Haunted Trails – Friday Night Frights
What & When: The Municipality’s Haunted Trails is back on Friday, Oct 17 from 7:30 – 9:30 PM. Creatures lurk in the forest along Goose Lake Park’s trails; the event is designed for ages 9+ with two early exits for the faint‑of‑heart.
Where: Goose Lake Park, 2811 UAA Drive, Anchorage. Park at UAA and take the shuttle to the trailhead.
Why Go: Music on the beach, food trucks and warming fire barrels set a spooky tone. Tickets are $15 advance / $20 at the gate; time slots are 15 minutes.
More Info: myalaskatix.com
Enchanted Trails – Whimsy for Kids
What & When: On Saturday, Oct 18, 2 – 4 PM, the same trail becomes Enchanted Trails, a magical adventure where kids train with elves, fairies, mermaids and dragons to become Guardians of the Forest.
Where: Goose Lake Park (2811 UAA Drive). Shuttle service starts at 1:30 PM and parking is at UAA.
Why Go: A family‑friendly quest with games, music on the beach, food trucks and costumes encouraged. Kids 2 and under are free; tickets range from $0–$12.24.
More Info: myalaskatix.com
BOOtanical at Alaska Botanical Garden – Final Weekend
What & When: BOOtanical runs through Sunday, Oct 19 (Fridays–Sundays, 10 AM – 4 PM). Stroll through harvest‑themed displays at the Alaska Botanical Garden while enjoying spooky decorations.
Where: Alaska Botanical Garden, 4601 Campbell Airstrip Rd, Anchorage.
Why Go: Costumes are encouraged and it’s perfect for little ones. Admission is $8 per person and free for members and children under 6.
More Info: anchorageparkfoundation.org
Jams For Fams: Halloween Costume Party – Family Dance Party
What & When: On Sunday, Oct 19 from 10 AM – 12 PM, Bear Tooth Theatrepub hosts Jams For Fams: Halloween Costume Party.
Where: Bear Tooth Theatrepub, 1230 West 27th Avenue, Anchorage.
Why Go: Celebrating 10 years, this all‑ages dance party encourages costumes and features DJ Spencer Lee mixing hits from the ’70s through today. Expect door prizes, free professional photos, swag bags and interactive dances like the Macarena and Baby Shark. Tickets start around $23; non‑walking babies are free.
More Info: eventbrite.com
Bloody Beetroots 360° Set – Electronic Mayhem
What & When: Italian‑born, LA‑based producer Sir Bob Cornelius Rifo brings The Bloody Beetroots 360° DJ Set to Williwaw Social on Friday, Oct 17 from 9 PM – 1:45 AM.
Where: Williwaw Social (609 F Street).
Why Go: Expect high‑energy punk‑infused EDM with immersive visuals and a dance floor surrounded by the DJ booth. Tickets start at $36.79 and the event is 21+.
More Info: visitanchorage.net
Recap Table
Fri Oct 17, 7:30‑9:30 PM | Goose Lake Park, 2811 UAA Dr | Scary walk, music, food trucks, shuttle from UAA; $15 advance / $20 at door. | |
Sat Oct 18, 2‑4 PM | Goose Lake Park | Fantasy quest for kids with fairies & dragons; costumes encouraged; $0‑$12.24. | |
Fri‑Sun through Oct 19, 10 AM‑4 PM | Alaska Botanical Garden | Harvest‑themed displays; costumes encouraged; $8 per person (members & kids < 6 free) | |
Sun Oct 19, 10 AM‑12 PM | Bear Tooth Theatrepub | Family dance party with DJ Spencer Lee; costumes, prizes & swag; tickets ~$23 | |
Fri Oct 17, 9 PM‑1:45 AM | Williwaw Social | Punk‑infused EDM with immersive visuals; 21+; tickets from $36.79 |
That’s it for this week.
Fall in Anchorage means we’re toggling between cozy and creepy, and this weekend delivers both. Whether you’re braving Haunted Trails, frolicking through Enchanted Trails with the kids, exploring the harvest‑themed BOOtanical displays, dancing with your family at Jams For Fams or moving to The Bloody Beetroots 360° DJ Set, there’s no reason to stay home. Support local spots like the Alaska Botanical Garden, tune up your costume for Jams For Fams and share your spooky adventures with me. As always, tag @MrAnchorage on social so I can share your adventures!