Mother’s Day weekend in Anchorage is arriving in classic spring form: a little cloudy, a little chilly, and just damp enough to remind us that summer is still stretching in the driveway before it comes inside. Forecasts show highs around the upper 40s with showers possible through the weekend, so bring a jacket, maybe a backup jacket, and definitely call your mom.
This weekend, we’re thanking the moms, aunties, grandmas, stepmoms, bonus moms, and all the women who somehow knew where our “lost” Chapstick was before we even finished asking. Let’s get out there, show some love, and make Anchorage feel like a community again.
Singletrack Advocates Punk Rock Party & Fundraiser
Where: Hilltop Chalet / Hilltop Ski Area, 7015 Abbott Road
When: Friday, May 8, 6–11 PM
What & why: Anchorage trail people, this one’s for you. Singletrack Advocates is throwing a punk rock fundraiser with raffles, food, drinks, and 80s hits from I Like Robots. Basically: dress like you were raised by a cassette tape, support local trails, and dance like your knees haven’t spent the last decade on Hillside singletrack.
More info: Singletrack Advocates event page / Hilltop location info
Spenard Boiler Room XVI
Where: Chilkoot Charlie’s, 2435 Spenard Road
When: Friday, May 8, 9 PM–close
What & why: If Mother’s Day brunch is the wholesome half of the weekend, this is the Spenard side quest. Spenard Boiler Room XVI takes over the Ice Bar at Koot’s with an EDM-heavy late-night lineup. Bring your dancing shoes, hydrate like an adult, and remember: nothing says “Anchorage nightlife” like walking into Koot’s and wondering which room reality is happening in.
More info: Koot’s / Eventbrite listing
World Migratory Bird Day at the Alaska Zoo
Where: Alaska Zoo, 4731 O’Malley Road
When: Saturday, May 9, 9 AM–6 PM
What & why: The birds are back, and honestly, after winter, we should all applaud anyone willing to migrate here. World Migratory Bird Day at the Alaska Zoo is a family-friendly excuse to wander the wooded trails, learn about Alaska’s feathered travelers, and maybe let the kids burn energy somewhere that isn’t your living room.
More info: Alaska Zoo event
Jo Koy: Just Being Koy Tour
Where: Alaska Airlines Center, 3550 Providence Drive
When: Saturday, May 9, doors 7 PM, show 8 PM
What & why: Jo Koy is back in Anchorage with the kind of family-centered comedy that pairs extremely well with Mother’s Day weekend. If your mom has ever roasted you with one sentence while cooking dinner, this may be the most thematically appropriate show in town.
More info: Alaska Airlines Center
Mother’s Day Double Feature: Early Day Culture, Comedy by Brunch
Where:
Alaska Native Heritage Center, 8800 Heritage Center Drive
Zip Kombucha, 8161 Schoon Street
When:
ANHC: Sunday, May 10, 9 AM–5 PM
Zip Kombucha: Sunday, May 10, 1–4 PM
What & why: If your mom’s anything like mine, they want to be done early. Start Mother’s Day with a free summer-season opening celebration at the Alaska Native Heritage Center, featuring cultural activities, performances, guided tours, games, and family-friendly programming. Then, if Mom’s love language is laughing with a kombucha in hand, Zip Kombucha has the Mama Bird Comedy Brunch with local comedy, music from Pepper Kit, brunch bites, mom-mosas, flowers, and a photo booth. That’s a strong Mother’s Day itinerary without pretending another candle is what’s going to bowl her over.
More info: Facebook Event Page for ANHC / Rubber Ptarmigan Event Listing for Zip Kombucha
Honorable Mention: Kachemak Bay Shorebird Festival
Where: Homer / Kachemak Bay, about a 4-hour drive from Anchorage
When: May 6–10
What & why: Not technically Anchorage, but worth the road-trip nod. The Kachemak Bay Shorebird Festival is Alaska’s largest wildlife festival, with Homer welcoming a ridiculous number of migrating shorebirds right as spring wakes up. Visit Homer says more than 100,000 shorebirds and 25 species move through the area in early May, which is basically rush hour with feathers. Pack snacks, binoculars, patience for the drive, and maybe don’t tell your gas tank this was my idea.
More info: Visit Homer
Stay classy, Anchorage
However you spend the weekend, make sure you thank the moms and mother-figures who kept the wheels from falling off. Take them to a show, buy them brunch, walk around the zoo, or just call and admit they were right about needing a jacket.
Stay warm, stay kind, and I’ll see you out there, Anchorage.