Hello again, Anchorage!
I hope you all had a chance to embrace spring break like I did. I took last week off from the newsletter so I could spend a little extra time exploring with my family. Sledding the last of winter’s snowpack to spotting those early‑returning sandhill cranes at Potter Marsh. It was blissful, but I missed bringing you all the weekend bangers! Now that I’m back and the days are growing longer, it’s time to share the weekend adventures that make Anchorage feel like home.
Below you’ll find a mix of music, comedy, family bonding and outdoor fun to warm up your weekend.
Lindsay Lou at Discovery Theatre
Where: Discovery Theatre (Alaska Center for the Performing Arts, 621 W 6th Ave)
When: Friday, March 20 at 7:30 PM (doors open 1 hour early)
What & why: Michigan‑born and Nashville‑honed singer Lindsay Lou blends bluegrass, folk, soul and Americana into a sound that is both intimate and expansive. Her latest album Queen of Time showcases songwriting that’s equal parts raw and soothing. This Anchorage Concert Association show promises 90 minutes of stories and songs from an artist who’s shared stages with Billy Strings and other roots‑music luminaries. All ages are welcome, though minors under 16 must attend with an adult.
More info: CenterTix
Dumb History: A Comedy Show
Where: Anchorage Museum, 625 C St, Anchorage
When: Friday, March 20; doors 6:00 PM, show 6:30 – 8:00 PM
What & why: Local comedy troupe Rubber Ptarmigan finds the “hysterical in the historical” by highlighting the ridiculous side of the past. The one‑night‑only show invites scholars, dropouts and teacher’s pets to laugh at humanity’s mistakes. Tickets are $20 and the event is recommended for ages 18 and up.
More info: TicketTailor
Ball in the House – A Cappella Disco Party
Where: Atwood Concert Hall (Alaska Center for the Performing Arts, 621 W 6th Ave)
When: Saturday, March 21, 8 PM (benefit reception & silent auction at 5 PM)
What & why: Boston‑based quintet Ball in the House recreates a full‑band sound using nothing but the human voice. Their “Saturday Night Fever” show combines a disco‑infused public performance with a benefit for Alaska Junior Theater. Expect soaring harmonies, vocal percussion and a glittering tribute to the music that made mirror balls spin. The evening kicks off at 5 PM with silent and live auctions supporting AJT before the public performance at 8 PM.
More info: CenterTix
Anchorage Civic Orchestra Winter Concert
Where: Sydney Laurence Theatre (Alaska Center for the Performing Arts, 621 W 6th Ave)
When: Saturday, March 21 at 7:30 PM
What & why: Step in from the chilly evening and enjoy a program of sweeping melodies with the Anchorage Civic Orchestra. The winter concert features Smetana’s The Moldau and César Franck’s Symphony in D minor, plus performances by the orchestra’s high‑school concerto competition winner and runner‑up. Expect rich orchestral color and inspiring young talent in a 90‑minute concert.
More info: CenterTix
First Day of Spring Big Day Birding Challenge
Where: Everywhere! The Anchorage municipality (team registration by email)
When: Friday, March 20 at 5 PM through Saturday, March 21 at 5 PM
What & why: Celebrate the arrival of spring by forming a team and scouring Anchorage for as many bird species as you can find in 24 hours. Anchorage Audubon’s First Day of Spring Big Day runs from 5 PM Friday until 5 PM Saturday. Teams plan their routes, count every bird together and report results via email. A whimsical cash prize of $1 per species goes to the winning team (past champions logged 40 species!). Whether you bird for an hour or the full day, it’s a fun excuse to get outside and welcome returning migrants.
More info: Anchorage Audubon Society
Honorable Mention: Celtic Spring Festival (Next Weekend)
Anchorage’s Celtic community throws its annual spring celebration at Wendler Middle School on Saturday, March 28 from 10 AM to 5:30 PM. Expect traditional music, lively dancing, food vendors and a Celtic‑themed craft fair. The festival is family‑friendly and a great way to learn about Celtic culture while browsing booths at 2905 Lake Otis Parkway. Mark your calendar now so you don’t miss the fun next week! I heard Fat Man’s Bread will be making an appearance.
See you around town!
Whether you’re tapping your toes to Lindsay Lou, laughing at ancient follies, slow‑dancing with your little one, getting swept away by sweeping melodies or chasing feathered friends across town, this weekend offers plenty of ways to reconnect after spring break. I’m thrilled to be back bringing you fresh picks, and I hope to bump into some of you out there… just don’t scare off the birds! Until next week, stay curious and stay connected.