It finally dumped snow in Anchorage, and of course I woke up to a driveway that looked like a small glacier even after I had worked on it last night. After an hour with the snow blower and a couple of errands I’m (fashionably) late getting this newsletter out. But hey, the fresh powder is worth it! If you’re looking for ways to make the most of the first big snowfall, I’ve hand‑picked five events kicking off after 5 p.m. Friday and running through the weekend. I also pulled together a separate guide to my favorite sledding hills—check the link near the end to plan your post‑event powder runs. Let’s dive in.

Celebrate Anchorage’s 50th anniversary with a special evening at the Anchorage Museum. The Municipality of Anchorage is hosting a free “Night at the Museum” on Friday night. From 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. the museum will stay open late so you can explore galleries and exhibits that celebrate our history and the people who helped build this city. Local leaders will be on hand with stories from the past and visions for the future. Admission is free, so bring the whole family.

Award‑winning percussionist Kattam brings his one‑man world tour to Anchorage, taking audiences on a rhythmic journey through Africa, the Middle East and India. The 90‑minute show features instruments such as the n’goni, balafon, djembe and dhol, and combines song, dance and storytelling for an immersive cultural experience. Kids will love his sidekick “Takoum” the monkey and adults will appreciate the artistry. Tickets start at $24.

On Saturday the Dena’ina Center hosts the Best of Alaska Showcase, a free expo featuring local restaurants, retailers and artists. From noon until 5 p.m. you can sample dishes, shop for unique goods, watch demonstrations and enjoy live music; there’s even a stage set for H3 to play from noon–3 p.m. according to the Anchorage Daily News. If you’re looking for a warm indoor activity before heading to the sledding hills, this is the place to be.

Love the outdoors and want to support a good cause? Head to 49th State Brewing Company on Saturday evening for the Alaska Mountain Rescue Group’s Mountain Rescue Rendezvous fundraiser. The evening starts at 6 p.m. and includes all‑night food and drinks, firsthand rescue stories from volunteers, and a silent auction. Proceeds help fund search, rescue and medical missions across Alaska.

Looking for a mind‑bending musical mashup? The Portland Cello Project returns to Anchorage with a live rendition of Radiohead’s classic album OK Computer. Joined by brass players and local vocalists, this alt‑classical ensemble transforms the iconic rock record into a lush symphonic experience. The 110‑minute show starts at 7:30 p.m. Saturday and tickets begin at $46.

The fresh snow isn’t just good for skiing — it’s perfect for sledding. Rather than pack this newsletter with another monster list, I wrote a separate guide to Anchorage’s best sledding hills. It includes family‑friendly spots like Kincaid Park and Russian Jack Springs, plus a couple of wilder runs for thrill‑seekers. Read the full article and get map coordinates on my site.