Hey Anchorage friends! It’s your pal Mr Anchorage coming at you with the ultimate Valentine’s weekend guide. Don’t let the mid‑February chill keep you cooped up – this is the perfect time to bundle up, grab a sweetheart or your besties, and fall in love with our city all over again. I’ve hand‑picked five events that capture the romance, fun and magic of Anchorage. Read on, make your plans, and I’ll see you out there!
Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets in Concert (Friday Feb 13 & Saturday Feb 14)
Where & When: Atwood Concert Hall, Alaska Center for the Performing Arts – Fri Feb 13 at 7:30 p.m.; Sat Feb 14 at 1 p.m.
Our weekend kicks off with a dose of magic. On Friday evening and again Saturday afternoon, the Anchorage Symphony Orchestra performs John Williams’ iconic score live while Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets plays on a massive screen at the Atwood Concert Hall. This 2½‑hour film‑concert experience is suitable for witches and wizards aged six and up, letting you relive the flying cars, dueling trees and mythical beasts while the orchestra brings every theme to life. Tickets start around $53.50 and can be presented electronically. Grab your robes, your favorite house scarf and prepare for a spellbinding family outing.
Dump Them: Anti‑Valentine’s Day Dance Party (Friday Feb 13)
Where & When: Williwaw Social (downtown Anchorage) – Fri Feb 13, 10 p.m. – 2 a.m.
Looking to ditch the romance and dance away any heartache? Williwaw Social has you covered Friday night with Dump Them, an anti‑Valentine’s Day dance party that runs from 10 p.m. until 2 a.m. Anchorage time. Listed on the AK Concerts calendar as an anti‑Valentines celebration with DJ Remax, this late‑night gathering invites singles and anti‑Valentine’s crews to hit the dance floor, shake it off and enjoy a no‑cover evening of candy‑coated pop and breakup anthems. Grab your friends, your sassiest outfit and get ready to celebrate independence under the glittering lights.
Boots, Buckles & Bling: A Snow‑Kissed Western Soiree (Saturday Feb 14)
Where & When: Dena’ina Civic and Convention Center – Sat Feb 14, 7 p.m. – 11 p.m.
Giddy‑up for Saturday’s big Western night at the Dena’ina Civic and Convention Center. Hosted by Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, the Boots, Buckles & Bling soirée invites you to don your finest boots, Western gear and fur for a snow‑kissed celebration of Regional Founders’ Day. Expect line‑dancing, great music and delicious bites. General admission is $87, and the fun runs from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. – come ready to two‑step, mingle and sparkle.
PROM 1988 – featuring Blackwater Railroad and Whiskey Fish (Saturday Feb 14)
Where & When: 49th State Brewing Heritage Theater – Sat Feb 14, doors 6:30 p.m., show 7:30 p.m.
Get those shoulders pad‑ready and bust out your raddest thrift‑store prom attire. On Saturday night, 49th State Brewing throws PROM 1988, a totally tubular 1980s prom party headlined by local favorites Blackwater Railroad Company and Whiskey Fish. Guests are encouraged to scour Anchorage’s thrift shops for the most outrageous outfits and will compete for prizes like best dressed, worst dressed and cutest couple. Doors open at 6:30 p.m., the music starts at 7:30 p.m., and it’s strictly 21+. Don’t forget the lace gloves – this nostalgia‑driven Valentine’s bash is your chance to relive the 80s with a modern twist.
Link: https://www.49thstatebrewing.com/calendar/prom-1988-featuring-blackwater-railroad-and-whiskey-fish/
Candlelight: Valentine’s Day Special (Sunday Feb 15)
Where & When: 49th State Brewing Heritage Theater – Sun Feb 15 at 4 p.m.
End your weekend on a soothing note with a concert bathed in candlelight. On Sunday evening, the Aurora Borealis Quartet transforms 49th State Brewing’s Heritage Theater into a romantic haven with classics like “Moon River,” Puccini’s O Mio Babbino Caro, Massenet’s Méditation and the love theme from Romeo and Juliet. The 60‑minute performance is open to ages eight and up, with doors opening 45 minutes before showtime. Immerse yourself in this multi‑sensory experience where music and candlelight create an unforgettable Valentine’s finale.
Bonus: Zoo Lights (Feb 13–15)
Where & When: Alaska Zoo – Fri–Sun Feb 13 – 15, 5 p.m. – 8 p.m.
If you’re looking for an extra dose of magic beyond our top five, don’t miss Zoo Lights at the Alaska Zoo. From 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Friday through Sunday, the zoo transforms its 30‑acre campus into a glowing winter wonderland with custom animated displays, overhead canopies and a polar‑bear bench perfect for photos. It’s a holiday tradition for many local families and visitors who come from across Alaska to stroll the shimmering trails. Tickets are $25 for ages three and up with discounts for members. Bundle up, sip hot cocoa and bask in the glow with those you love.
See you out there!
There you have it, neighbors – the top five reasons to swap your slippers for snow boots this Valentine’s weekend. Whether you’re cuddling up under candlelight, two‑stepping in your fanciest boots, reliving the 80s, waving a wand at Hogwarts or strolling under zoo lights, Anchorage has something special waiting for you. Take a break from hibernation, support local events and create some unforgettable memories. I hope to bump into you at one of these happenings – don’t be shy, say hi to Mr Anchorage when you see me! Stay warm, stay safe, and enjoy every moment.