestone for aquaculture planning: NOAA released an atlas mapping potential shellfish and seaweed sites in Alaska state waters, cutting draft options by 74 percent to 77 sites, with Southeast leading and Southcentral included — get all the details.

Gold & silver are hot: Coming off gold’s best year since 1979, the momentum is carrying well into 2026 with silver remaining one of the most talked-about assets. Curious why they’re back in focus? American Hartford Gold has a free guide that explains what’s happening and how people are approaching it today. It’s free – and definitely worth a read.

Compare rates for free: The national average for car insurance is around $175/month. Paying more than that? Same, so I did some shopping around and ended up cutting my premium in half. If you haven’t checked in a while, you’re probably overpaying too — here’s the comparison tool I used.

Highlights this week:

• Glaze and customize an octopus mug
• Celebrate 14th Spenard Food Truck Carnival opening
• Enjoy $5 museum admission monthly
• This top-tier home warranty is 50% off right now
• Save on self-care during the CVS Epic Beauty Sale

🐾 One pet emergency can cost $10,000+

Together with our sponsor Spot Pet Insurance

Nothing prepares you for a late-night emergency at the vet. I learned that the hard way after charging $10k to a credit card for life-saving surgery on my cat, Miss Stache.

From the initial exam fee just to be seen, to x-rays, surgery, medication, and follow-up visits… the bill racks up fast (to say the least). And at that moment? You’re not thinking about your savings, you’re just saying yes to whatever keeps them thriving.

As soon as we got home, I dug around online and ultimately signed up for Spot.

It’s super affordable and reimburses up to 90% on qualified vet bills. It was too late for me, but it’s not too late for you. Sign up today.

🫶 We got your back

Burger night upgrade: Anchorage staple Tommy’s Burger Stop slings Cajun-spiced burgers, po’boys, and frosty shakes, plus a legit black-bean patty when you’re behaving. Gunslinger or classic, expect napkins on the side, maybe a friend, and a small victory either way.

Snow-day energy hack: Trade living-room laps for a few spins at The Ice Chalet at Destination Dimond, where smooth ice, easy vibes, and a dash of nostalgia make winter feel fun again. Ideal for a low-stress skate with friends or a quick solo reset when cabin fever hits.

Culture fix, no plane ticket: When cabin fever hits, Anchorage Museum is a low-lift reset, with thoughtful exhibitions, inventive installations, and Alaska stories that fuel dinner-table tangents all week. It invites wandering and decompression, leaving you feeling a little more plugged into the place we call home.

Access cash without selling your home: A reverse mortgage can help anyone over 62 cover everyday expenses, support healthcare needs, fund home improvements, or even reduce pressure on 401(k) withdrawals – all while staying in your home. Longbridge offers a free calculator to estimate how much flexibility your home could provide, with no commitment required.

📆 Anchorage for grown ups

Have an event to share? BaseLocal Verified Businesses can submit them for free! Learn more about how to submit an event here →

All events are subject to change without notice. Always check official event pages for the most up to date information.

🏆 Great Alaska Talent Competition Finals @ Alaska Center for the Performing Arts | Thursday (3/5) at 7:00 PM – Anchorage’s big talent throwdown lands at Discovery Theatre with 12 finalists, a reunion of past winners, Rondy Royalty, and a very real $1,000 on the line. Come for the goosebumps, stay to argue in the lobby about who deserved it, winter officially shortened.

🎣 Great Alaska Sportsman Show @ Sullivan Arena | Friday (3/6) at 10:15 AM – Great Alaska Sportsman Show returns to Sullivan Arena with new exhibitors, gear galore, and Alaska Outdoor Council’s Wall of Guns. Shop boats, rafts, tackle, and crab gear, scout charters, and snag seminars and show-only deals, no need to talk halibut in a cold parking lot.

🐕 Dog Show @ Anchorage Museum | Friday (3/6) at 6:00 PM – Skip the First Friday shuffle and hear retired musher Rod Perry and reporter Mel Kalkowski swap tales from the first Iditarod, heroics, mishaps, and all. It pairs with the Dog Show exhibit on the first floor, and admission is free, no sled required.

✨ Zoo Lights @ The Alaska Zoo | Friday (3/6) at 7:00 PM – If you need an excuse to bundle up, Zoo Lights turns 30 acres of Alaska Zoo trails into a glowing stroll. A holiday tradition, it’s ideal for impressing out-of-towners, bribing kids with cocoa, or sneaking a date while the musk oxen pretend not to notice.

🛷 2026 Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race Ceremonial Start @ Downtown Anchorage | Saturday (3/7) at 10:00 AM – Grab your coffee and get there early downtown for the Iditarod Ceremonial Start, the only traffic jam we actually cheer for. Watch mushers and their four-legged rockstars glide 11 miles to Campbell Airstrip, all pageantry, no clock, plenty of frost-kissed smiles, and vendor snacks.

🧶 Crochet: Flower Power Granny Square @ Winter Solstice Sewing & Crafts | Saturday (3/7) at 12:00 PM – Learn the flower power granny square in a beginner-friendly class, then turn it into blankets, clothing, and other cozy wins. Bring size 4 yarn and a 5 mm hook, or grab discounted supplies at Winter Solstice. Calm hands, clever pattern, instant bragging rights.

🎨 Paint an Antler @ Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center | Sunday (3/8) at 11:00 AM – Feel like upgrading the cabin decor beyond driftwood and bear mugs? Head to the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center’s Bison Hall to paint a shed antler, supplies included, you keep it. Tables fit up to four, it sells out, and antler cookies are an add-on.

Live music & entertainment:

• 3/5 49th State Town League Race Series 2026 @ Sitzmark Bar & Grill – 5:00 PM
• 3/5 Ladies Night @ Pink Cadillac Country Bar & Dance Hall – 7:00 PM
• 3/5 Comedy Open Mic @ The Whale’s Tail – 7:00 PM
• 3/6 Mirrorball: Abbalaska Disco Party @ Williwaw Social – 7:00 PM
• 3/7 Open Mic Night @ Odd Man Rush Brewing – 7:00 PM
• 3/7 4th Annual Mustache Party @ Koot’s – 9:00 PM
• 3/8 Let the Sun Shine Brunch @ 907 Alehouse & Grill – 11:00 AM

Wanna see more? Browse our full events calendar →

🔥 Worth a peek

We’re always on the hunt for useful resources, deals, services, and products we think you’ll love. Here’s what caught our eye this week.

• Thinning hair? Don’t wait – here are 3 treatments that work
• This free tool helps connect you with the right financial advisor
• Got debt? You may be able to pay less than you owe
• Protect your pet from disaster with this pet insurance plan
• You can own physical gold and silver in your retirement account

📻 Anchorage report

Weather forecast

Today – High: 16°F – Low: 14°F – Precip: 27%

A chance of snow after 9am. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 16. North wind around 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30%. Later: Snow likely. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 14. North wind 5 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70%. New snow accumulation of 1 to 3 inches possible.

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Tomorrow – High: 29°F – Low: 9°F – Precip: 68%

Snow likely before 3pm, then snow showers likely. Cloudy, with a high near 29. North wind 0 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70%. New snow accumulation of less than one inch possible. Later: A chance of snow showers before midnight, then a slight chance of snow between midnight and 3am, then snow showers likely. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 9. Southwest wind 0 to 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New snow accumulation of less than half an inch possible.

Someone Googled you this week 👀

It may feel like an invasion of privacy, but unfortunately It’s the new normal. Whether you’re joining a committee, selling something locally, dating again, or just meeting new neighbors… people are going to look you up online.

Like it or not, the internet has a way of surfacing past mistakes and outdated information that no longer reflects who you are.

Thankfully, there’s a really easy way for you – or someone you care about – to clean up outdated results that no longer tell the real story. Learn more here.

This house is wild

This downtown Anchorage triplex sits next to New Sagaya, combining prime location with smart upgrades. A 2004-2005 addition delivers tall ceilings and expanded living areas, while recent updates showcase sleek, durable finishes. An oversized three-car garage with 8-foot doors is a standout rarity. Steps from shopping, dining, and coastal trails, it boasts compelling income potential.

Take a peek inside →