This weekend in Anchorage, AK

Arctic Visions 2026 is Alaska’s must-attend conference focused on psychedelic science, mental health, Indigenous knowledge, and visionary culture. Held in Anchorage over two days, it brings together researchers, clinicians, artists, policymakers, practitioners, and community members for workshops, expert talks, interactive panels, and immersive experiences. The program blends cutting-edge research with traditional Indigenous wisdom to encourage meaningful dialogue, learning, and collaboration.

At Bartlett High School, the Arctic Alaska Region of the Sports Car Club of America sanctions a points event featuring a timed driving competition on a course marked with pylons. Entrants take as many runs as can be accommodated, with the best scored time counting toward results. Alaskan driving enthusiasts gather for a day focused on precision behind the wheel and friendly competition on the cone course.

Colorful bubbles take over Kincaid Park as the Bubble Run returns to Anchorage. This non-competitive and untimed 5K blends fitness with playful fun, sending participants through vibrant bubble bogs and foamy clouds that keep smiles going from start to finish. All ages and fitness levels are welcome, including runners, walkers, dancers, and strollers. Expect music, laughter, and plenty of foam, with comfortable clothing recommended and groups of family and friends encouraged. Free registration is available.

Northern Fluff Cotton Candy will be on site near the kids area during the Arctic Thunder 2026 Air Show at Elmendorf Air Force Base.

A volunteer maintenance day will focus on the Muktuk Marston Trail in Arctic Valley. Participants will meet at the Muktuk Marston Trailhead and return to the same spot after the work session. The crew will brush the trail with hand tools such as handsaws and loppers. This event is sponsored by Chugach Park Fund.

A friendly gathering at Chanshtnu Muldoon Park brings together local artists, musicians, and vendors. Attendees can browse the offerings, chat with creators, enjoy music, and unwind.

Celebrate creativity and color at The Workshop Community Center with a free, family friendly crafting series where kids can create, explore, and make memories together. August features hands-on projects like popsicle stick dragonflies, paper plate turtles, back to school pencils, paper dream catchers, and red beach crabs. No registration is required, it is free to attend, and donations are welcome.

Discover Alaska’s creative community at an indoor summer market that highlights local artists and artisans. Each edition features a new lineup of vendors, so there is always something different to explore. Browse handcrafted jewelry, home accents, fine art, baked treats, and other unique finds while supporting local craftsmanship. The market takes place at Midtown Mall in Anchorage. For details, contact Amber or Kasey at marketmindedak@gmail.com or (907) 416-8989.

Run or hike a 5K at Hilltop Ski Area in Anchorage, Alaska, with repeated climbs and descents on short wooded trails. This fundraiser supports The Christopher Walden House of Hope and Hilltop Ski Area. The course covers 3.1 miles with 1,288 feet of elevation change, offers views from the top, and welcomes participants of all experience levels, including kids 5 and older. An in-person experience is available on the slopes, and a virtual option lets participants complete the distance from any location.

Get a rare, behind-the-scenes look at Cranbeary and Kova, the two female polar bears at the Alaska Zoo, during a guided encounter with a zookeeper. Hear about their care, their connection to each other, and how their species lives in the wild. The experience lasts 30 minutes and includes watching a training session that is part of their daily routine. Advance online registration is required, and only one booking is available per date for a group of up to four people. The cost is $500 per group and includes admission for the day, with a small service fee added at checkout. The fee is not prorated for groups smaller than four. Participants must be age 9 or older with an adult. Please plan to arrive 15 minutes early and meet the zookeeper at the zoo entrance. Cameras and phones are welcome for photos and videos, and all food and drinks should be left in your vehicle. Purchases are non-refundable, though rescheduling is available in cases of emergency or illness. Anyone feeling unwell is asked to reschedule for the safety of staff and animals.

This open-air Saturday market at the Alaska Chicks Eagle River store showcases local vendors, crafters, and bakers. It continues throughout the summer with a changing mix of participants each week. Vendor lineup details will be shared during the season.

Get ready for a full day of comedy in the heart of Spenard. Rubber Ptarmigan teams up with The Nave for a nonstop lineup of stand-up, improv, and comedy workshops, running from midday through the evening. Food trucks and drink service will be available onsite to keep you going, and after you pay the $15 cover, you can come and go throughout the day. The full schedule is TBA, and it’s recommended for ages 18+ after 3 PM.

Alaska Jazz Workshop, in partnership with the Anchorage Downtown Partnership, marks its fifth season with a series of 11 free outdoor jazz concerts on the lawn of the Anchorage Museum in downtown Anchorage. The lineup highlights local musicians from South Central Alaska and explores a vibrant mix of jazz, blues, Latin jazz, and funk. This concert spotlights the AJW Jazz Camp Student and Faculty Ensembles, featuring all-star performers from the 39th AJW Jazz Camp delivering lively jazz, blues, and funk. Pack a lawn chair and settle in for live music from Anchorage’s jazz community. Presented in collaboration with the Anchorage Museum, with support from the Atwood Foundation.

Learn the essentials of knitting a cozy triangle shawl in this beginner friendly class at Winter Solstice Sewing & Crafts. This first session gets the project underway as participants practice casting on, working garter stitch, and shaping the fabric by adding stitches, with the follow up class reserved for finishing. Bring approximately 600 yards of worsted weight, category 4 yarn and a 32 inch circular needle in US 9, 5.5 mm. Use a single color or try simple color changes to create stripes.

Creativity and community take center stage at this weekly Community Crafternoon from NAMI Anchorage, a welcoming space that supports mental wellness through making and connection. Participants can bring a work in progress, try something new, or explore a hobby without committing to a full set of supplies. No experience is required. All materials are provided, along with snacks and beverages, and it is always free. Activities change each week, with occasional special tutorials. It is a friendly place for all ages to craft, meet others, and feel supported just as they are.

Settle into a seasonal mini-retreat at Open Space Alaska that treats the afternoon like a gentle ceremony, inviting your body to release tension while your nervous system unwinds and your heart finds ease. Over the course of three hours, the experience weaves together gentle yoga, meditation, calming breath practices, and a touch of summer-focused Ayurvedic insight. Expect abundant, deeply restful restorative postures with supportive props and unhurried holds, a soothing sound bath paired with guided relaxation, and quiet time for personal reflection with opportunities to connect with other women. The intention is to offer a safe, caring space that helps you cultivate a steady rhythm of rest, gradually shifting from stress toward a calmer, more grounded baseline. This is a simple afternoon reset rather than a big commitment. The cost is $79 and no prior experience is required.

A gallery reception at Blaine’s Art showcases work inspired by Alaska’s landscapes and the places people hike, drive, fish, and daydream about. All of it comes together in one room for an easy visit with a welcoming, local atmosphere reminiscent of a small museum. A relaxed stop for anyone who loves Alaska.

Create a six inch by six inch stained glass piece using a pattern from the studio's selection. Choose from a range of glass colors and textures, and suggestions are available if you want help picking a design. The session runs long, so wear comfortable shoes and bring a snack. Projects are intended to be completed in one sitting when participants stay focused and minimize phone use. This class is for ages 16 and up. Because of material fumes, it is not suitable for those who are pregnant or nursing. Safety glasses are required for the entire class and a mask is required during soldering. If you have safety glasses that fit you well, bring them. Space is limited for safety, so only registered students may be in the studio. There are no refunds for missed or rescheduled classes. If you cannot attend, you may send a replacement who meets the age requirement, but you must notify the studio in advance and provide the substitute's contact information. Directions and important class updates are sent after registration, so include a reliable phone number or email when signing up.

Concerts by Candlelight brings an intimate music experience to Anchorage, set in stunning settings with historic character and illuminated by countless candles. Each program pairs the atmosphere of remarkable venues with a curated mix of songs presented in fresh interpretations that span genres. Depending on the performance, tributes may feature artists such as Taylor Swift, Coldplay, Queen, Adele, Fleetwood Mac, The Beatles, Rihanna, U2, Hans Zimmer, Pink Floyd, Beyoncé, ABBA, Metallica, and more, alongside classical favorites like Vivaldi. The lineup evolves regularly, offering something for a wide range of tastes and creating a warm, memorable night of music.

Experience the museum in a calmer setting designed to reduce sensory input. This program welcomes both families and adults, with a focus on people with developmental or physical disabilities and those on the autism spectrum. A dedicated safe space will be available for anyone who needs it. Admission is $5 per family or group, with a 10% discount for museum members. Advance registration is strongly recommended, and limited walk-ins may be accommodated if space allows and payment is by credit card. Activities take place in the Atrium, the first floor galleries, and the Discovery Center. For more information or to request accommodations, call (907) 929-9258 or email access@anchoragemuseum.org.

Kids ages 6 to 12 can take on a youth triathlon at the Lake Otis Y that combines a swim, a bike ride, and a run. Registration is open and capacity is limited to 50 participants. Sign ups can be completed online or at the Lake Otis front desk, and questions can be directed to amanda@ymcaalaska.org. Two race options are available, each with 25 spots. Learn-To-Tri features a 50 yard swim, a 1 mile bike, and a 0.5 mile run, with beginners moving through each segment in small groups alongside an experienced coach. Transitions are not timed so participants can learn the flow at a comfortable pace. The Full Triathlon offers a 200 yard swim, a 4 mile bike, and a 2 mile run, with continuous timing for those seeking a traditional individual race experience. Each option costs $35 for members and $50 for nonmembers, and scholarships are available. Every participant receives a goodie bag and a completion certificate. A swim test is required for all participants, and lifejackets are available for anyone who needs one. Volunteers are needed for setup and takedown, to coach Learn-To-Tri groups, and to serve on a cheer squad that helps direct kids and support safety, and no experience is required.

An open-air handmade and flea market showcases local Alaskan small businesses, featuring crafters, curators, tarot readers, and more. Browse locally made goods and one-of-a-kind finds, with plenty of food and drinks available in a family-friendly setting. Prospective vendors can submit an application for consideration, and spots are offered by invitation only. Applications are reviewed promptly, and vendors should communicate and submit any payments only to the host, the Shops at the Castle on O’Malley.

At Kincaid Chalet, this Japanese Summer Festival features traditional Japanese dishes and a variety of booths to explore. The program includes Tomodachi Daiko, Bon Odori folk dance alongside Yosakoi, a demonstration of Iaido, a live sumi-e performance, and Radio Taiso (ラジオ体操).

Learn how to crochet a bucket hat from start to finish. Bring either a bulky weight size 5 yarn or hold two strands of worsted weight size 4 together, and use a J (6 mm) hook. A first drink is included with the ticket, and non-alcoholic options are available.

Lorcana League Play offers a welcoming way to enjoy matches, pick up promo cards, and collect points toward additional rewards. Throughout the season, participants play games and take on fun challenges to build league points. Points are earned simply by playing, and accumulating more increases the chances of winning cards. At the end of each round, collectible character pins may be awarded based on points or at random, with Disney Lorcana pins randomly given to players who have earned more than 12 points in a round. Registration on the Ravensburger Play Hub is required before participating. The default format is Core Constructed, unless players choose to draft instead.

Bosco's Comics Cards & Games hosts a Pokémon event that pairs a free learn to play session with an $8 Standard tournament. A Play Pokémon teacher is assigned to help players learn the official rules and build confidence before competitive rounds. Tournament decks must be Standard legal. Prize support uses BOSCO'S Bucks, with two $4 BOSCO'S Bucks per player, one returned as a participation reward and one added to the prize pool. First place receives half of the pool rounded down, capped at 36 BOSCO'S Bucks. Each subsequent place takes half of what remains, rounded down, in order.

Play Shadowverse Evolve in a weekly shop tournament open to newcomers and experienced players. Test and refine your deck ideas, face friendly competition, and meet others who enjoy the game. Participation promos are available for everyone, and extra prizes go to the top finishers. Entry is free.

Discover the basics of stained glass while creating a six-inch square piece using patterns provided by the studio. Choose from a wide selection of glass colors and textures, and reach out by email if you would like help picking a design. This is a longer session, so wear comfortable shoes and bring a snack. The class is open to students 16 and older. For safety reasons related to material fumes, it is not suitable for anyone who is pregnant or nursing. Safety glasses are required for the entire session, and masks are required during soldering. If you already own safety glasses that fit well, feel free to bring them. With steady focus and limited phone use, most students finish their project in one class. Space is limited and only enrolled participants may be in the studio. Refunds are not available for missed or rescheduled classes. If you cannot attend, you may send a replacement who meets the age requirement, and you must provide the studio with their contact details in advance. Directions will be shared after enrollment, so use a reliable phone number or email to receive important updates.