This week’s been a blur of errands, emails and, yes, navigating rain‑slick streets. A fresh round of freezing rain turned Anchorage into a bit of a skating rink, but as Alaskans we know to slow down and enjoy the ride. Rain, ice and a little winter gloom can’t keep us indoors. So sip your coffee, lace up your boots and check out my hand‑picked mix of beer festivals, folk jams, cultural celebrations and family fun around town.
Alaska Craft Brew & Barley Wine Festival
Where: Dena’ina Center, Downtown Anchorage
When: Friday 6–10 p.m. and Saturday noon–4 p.m. & 6–10 p.m.
What & Why: Sample more than 250 beers, ciders, meads, wines and seltzers at Anchorage’s biggest craft brew event. Each admission comes with 15 drink tokens, live music and access to a beer guide so you can plan your tastings. There are evening and daytime sessions with bands like Dude Mtn, Hope Social Club and H3 performing throughout the weekend. The festival is strictly 21+ and encourages guests to hydrate, eat and arrange a safe ride home. General admission is $75 (VIP options available).
More info: Alaska Craft Brew & Barley Wine Festival
Choir! Choir! Choir! – We Will Choir! You
Where: Discovery Theatre, Alaska Center for the Performing Arts
When: Friday, 7:30 p.m.
What & Why: This interactive experience turns the audience into the stars of the show. Instead of watching a performance, you become part of a massive choir belting out Queen’s biggest anthems alongside hundreds of fellow fans. As the Anchorage Concert Association notes, Choir! Choir! Choir! is fully participatory: “why see a show when you can be the show?”. Directors Daveed Goldman and Nobu Adilman will teach the harmonies, encourage you to unleash your inner Freddie Mercury and promise you’ll never stop singing. All voices are welcome and no experience is necessary.
More info: Anchorage Concert Association
Russian New Year Celebration
Where: Begich Middle School, 7440 Creekside Center Dr
When: Saturday, 4–7 p.m.
What & Why: Chugach Alaska Corporation celebrates two decades of hosting Anchorage’s Russian New Year party with an interactive skit, potluck and cultural performances. The family‑friendly gathering is centered on friends, food and lots of fun. Admission is $10 for adults, $5 for youth 12–17, and free for elders — or bring a dish to share and get in for free.
More info: Facebook Event Page
Pop‑Up Skating Party at Mirror Lake
Where: Mirror Lake Skating Rink, Chugiak (22623 Mirror Lake Dr)
When: Friday, 4:30–8:30 p.m.
What & Why: Eagle River/Chugiak Parks & Rec is throwing its second seasonal pop‑up party on the ice. Bring your skates, skis or fat‑tire bikes and enjoy music and lights courtesy of Arrow Home Services. Organizers will provide warm drinks, warming barrels and light displays; food trucks will be on site for dinner options. It’s a fun way to shake off the winter blues and get moving under the twilight sky.
More info: AllEvents listing
Jams for Fams – Neon Love
Where: Bear Tooth Theatrepub, 1230 W. 27th Ave
When: Sunday, 11 a.m.–1 p.m.
What & Why: Grab the kids and break out your best neon outfit for this ’80s‑themed dance party. DJ Spencer Lee will spin throwback jams and party hits while little ones show off their moves on the dance cam. There’s a crawl zone for babies, free swag bags, hot cocoa for kids and coffee for adults. Recommended for children 10 and under, this event sells out fast — general admission is $20.
More info: Eventbrite ticket page
Bonus Pick – Anchorage Symphony Orchestra Family Concert
Where: Atwood Concert Hall, Alaska Center for the Performing Arts
When: Sunday, 3 p.m.
What & Why: Experience a one‑hour carnival of sound featuring some of the most energetic, instantly recognizable orchestral pieces. The Anchorage Symphony’s annual family concert pairs works like Dvořák’s Carnival Overture, Offenbach’s Can‑Can and Copland’s Hoe Down with Saint‑Saëns’ Carnival of the Animals. Come early for the instrument petting zoo so kids (and curious adults) can try violins, horns and more. Tickets start at $20 and babies under two get in free on a lap.
More info: CenterTix
Final Thoughts
The roads might be messy and the rain relentless, but that just makes the warm vibes at these events even more inviting. Whether you’re sipping barley wine downtown, tapping your toes at the folk fest, skating under fairy lights in Chugiak, enjoying a potluck for the Russian New Year, or dancing with your kids in neon socks, there’s something for every Anchorage adventurer this weekend. Don’t forget Sunday’s bonus family concert for a splash of classical joy. Drive slowly, pack an extra pair of dry socks and embrace the wild weather; it’s all part of the Alaskan fun.