Events in Anchorage today

Little Explorers features a guided hike set to a toddler-friendly pace on or near the Rodak Trail. Registration is not required, and check-in happens in the ERNC main building. The program is designed for babies and children up to age 6 with an accompanying adult, and older siblings may take part as well. For the comfort of all participants, please leave pets at home.

Enjoy a mix of cultural activities with hands-on crafts like beading and friendly social card games such as Snertz. Participants are welcome to bring a current project to work on alongside others. The gathering takes place at Nuqałi on the second floor in Cottonwood Room 213.

Discover Magic at a free learn to play session designed for beginners. New planeswalkers receive complimentary welcome decks, try a quick demo game, and get friendly guidance. Expect fast-paced fun, a few laughs, the chance to meet new friends, and some surprise promos to kickstart your Magic journey.

Auditions for The Nutcracker with Anchorage Ballet welcome dancers ages 5 and up. The audition includes simple ballet combinations and movement tailored to each age and experience level. Dancers should arrive ready to move with hair secured and appropriate dance attire. Participants will have the opportunity to perform alongside students in a beloved holiday tradition on stage.

Hwy9 brings a live performance to O'Malley's on the Green. The kitchen will be open during the show with dinner options available. Admission is free, and table reservations can be made by calling (907) 522-3345.

Players gather at The Side Quest for a weekly constructed One Piece Card Game tournament. Participants bring a ready-to-play deck and compete for prizes, with prize support at every event. The entry fee is $10. Participation is capped at 12 players, and registration is available through TCG+ or in store on the day of the tournament.

This Commander-focused Magic event at Bosco's Comics Cards & Games matches players and decks of similar power using a bracketed pod system. It features three rounds of play. Entry is $7 and includes one BOSCO Buck for participating, equal to $4 in store credit, plus one additional BOSCO Buck for each round you win. Judges will be on hand to help with rules and to introduce new players. The environment is casual and welcoming, balancing friendly competition with fun, and accommodating everything from laid back games to fast-paced cEDH. All skill levels are welcome, and seating is organized to keep matchups enjoyable.

Local vendors, musicians, and artists come together at Chanshtnu Muldoon Park for a welcoming community gathering. Browse goods, strike up conversations, enjoy the music, and take a moment to relax.

Celebrating its fifth year, this 5K run and walk supports the Community Diaper Pantry by turning every mile into diapers and wipes for local families experiencing diaper need. Runners, walkers, and sideline supporters come together with businesses and volunteers for a family-friendly gathering that makes a meaningful impact. The route starts at Tudor Elementary and follows the scenic Campbell Creek Trail. A Kids Mile is offered at no cost for children 12 and under, followed by the full 5K. The purpose is clear... help move the community toward a future where every baby has the essentials.

Hosted by AHGA, this AKC lure coursing event in Palmer, Alaska features two days of QC and JC opportunities along with trials. Participation is limited to sighthounds.

Turnagain Ceramics presents Clay Fest 2026, a celebration of Anchorage’s clay community. Attendees can browse wares, enjoy food, listen to live bands, and participate in classes. This is the fourth edition, building on three years of community support. More details will be shared as they become available. Artists, music acts, and food vendors interested in participating can contact hello@turnagainceramics.com. Be cautious of accounts pretending to handle vendor registration and use only the official email for communication.

Work on your own projects during an open sewing session. Sewing machines, irons, and ironing boards are available to use, or you can bring your own equipment. A large table is on hand for pinning quilts. If you plan to bring your own machine and have the manual, please bring it along. All skill and interest levels are welcome, and volunteers can assist with cutting, sewing, pattern reading, and machine guidance including threading, basic maintenance like oiling, changing needles, and using attachments. The fee is $20, payable in the store upon arrival. For questions, call 907-887-9760.

After the Alaska State Fair wraps up, those colossal pumpkins, hefty cabbages, and other standout vegetables get a second life. Donated by the growers and the fair, the produce heads to the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center, where it becomes a hearty vegetable buffet for the animals. Before feeding time, the vegetables will be arranged for viewing at Bison Hall so visitors can preview the spread. In the bears’ habitat, brown bears will dig into the bounty, turning prize produce into enrichment. The experience will also be shared on Facebook Live for anyone watching from afar.

Experience hands-on learning and youth leadership opportunities at the Anchorage 4-H Open House. Connect with area club leaders, get a preview of upcoming projects, and learn about ways for youth and volunteers to participate. Everyone in the community, including families, is welcome.

A two part crochet class centered on making a shawl. The first session is for starting the project, and the second focuses on finishing the shawl.

Tier 1 Cards & Games hosts a weekly Gundam card tournament where newcomers and seasoned players square off for bragging rights, exclusive promo items, and plenty of Mobile Suit action. The entry fee is $10, with $5 in store credit awarded for each win, along with participation promos and chances at bonus rewards. Registration takes place in the shop on the day of the event. It is a friendly setting to meet other fans, sharpen your deck, and build skills from week to week. For even more Gundam fun, KTs offers additional play on Thursdays.

The 58th Annual Champagne Pops Gala kicks off the Anchorage Symphony’s season on the Gail Hoefler Memorial Stage at Atwood Concert Hall, bringing together a formal evening of music and celebration in support of the ASO’s vision of Great Music for Every Life. The featured program, Broadway Rocks!, showcases Broadway vocalists LaKisha Jones, Dan Domenech, and Morgan James in dynamic performances of rock and contemporary favorites, with songs such as Bohemian Rhapsody, Sweet Caroline, Seasons of Love, and Girls Just Wanna Have Fun among others. Radio host Casey Bieber of iHeartRadio/101.3 KGOT guides the program. Alongside the concert, the gala includes fine dining catered by Wild Fork, a live auction led by auctioneer Dave Karp, a paddle raise, and a raffle. Proceeds benefit the ASO’s Music for My Neighbors program, which provides free concert tickets, in-school coaching for band and orchestra students, an annual Free Neighborhood Concert, and complimentary bus transportation that helps thousands of students attend Young People’s Concerts each season.

Singles 45 and older can take part in a returning speed dating gathering in the great room at the Shops at the Castle. The format features five minute one-on-one conversations so every participant meets each potential match. Those younger than 45 can watch for upcoming events for other age groups. Attendance is confirmed via a form provided by the organizers.

At The Carousel Lounge, Santoro the Band delivers an Alaska-born, blues-driven set led by Pamela Santoro, Alaska's First Lady of the Blues. The group blends beloved blues standards with raw originals, pairing smoke-tinged vocals with searing guitar and a propulsive rhythm section. The result is a gritty, soulful show with a rock and roll edge that keeps the dance floor moving.

Discover Neuroscape, a brand-new trading card game where battles play out across a neural network through cutting-edge strategy and a sci-fi aesthetic. Weekly sessions welcome both first-time players and seasoned deck builders, creating a place to learn, play, and connect with fellow fans. Staff will be available to teach newcomers, and organized pairings will set up friendly matches.

Enjoy a showcase of handmade quilts, see the featured raffle quilt with tickets available, and bid in a small quilt auction. Many of the small groups involved will have tables to explore. The event takes place at the Conoco Phillips Building.

Get an insider look at life with Cranbeary and Kova, the Alaska Zoo’s two female polar bears. A zookeeper leads a behind-the-scenes visit where guests can learn about their care, their bond, and how they compare to polar bears in the wild. The experience lasts 30 minutes and includes watching a training session that is part of the bears’ daily routine. Participation is limited to one booking group per date for up to four people, and advance online registration is required. Plan to arrive at the zoo entrance 15 minutes early, where a zookeeper will meet the group. Participants must be at least 9 years old, and an adult must be present. The fee is $500 for up to four attendees, with a small service fee added at checkout, and it includes zoo admission for the day. Pricing is not reduced for smaller groups. Purchases are nonrefundable, though rescheduling is available in cases of emergency or illness. Guests who are feeling unwell should arrange a new date for the safety of staff and animals. Cameras and phones are welcome for photos and video, and food or drinks should be left in your vehicle.

Settle in for a relaxed open play gathering centered on the UniVersus collectible card game. Players of any experience level can bring a deck they enjoy, meet fellow enthusiasts, and jump into casual games whenever they are ready. It is a welcoming chance to practice, pick up new strategies, and simply have fun playing together. No cost to participate.

Weekly Sunday league play for Disney Lorcana takes place at Tier 1 and welcomes both newcomers and longtime players, including those who have been involved since the First Chapter. Participants receive Lorcana promo cards, and each game win earns $5 credit. Registration on the Ravensburger Play Hub is required for league participation.

Bosco's Comics Cards & Games hosts a weekly Pokémon Trading Card Game event that combines a free learn-to-play session with an $8 Standard format tournament. Play Pokémon teachers are available to guide newcomers through the official rules and help build confidence at the table. Tournament decks must be Standard legal. Prize support is awarded in BOSCO'S Bucks, with two $4 BOSCO'S Bucks generated per participant. Each player receives one for participating and the other is added to the prize pool. First place earns half of the total pool rounded down, capped at 36 BOSCO'S Bucks. Second place receives half of the remaining pool rounded down, and this continues for each subsequent placement.

Put your Shadowverse: Evolve skills to the test at a weekly shop tournament. New players and veterans alike can refine their decks, compete in matches, and connect with the community. All participants receive participation promos, and top finishers earn extra prizes. Free to play.

Take the battlefield in the Iron Kingdoms during an open play session for Warmachine at Tier 1. Command warcasters, marshal towering warjacks, and lead elite forces through brisk, tactical matchups that suit both seasoned players and those putting models on the table for the first time. The focus is on learning, sharpening skills, and friendly competition within a welcoming local community. Players can bring their armies for casual games, swap strategies, and pick up tips for tight gameplay and dramatic moments.

An open Commander play session where you can arrive and start playing at any point, with no set start time. Admission is $5 and includes a booster pack. Players who register in EventLink also receive a promo pack.

Eagle River welcomes a new stop for singers as Big Dream Entertainment debuts at Odd Man Rush Brewing. This event introduces a fresh venue where vocalists can share their songs.

Learn salsa from the ground up in a progressive course that moves from your first basic steps to traveling turns you can use on the social floor. No prior experience or partner is needed, and partners are switched regularly so everyone practices with multiple dancers in a welcoming, inclusive setting. There is no preregistration, so arrive ready to participate. Wear comfortable clothing and bring non-marking shoes. Pricing options include $80 for the full course, $15 for a single drop-in session, or access included with a monthly membership.

One-Piece constructed play is on offer at Bosco's Comics Cards & Games with a recurring weekly event designed for all experience levels. Entry is $10 and includes prize support, and a judge will be present to answer questions and assist anyone new to the game. Prize support may include an OP booster pack when available, or a BOSCO Buck alternative. Additionally, $4 in BOSCO'S bucks from each participant goes into a prize pool that pays out half to first place, then half of the remaining to second place, continuing by halving what is left until the pool is fully awarded. Expect organized rounds, clear prizing, and a welcoming environment for learning and play.

Nerdvana Trivia at 907 Alehouse & Grill Tikahtnu features challenging questions, friendly competition, and laughs. It is free to play, prizes are awarded to the top teams, and both league regulars and first timers are welcome. The venue offers a craft beer selection and a menu of crowd favorites, providing a lively place to test your knowledge and vie for bragging rights.

A casual session at Tier 1 where hobbyists can work on models alongside fellow enthusiasts. Attendance is free. The mini model image is by Trevor (@armouredwolf).

At REI Anchorage, a big-screen watch party features wildlife biologist Robyn Thomas presenting live from Fairbanks about Emperor Geese and what winter research reveals at the outer limits of their range. Nesting on the Yukon Delta National Wildlife Refuge has been widely studied, yet their winters in Alaska, confined to the Bering Sea region, have remained largely undocumented. The program explores the rigors of working on Alaska’s coast in winter and shares findings that may help explain the species’ fluctuating numbers. Attendees can reconnect with friends and take part in a question period. This is the first meeting of the fall season and is open to everyone. Additional watch parties are planned in Homer and Soldotna, with an option to participate via Zoom.

This half hour features stories, songs, and engaging activities that build early literacy skills. It is designed for children from birth through kindergarten with their caregivers, combining fun and learning.

A relaxed Weiss Schwarz play session offers friendly matches and community connections. Players of every experience level can bring a deck, try new strategies, and enjoy unstructured games. All titles are welcome. Judges and experienced players will be available to clarify rules and offer tips on deck building. No signup is required and there is no fee to participate.

This weekly Tuesday evening Yu-Gi-Oh! game night at Bosco's Comics Cards & Games welcomes beginners and casual players who want to play, learn, and connect with the local community. A knowledgeable judge is available to answer questions, explain rules, and keep matches running smoothly. The atmosphere is laid back and focused on fun and skill building. Regular weeks use a Constructed format with a $5 entry. Prize support features Konami OTS Tournament Packs while supplies last. The prize pool is calculated at one and a half packs per entrant... one pack is guaranteed for participating, and an additional half pack per player goes into the pool to be awarded based on record. Packs are OTS when in stock, otherwise the newest set is used. The first Tuesday of each month features a Genesys format. Bring a deck and a positive attitude for an enjoyable evening of dueling.

This learning circle focuses on what it means to be an Elder. Participants explore the honor of growing older within Alaska Native traditions and connect with peers for support around challenges that may arise. The session takes place at the Elder Program.

This free, weekly emerging reader program is sponsored by ConocoPhillips Alaska. Each 30 minute Storytime features animal storybooks read aloud to young readers, with seating available on chairs or floor pillows. The program is best suited for ages 4 to 7, and a parent, guardian, or relative must stay with children. All ages are welcome, and no registration is required. In the summer months, a Little Explorers tour for kids offers stops to see some of the cutest animals. Tickets are available online or at the gate, members receive a 50 percent discount, and the one hour tour ends at the Coffee Shop. After Storytime, visitors may choose to explore the zoo by paying regular admission or using a membership at the gate. The Gift Shop at the entrance and the Kape Espresso Tayo coffee shop inside the zoo provide convenient stops during a visit.

Created for veterans and first responders, this hybrid learning circle provides support in understanding and addressing the effects of trauma and significant stress. Participation is available in person and online. For the Soldier’s Heart training calendar, contact Family Wellness Warriors. Registration is required. To register, contact FWW at 907-729-5440.

Enjoy a relaxed evening of Star Wars: Unlimited with friendly card play and a welcoming community. Whether you are learning the game or looking for casual matches with friends, this is a place to try out new decks and have fun. Entry is $10, pairings are organized for you, and each win earns $5 in store credit. The emphasis is on low-pressure play and a good time at the table.

Enjoy an evening focused on small-scale Warhammer skirmish battles, featuring a range of Games Workshop games for quick, tactical matchups and a friendly hobby community. It welcomes both seasoned players and those new to the hobby. Participation is free.

A weekly trivia night at The Broken Blender AK, hosted by Nerdvana Trivia, invites teams to tackle brainy questions in a lively setting. The venue, home of Sweet Cheeks Cabaret, offers 24 local beers on tap, an extensive whiskey selection, and signature cocktails. Participation is free, prizes and bragging rights are on the line, and the crowd brings plenty of laughs.

Eddie’s Sports Bar hosts a trivia night filled with good-natured competition and classic sports bar energy. Teams can enjoy pub-style favorites and cold drinks while testing their knowledge at one of Anchorage’s popular free trivia events. The setting includes a welcoming local crowd, plenty of TVs, pool tables, and shuffleboard, creating a laid-back atmosphere for an evening out with friends. It is free to play, and top teams take home prizes along with bragging rights. New teams are welcome, and inviting a trivia-savvy friend is encouraged.