Events in Anchorage, AK

Discover Neuroscape, a new trading card game set within a neural network where sci-fi themed strategy and clever tactics take center stage. Weekly sessions welcome both first-time players and experienced deck builders. Staff are available to teach the basics, and friendly pairings are organized to keep games running smoothly. It is a relaxed way to learn the rules, refine strategies, and connect with other fans.

Weekly Disney Lorcana league play at Tier 1 welcomes both newcomers and players who have been involved since First Chapter. All participants receive Lorcana promo cards, and players earn $5 credit for each game they win. Registration on the Ravensburger Play Hub is required for league participation.

Explore Día de Muertos traditions through a scavenger hunt focused on the components of an ofrenda, decorating, and a taste of pan de muerto. Costumes are encouraged.

Play Warmachine in the Iron Kingdoms, commanding warcasters, warjacks, and elite forces in tactical battles. Casual matches offer opportunities to build your skills and connect with local players. New players can get help learning the game.

Put your knowledge to the test at a trivia night featuring brain-teasing questions and friendly competition. The evening includes prizes for top teams, and new teams are welcome. Food and drinks are available at 907 Alehouse & Grill Tikahtnu.

Learn salsa from the first basic step through lively traveling turns in this beginner-friendly course. No partner or prior experience is required, and partners rotate so everyone can dance with one another in a friendly, inclusive setting. Wear comfortable clothing and non-marking shoes. Choose the full course, a drop-in class, or monthly membership.

Stop by Tier 1 on Tuesdays after 4 p.m. to work on your models alongside fellow enthusiasts. The gathering is free.

Nerdvana Trivia brings a fast-paced game of questions and friendly competition to Bear Paw Grill. Enjoy comfort-food classics and drinks while testing your knowledge. The game is free to play, and cash and prizes are up for grabs.

Enjoy a relaxed, beginner-friendly Yu-Gi-Oh! game night focused on learning, improving your skills, and connecting with local players. Regular weekly games use the Constructed format, with Genesys format on the first Tuesday of each month. A knowledgeable judge will be available to answer questions and help players understand the rules. Entry is $5. Players receive one pack for participation, with an additional half-pack per player added to a prize pool distributed based on record. Packs are OTS packs when available, or packs from the newest set.

Explore the meaning of being an Elder through a learning circle focused on the honor of aging in Alaska Native traditions and peer support for the challenges that can come with aging.

Toddlers and caregivers can enjoy an active storytime featuring a giant parachute, followed by free play. The program is ideal for ages 18 months to 3 years, and all families are welcome.

Enjoy a free, weekly storytime for zoo members, featuring animal storybooks for young readers in a relaxed setting with chairs and floor pillows. Sessions last 30 minutes, require no registration, and are best suited for children ages 4 to 7, though all ages are welcome. A parent, guardian, or relative must remain with children during the program. In summer, members can also receive a 50% discount on the separate Little Explorers zoo tour for kids. Entry to the zoo is available at regular rates or with a membership.

Experience Warren Miller’s 77th feature, Days Off, with multiple showings. Guided by host Katie Burrell, the film follows world-class athletes as they spend their free days without schedules or scores, focused on unplanned fun. The journey spans heli drops in Alaska, high alpine objectives around Chamonix, and the famed powder of Hokkaido. It also showcases a run down Banff’s skijoring course, turns at Deer Valley, and standout terrain in Revelstoke, Whistler, and Pemberton. The film highlights the essence of mountain life, celebrating skiing for its own sake and making room for what matters most. General admission is $25, and a portion of proceeds supports Alyeska Ski Club, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit.

This event is sold out. Bird Treatment and Learning Center and Alaska Wildlife Alliance present a night of wildlife themed trivia at Mad Myrna's in Anchorage, led by Nerdvana Trivia. The program features a raffle and a silent auction. Guests can order food and drinks from Mad Myrna's menu. Attendees must be 21 years of age or older. Participation is limited to 120 players, with teams of up to six players, and the cost is $125.00 per team.

Community Café is a monthly gathering for veterans, military members, and the music community to connect and share their creativity. Hosted by local veterans and musicians, these informal events welcome all genres and skill levels. Share a song, poem, dance, or visual artwork, or take part in an open mic or jam session. Bring an instrument or use one provided, including a variety of percussion instruments. Light refreshments are provided, and the events are alcohol-free. Stay as long or as briefly as you like.

Enjoy a relaxed evening of Star Wars: Unlimited card games and community. Whether you’re learning the game or trying out new decks with friends, players of all experience levels can take part. Entry is $10, pairings are provided, and each win earns $5 in store credit. There’s no pressure, just play.

Enjoy a lively trivia night hosted by Nerdvana at The Broken Blender. Gather a team to test your knowledge, with free play, weekly prizes, and plenty of laughs. The bar offers 24 local beers on tap, signature cocktails, and a wide selection of whiskey.

Meet other women of all skill levels who want to climb together or try climbing, find climbing partners, and share knowledge in a relaxed, welcoming environment. While anyone is welcome, femmes and climbers who feel underrepresented in the gym are especially encouraged to attend. Take part in climbing, share food afterward, or enjoy both. Bring a climbing harness, climbing shoes, and a belay device if you have one. Rental harnesses and shoes are available at the gym for those who are new to climbing or would like to try it. First-time visitors need to complete the gym’s waiver beforehand and take a mandatory tour.

The Alaska Deaf, Hard of Hearing, and Deafblind Council works to address barriers through advocacy, education, and community-building, supporting a more accessible and inclusive Alaska. At this luncheon, deaf and hard of hearing leaders will discuss ongoing barriers, progress made, and the work ahead. Attendees will learn how they can contribute to an Alaska where everyone can participate fully in community life. Proceeds support the Council’s advocacy, education, and community-building efforts across the state.

Learn about opportunities with the Global Credit Union Member Service Center team, serving members and making positive impacts in the community. The employer highlights a fun culture and a focus on healthy work/life balance. Bring a resume.

Na Tia Sukan, meaning “Our Strength Tomorrow” in Athabascan, is a recovery-focused learning circle that offers support, encourages self-development, and promotes healthy lifestyle skills.

This learning circle explores the anger cycle and steps to take when anger arises. It is a court-approved, 12-course class and requires registration through FWW.

A drive-thru food distribution offered in partnership with New Season and Food Bank of Alaska.

Nexus Nights brings players together for Riftbound in a relaxed, welcoming setting. Starting January 22, play shifts to 1v1 tournament style. All experience levels are welcome, and players can bring a deck or use a starter deck. The event offers a chance to learn the game, try out combos, earn promos, and connect with the community. Cost is $10.

Create a three-dimensional blueberry plant sculpture in this beginner-friendly bead workshop. Learn to work with wire and beads, with all materials provided and included in the course price. The ticket also includes your first beverage, and non-alcoholic options are available at Ravens Ring Brewing Co. If you cannot attend, you may be moved to a later class by notifying the instructor at least 24 hours in advance. No refunds are available.

Play best-of-three matches with 60-card decks built from the non-rotating Modern card pool, from Eighth Edition onward. Whether you’re refining a familiar deck or trying Modern for the first time, this welcoming setting offers a chance to test ideas, ask questions, and play against a variety of strategies, with an emphasis on fun, learning, and good sportsmanship. Bring a Modern deck and a friend. Playing costs $10, with $5 in credit for each win.

A November press party featuring local music, a silent auction, mystery merchandise, and local tricks and treats. All ages and identities are welcome. More details are to come.

Take part in hands-on crafts such as beading and social card games such as Snertz. You can also bring along a current project you are working on.

Alaska artists and makers present one-of-a-kind work at the 29th annual Bad Girls of the North Unique Boutique at O'Malley's on the Green in Anchorage. Explore a curated marketplace of handmade creations from across the state, featuring jewelry, ceramics, apparel, beadwork, original paintings and prints, specialty foods, and metalwork. A bar will be available for beverage purchases.

Discover Magic with a free Learn to Play event. New players can receive welcome decks, try an easy demo game, and get friendly tips as they begin their Magic journey. The event also offers a chance to meet new friends and enjoy promo surprises.

The Anchorage Friends of the Library’s fall book sale features donated books, with most paperbacks starting at $0.50 and hardcovers at $1.00. Admission is free, and proceeds support library programs, materials, and events throughout the year. The sale includes a members-only preview and a public sale, followed by a half-price sale.

Spend the night in the Alaska Zoo’s Gateway Hall and take a nighttime tour of the zoo grounds. The program explores nocturnal animals, habitats, animal care, constellations, and space and sky science, with night-sky watching when weather allows. Participants sleep in indoor tents, with access to a kitchen and nearby bathrooms. Supper and breakfast are provided. Designed for scouts and other organized groups, the overnight also welcomes school groups. Adults must supervise youth throughout the program, including overnight.

Friday Night Magic offers a casual Commander experience focused on friendly competition and fun. Players are paired into groups using the Commander Bracket system, with three 55-minute rounds. All players and skill levels are welcome, and judges are available to help and introduce new players to the game. Play styles range from super-casual to high-speed CEDH. Entry costs $7 and includes a BOSCO Buck worth $4 in-store credit, plus an additional BOSCO Buck for each round won.

Featuring Grammy Award-winning violinist Curtis Stewart, the program opens with George Gershwin’s Of Thee I Sing Overture, followed by Samuel Barber’s lyrical Violin Concerto and Aaron Copland’s Third Symphony. Copland’s Fanfare for the Common Man, written during World War II as a tribute to everyday Americans, comes at the symphony’s close.

Browse a variety of vendors and small businesses, shop for unique gifts and goodies, and discover local makers while supporting the school community at this holiday bazaar.

Explore a variety of rocks, minerals, fossils, jewelry, crafts, and home décor made from natural materials, with many vendors and thousands of unique items across four large retail spaces. The show supports the Chugach Gem and Mineral Society and the Alaska Science and Engineering Fair. Free parking is available.

Meet Cranbeary and Kova, the Alaska Zoo’s two female polar bears, during a behind-the-scenes encounter with a zookeeper. Learn about the bears’ lives, their bond, and their wild counterparts, and watch the zookeepers’ daily training routine. The 30-minute encounter is limited to one group of up to four participants per booking. Participants must be at least 9 years old and accompanied by an adult. Admission for the day is included, and the fee is the same for groups smaller than four. Cameras and phones are welcome for photos and videos, but food and drinks should be left in the car. Advance online registration is required. Purchases are non-refundable, though rescheduling may be possible in cases of illness or emergency.

After welcoming over 200 participants last year to share, listen, and celebrate Anchorage’s people and places, this community storytelling gathering returns with a renewed focus on the region’s voices. Led by the Alaska Humanities Forum (AKHF), it centers on identifying, collecting, and sharing stories that shape the sense of place, history, and community across Anchorage and the Tikahtnu Upper Cook Inlet area, encouraging reflection on the past, the present, and the future. Open to anyone who cares about the area’s history and direction, the day invites Tribal members, Elders, artists, historians, teachers, youth, business and faith leaders, storytellers, and neighbors from all backgrounds to connect and strengthen community ties. Participants can hear from featured storytellers with diverse experiences, choose to record and share their own memories in a variety of formats, and meet others from across the region. The stories and insights gathered will inform a feasibility study to be developed after the event and submitted to the National Park Service as part of the official process to consider Tikahtnu Upper Cook Inlet for National Heritage Area designation. Live music, performances, and catered food will be part of the experience.

Bring your own art supplies and an open mind for a relaxed studio gathering. Spend time working on your project alongside other artists in the community, with a complimentary drink from the coffee bar. A Blaine’s Art staff member will host and be available to answer questions, help you explore your ideas, and support creative connections. This low-pressure gathering is open to up to 15 people, requires pre-registration, and costs $10 per person.

Tier 1 Cards & Games hosts a weekly Gundam card tournament where new and experienced players can test their decks in friendly competition. Participants can earn bragging rights, participation promos, and chances at bonus rewards. The entry fee is $10, with $5 in credit for each win. Registration is available in store on the day of the tournament.

This family-friendly, all-ages bowl-a-thon fundraiser supports Junior Achievement of Alaska’s statewide K–12 programs, which teach financial literacy, work readiness, and entrepreneurship in local schools. With a rodeo theme, the event raises funds to provide classroom kits to Alaska schools and recruit volunteers who support 19,000 students annually. Contributions are tax deductible where allowable by law.

Explore a sci-fi-inspired trading card game where players battle across a neural network using strategy to outthink and outmaneuver their opponents. The weekly sessions welcome both newcomers and experienced players, with staff available to teach the game and organized pairings for friendly matches.

Take part in weekly Disney Lorcana league play at Tier 1. Players new to the game and those who have been playing since the First Chapter are welcome. Participants earn Lorcana promo cards, and each game win earns $5 in credit. League participants are required to register through the Ravensburger Play Hub.

Put your Shadowverse: Evolve deck-building skills to the test in a shop tournament. Players of all experience levels can duel, refine their strategies, and connect with the community. Participation promos are available to all players, with additional prizes for top finishers. Play is free.

The second Seawolf Session features alumnus David Reamer, B.A. '15, a local historian, Anchorage Daily News columnist, and influencer, sharing his expertise on Alaska’s past. He will examine the so-called Spenard divorces of the 1950s and 1960s, a subject from his research. Admission is free at the Fine Arts Recital Hall. Tickets are available in person at the start of the program. Recommended for ages 13 and older.

NSAA and AMH are partnering to host a wax clinic featuring learning stations devoted to glide wax, kick wax, and structure. It is tailored to every experience level, from first timers to longtime waxers, with instruction aimed at building skills and broadening knowledge.

Vitamin String Quartet brings a program of reimagined hits to Atwood Concert Hall, recasting contemporary favorites for strings and turning familiar melodies into something fresh. The performance spans genres and eras, blending music from artists like Taylor Swift, Billie Eilish, BTS, and The Weeknd with popular themes from film and television. With billions of streams and a global audience, VSQ is known for uniting the precision of classical performance with the energy and emotion of modern pop, and their sound has been featured in series such as Bridgerton, Westworld, and Modern Family. Tickets are currently on sale, and the music invites listeners to experience well known songs from a new perspective.

The Anchorage Chamber of Commerce business community gathers to recognize outstanding companies, organizations, and entrepreneurs for excellence in business and community service. The Chamber’s premier annual event brings together more than 500 professionals, industry leaders, and decision-makers for an evening of celebration, recognition, and networking.

Get an up-close look at Natasha, the Amur tiger who became a resident in the fall of 2024. A zookeeper will guide a behind-the-scenes visit that shares how she is cared for at the zoo and highlights conservation facts about endangered Amur tigers in the wild. The encounter lasts 30 minutes and includes the chance to watch a training session with Natasha. Advance registration is required online, and this limited experience is offered as a single booking per date. The fee is $500 for a group of up to six people, ages 9 and older, and includes zoo admission for the day. The fee is not reduced for smaller groups and service fees are added at checkout. Purchases are non-refundable. Please plan to arrive 15 minutes early and be ready at the entrance. Youth participants must be at least 9 years old and accompanied by an adult. Cameras are welcome for photos and videos, and food or drinks are not permitted during the encounter. Photo of Natasha by John Gomes.

Now in its third year, Begich Bazaar brings together more than a hundred local vendors in a marketplace featuring distinctive products and gifts. Browse a wide selection and discover items from local sellers.

At Odd Man Rush Brewing in Eagle River, this festive Celtic market features one-of-a-kind finds from Celtic vendors, live Celtic music, and family-friendly festivities. It is hosted by The Irish Club of Alaska, The Alaskan Scottish Club, and The Celtic Community of Alaska.

An easygoing floral watercolor painting session centered on vibrant creativity and playful exploration. No experience is necessary. Participants finish with a lighthearted artwork to take home and a cheerful smile.

Pick up your pre-ordered Thanksgiving Take and Bake meal.

Get ready to trot at a holiday run presented by Icebug that welcomes walkers, runners, and families with strollers. Choose between a 5K or a 2 mile course on the traditional downtown routes, then cross an indoor finish line at the Dena’ina Center where participants can stay warm before and after the race. Age group winners receive fresh pies for a festive start to the celebration. This community event supports Food Bank of Alaska, with a fundraising target of $20,000 and 1,000 pounds of donated food. Skinny Raven is collecting non-perishable items at both locations, and donors are entered into a drawing for a pair of Icebug studded shoes. Monetary contributions are welcome. Fundraisers can unlock extra chances to win, including entry into a drawing for a pair of Skinny Raven shoes by raising $500 or more as an individual, and entry into a drawing for one of two team dinners valued up to $150 at Bear/Moose’s Tooth by raising $2,000 or more as a team.

Experience a long-standing Anchorage tradition as Eugene Ballet brings The Nutcracker to Atwood Concert Hall, a production presented in the community for 36 years. The company appears with young Alaska dancers coordinated by Alaska Dance Theatre, accompanied by live music from Anchorage Symphony Orchestra. The story follows Clara through the Winter Land and the Land of Sweets, and features the Nutcracker Prince confronting the Mouse King and Pirate Mice. Suitable for all ages, this holiday ballet features storytelling, dance, and a live symphonic score. Tickets are available.

Support local creativity at an indoor holiday bazaar that brings together a variety of makers, including several Native craftspeople and a few non-Native artists. Browse handmade gifts, take part in a silent auction, and enjoy snacks and drinks available by donation. For easier checkout, plan to bring cash or a check, since only some vendors accept credit cards or digital payments such as Zelle or Venmo. Plenty of free parking is available in the church lots. Proceeds from the auction benefit the women’s ministry of Alaska Native Lutheran Church. For vendor table inquiries, email anlcwomensgroup@gmail.com.

At Discovery Theatre in Anchorage, Alphonso Horne & The Gotham Kings bring The Ugly Sweater Holiday Show back for a second time, celebrating the season Alaska style with local guest artists. This twist on a traditional holiday concert blends variety show energy, a nod to beloved seasonal music, and a freewheeling sense of fun. Expect jazz-inflected takes on holiday classics alongside lesser-known tunes, all tied together by a host and performances from Anchorage musicians. Festive or intentionally ugly sweaters fit the theme, with unique melodies and plenty of cheer setting the tone. Tickets are available now.

At The Carousel Lounge, Santoro the Band takes the stage with Pamela Santoro, known as Alaska’s First Lady of the Blues. This leading Anchorage blues group brings a raw, soulful sound with smoldering vocals, blazing guitar, and pulsing grooves. The set blends beloved standards with original songs, all charged with rock and roll energy that keeps the dance floor moving. Born in Alaska and fueled by the blues.

Celtic Woman brings the Silver Bells Christmas Tour to the stage with a seasonal program that blends cherished holiday tunes, beloved Celtic pieces and fresh new arrangements for audiences of all ages. The Grammy-nominated, multi-platinum Irish ensemble showcases soaring vocals and signature harmonies alongside the beauty of Irish music, all supported by a full symphony orchestra. Sopranos Muirgen O’Mahony and Eimear Crealey perform with sean-nós vocalist Caitríona Sherlock and the exhilarating fiddle of Kate Henegan, uniting their individual talents in the group’s unmistakable sound. Led by conductor Lloyd Butler, the concert offers renewed takes on favorites such as Silver Bells, O Holy Night, Little Drummer Boy and Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas. Praise from outlets including The Washington Post and BroadwayWorld highlights a joyful, festive evening that sets the tone for the holidays. Tickets are on sale, with support from Alaska Public Media.

Anchorage’s beloved Solstice Tree Tour brings the community together at Kincaid Park to celebrate the Winter Solstice with festive trees and active fun for every age, whether or not you ski. The event highlights the park’s winter beauty and showcases the city’s trails. Admission is free. The 2.5 kilometer Mize Loop, typically reserved for skiing, opens for walking or snowshoeing for this occasion, while skiing remains encouraged. Trees along the route are decorated by local businesses. As families and friends make their way around the loop, complimentary hot chocolate and classic s’mores are served. Warming barrels help everyone stay comfortable, and live music adds to the atmosphere at the beer garden. Commemorative NSAA Silipints are available for $12 and include a free drink for guests 21 and older in the beer garden. Cash only. Adult beverages are provided by Raven’s Ring Brewery. At the finish, attendees vote to choose the top tree. Biking and skiing to the event are encouraged. Free shuttles operate from designated offsite locations, and there is no parking inside Kincaid Park. A Bike Depot offers a secure corral for cyclists, dogs are not permitted, and food trucks will be on site.

Keep the holiday singing going at the Sitz as Rogues & Wenches bring a rousing night of music that blends familiar choruses with new tunes to learn. Their set draws from traditional Irish and Scottish melodies, rowdy pub songs, and rolling sea shanties, all laced with a wink of pirate mischief. This Anchorage based six piece performs on acoustic instruments with tight harmonies and a lively sense of humor, creating a convivial atmosphere where the crowd is singing along by the end of the night.

Illusionist and musician Chris Funk presents Redefining Wonder, a multimedia production that blends interactive magic with live music. He shares the story of uniting his passions, building illusions around instruments such as the violin and guitar. Expect moments like a violin feature that appears to animate objects, a hypnotic guitar loop that turns sound into surprising visual effects, and a live camera feed with interactive video segments that bring participants onstage and into the action. With instruments serving as creative partners throughout, the experience is crafted to delight family audiences. Funk’s background includes appearances on NBC’s America’s Got Talent, the CW’s Penn & Teller: Fool Us and Masters of Illusion, FOX’s Hell’s Kitchen, and Syfy’s Wizard Wars. He has performed at Las Vegas venues including Planet Hollywood, the Venetian, Mandalay Bay, the Rio, and the Tropicana, along with residencies at Disney and touring with Masters of Illusion LIVE. His production has earned standing ovations, and tickets are available.

WEDDING EDIT: Alaska offers a fresh, interactive approach to wedding planning, bringing together Alaska wedding professionals for couples to explore ideas, connect with vendors, and plan with confidence. The experience includes live demonstrations, expert talks, curated displays, and interactive activities. Couples can gather inspiration for elements such as venues, photography, flowers, décor, attire, food, and other experiences to create a celebration that reflects their own love story. Attendance is free, and the first 100 guests receive a VIP EDIT Bag from Tawny Nichelle Photography.