Mr Anchorage’s 5 Weekend Picks – Oct 3‐5, 2025

Hey friends – Mr. Anchorage here with your weekly game plan. The PFD checks just hit and there are too many reasons to celebrate. I’ve pulled together five events that show off the best of Anchorage this weekend. Grab your flannel, maybe a thermos, and let’s get exploring.

Make it Alaskan Market – Egan Civic & Convention Center
Fri Oct 3 (5–9 p.m.), Sat Oct 4 (10 a.m.–6 p.m.), Sun Oct 5 (12–5 p.m.)
Free entry

I love supporting local makers – especially when there’s a beer involved. The Make it Alaskan Market returns to the Egan Civic & Convention Center all weekend with aisles of handmade art, jewelry, home décor, baked treats and more. Friday night’s Sip & Shop (21+) lets you browse with a pint or glass of wine; Saturday mixes shopping with an Anchorage Health Fair; and Sunday features a Junior Creators showcase where kids under 18 sell their own crafts. Food trucks line 5th Avenue on Saturday and Sunday. Your home could always use a locally made touch. Learn more

Girdwood Trails Marathon – Alyeska Resort
Sat Oct 4
Fundraiser for Girdwood Nordic Ski Club

Not much of a runner? No problem – cheering from the sidelines is just as important. Alyeska Resort hosts the Girdwood Trails Marathon on Saturday. Runners tackle a 26‑mile course threading through Girdwood’s lush rainforest trail network, and spectators are encouraged to cheer or volunteer at aid stations. Proceeds support the Girdwood Nordic Ski Club’s trail grooming and maintenance. Grab a hot cocoa, ring a cowbell and soak up the mountain vibes. Learn more

Anchorage Museum – 625 C St
Fri Oct 3
Free admission & special programs

First Friday means free museum admission and extended hours until 9 p.m. at the Anchorage Museum. Drop in after work to explore exhibitions, make art in the ArtLab or catch the Latin‑American Feria Artesanal craft fair with booths celebrating history, food and handmade goods. Over in the planetarium, quick‑hit shows like Rapid Space Shorts deliver star tours and cosmic journeys. It’s family‑friendly culture with zero entry fee — my kind of price point. Learn more

Williwaw Social – 609 F Street
Fri Oct 3 at 7 p.m.; doors open 6 p.m. (21+)
Tickets from ~$31

Need some nightlife? Underground rapper Haarper brings his Grey‑Day vibes to Williwaw Social. Showdown Alaska’s listing notes that general admission begins at the F Street entrance and there’s a skip‑the‑line option via 6th Avenue. It’s a 21‑plus show with limited advance‑price tickets. Grab a ticket, flex that PFD cash and nod along with Anchorage’s hip‑hop heads – I’ll probably be in the back bobbing my head with a drink. Learn more

Pop‑up stations around Anchorage
Fri Oct 3, 7–9 a.m.
Free

Before you binge on crafts and concerts, consider trading four wheels for two. Bike Anchorage hosts a Mini Bike to Work Day on Friday morning. Ride to work or just for fun and stop at pop‑up stations along popular bike routes for free treats and coffee. The event kicks off the city’s Week Without Driving challenge (Sept 29 – Oct 5). Even if you’re not a morning person, the promise of free caffeine could do the trick. Learn more

It’s also the final weekend of regular‑season high school varsity football, and Anchorage‑area schools are taking the field for one last home crowd before the playoffs. Even if you don’t have a kid on the roster, these games are a fun way to rally behind our local athletes and soak up some crisp fall air. Grab a thermos, bundle up and pick a sideline:

·         Bartlett vs Colony – Bartlett High School, Fri Oct 3 @ 7 p.m. – The Golden Bears welcome the Colony Knights to their home turf for a Friday‑night showdown. Expect hard‑hitting plays and plenty of school spirit.

·         East Anchorage vs Dimond – Bettye Davis East High, Fri Oct 3 @ 7 p.m. – East squares off against cross‑town rival Dimond in a classic Anchorage matchup. It’s your last chance this season to see the T‑Birds defend their field.

·         West Anchorage vs Juneau‑Douglas – West Anchorage High, Sat Oct 4 @ 2 p.m. – Saturday’s matinee pits West against Juneau‑Douglas for an early‑afternoon kickoff. Family‑friendly and over before dinner.

·         South Anchorage vs Service – South Anchorage High, Sat Oct 4 @ 7 p.m. – The Wolverines wrap up the weekend with a primetime game versus Service. Bring your loudest cheers.

And if you’re up for a short drive beyond city limits:

·         Chugiak vs Eagle River – Eagle River High, Fri Oct 3 @ 7 p.m. – Chugiak makes the short trip north to take on the Eagle River Wolves. Expect a spirited valley derby and a gorgeous mountain backdrop.

·         Palmer vs Wasilla – Palmer High, Fri Oct 3 @ 7 p.m. – In the Matanuska‑Susitna Valley, the Palmer Moose host Wasilla for a rivalry game under the lights.

·         Redington vs Houston – Redington High (Wasilla), Sat Oct 4 @ 2 p.m. – Division III action sees the Redington Huskies welcoming Houston for an afternoon contest. It’s a bit of a trek, but the pink‑out “Pink Bowl” atmosphere is worth the drive.

Think of it as Anchorage’s own “Friday Night Lights” doubleheader followed by a Saturday twin bill. No matter which bleachers you choose, you’ll be supporting our student‑athletes and sending the regular season out on a high note.

If you need a nudge to leave the house, these picks should do the trick. Whether you’re cheering marathoners, sipping and shopping, or grooving to live beats, there’s something for everyone. I’ll see you out there.