The world’s biggest soccer tournament is down to two final matches. On Sunday morning, I’ll be at the Bear Tooth watching Spain and Argentina battle for the FIFA World Cup on the big screen. Doors open at 10:30 a.m. and kickoff is at 11 but I’m pretty sure they sold out of tickets. After more than a month of dramatic goals, upsets and yelling at my TV screen, I’m ready to see who takes home the trophy, vuvuzelas in tow.
The World Cup may be ending, but Anchorage isn’t calling full time on summer just yet.
The National Weather Service is forecasting clouds, cool temperatures and varying amounts of rain through Sunday. But canceling summer because of drizzle would be like canceling winter because of snow. Grab the waterproof layer you swore was breathable and let’s make some plans.
Rock the Hill
Where: Hilltop Ski Area, 7015 Abbott Road
When: Friday, July 17, 6–10 p.m.; Saturday, July 18, 2–10 p.m.
Cost: Friday $35; Saturday $55; two-day pass $75. Kids 12 and under are free with a ticketed adult.
Hilltop is trading the sound of mountain-bike tires for two days of Alaska-grown music. Rock the Hill features 13 acts, including Sundog, Sazón, Midnight Son, Hope Social Club, Josh Fortenbery and the Parkstrippers, plus local food, beer, art, workshops and vendors.
This is the weekend’s big ticket pick because it feels genuinely Anchorage: live music at the foot of the Chugach, people dancing in rain gear and at least one person insisting that 57 degrees is “actually pretty nice.”
The festival is rain or shine. Reserved parking is sold out, but overflow parking and a free shuttle are available from Service High School from 5-11 p.m. Friday and 1-11 p.m. Saturday.
More Info: Rock the Hill event details
Bike the Moose
Where: Starts at Westchester Lagoon
When: Saturday, July 18, at 10 a.m. Longer-distance riders may start as early as 9 a.m.
Cost: $45
No actual moose are required for Bike the Moose and, ideally, none will be standing in the trail.
The classic route follows Anchorage’s moose-shaped trail system for 32 mostly paved miles, with wayfinding signs, treat stations and scenic stops along the way. Riders looking for an even bigger Saturday can attempt two loops for 64 miles or three for 96, although those extended options are largely self-supported.
This is billed as a party ride rather than a race, but 32 miles is still 32 miles. Bring a working bike, helmet, rain layer and legs that have recently been informed of your plans. Proceeds support Bike Anchorage’s work toward safer, more bike-friendly streets and trails.
Free Craft Day at The Workshop
Where: The Workshop Community Center, 1120 Huffman Road, Suite 11
When: Saturday, July 18, 10 a.m.–3 p.m.
Cost: Free; donations appreciated
If your children hear “Saturday rain” and immediately begin reorganizing your house with permanent markers, redirect that creativity toward The Workshop.
Families can drop into its art room, choose a project and create without registration or an admission charge. Supplies are provided, projects rotate and all ages and abilities are welcome. It’s flexible, indoors and inexpensive… the rare family outing that doesn’t require purchasing four tickets three weeks in advance.
More Info: The Workshop’s official Facebook event page
Hot Honey Burlesque
Where: 49th State Brewing, 717 W. Third Avenue
When: Saturday, July 18. Doors at 7 p.m., seating at 7:30 p.m. and show at 8 p.m.
Cost: Starting at $27.50
Age: 21 and older
For an adults-only evening, Sweet Cheeks Cabaret is bringing an aerial-forward edition of Hot Honey Burlesque to 49th State Brewing.
Headliners Mayven Missbehavin and Bird of Paradise arrive with résumés spanning Las Vegas burlesque, circus arts, aerial silks, lyra, pole and more. The approximately 90-minute production includes mature themes, language, nudity and sexual content, so this is very much the “find a babysitter” selection.
Dinner and drinks are available at the venue, making this an easy date-night package: food, a show and no requirement to stand outside proving you aren’t cold.
Summer Family Fun Day at the Alaska Zoo
Where: Alaska Zoo, 4731 O’Malley Road
When: Sunday, July 19, noon–4 p.m.
Cost: Included with zoo admission: $18 for Alaska adults with ID, $12 for ages 3–15, $16 for seniors and military, and free for children two and under.
Sunday’s Summer Family Fun Day has a conservation theme, with animal enrichment, community booths, food trucks, cotton candy and live folk and acoustic music from the Lisa Good Duo.
Participating organizations include the Campbell Creek Science Center, Camp Fire Alaska, ALPAR, Hope Community Resources and Make-A-Wish Alaska and Washington. That makes this more than a regular zoo visit: kids can see the animals and meet some of the people working on wildlife, conservation and community projects around Anchorage.
The zoo remains open during ordinary rain, but dress accordingly. The animals already have fur coats and will be judging your preparation.
More Info: Alaska Zoo Summer Family Fun Day
Honorable Mention: Anchorage Weekend Downtown Market
Where: Third Avenue and E Street
When: Saturday and Sunday, 10 a.m.–5 p.m.
The Anchorage Weekend Downtown Market returns with local art, Alaskan-grown produce, handmade goods, food vendors and live entertainment. It’s an easy addition before another downtown event or a respectable excuse to wander around buying snacks and calling it “supporting the local economy.”
More Info: Anchorage Weekend Downtown Market
Let’s get at it!
Whatever you choose, bring a layer, protect your phone from the rain and remember: in Anchorage, sunshine is a bonus. The plans are the part we can control.
See you out there—slightly damp, fully entertained.
—Mr. Anchorage