Alaska Hosts Various Community Events From Nov. 11-18

Communities from Anchorage to Juneau prepare for a busy stretch of community gatherings, arts markets, and historical presentations as mid-November arrives across the state.

The Current reported a wide roster of regional events, ranging from arts showcases and live music to historical lectures and community workshops.

Southcentral Gatherings and Music

Anchorage hosts several distinct community events this week, including a history talk on Spenard Divorces by David Reamer at the Fine Arts Building, UAA on Thursday, Nov. 12 at 6 p.m. Parking and the event are free.

Other Anchorage events include a free day at the Alaska Veterans Museum on Wednesday, Nov. 11 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and a Veterans Day Appreciation Luncheon at American Legion Jack Henry Post 1 from 12 to 3 p.m. sponsored by Nuvision for veterans and a guest. Seed Lab hosts a zine coworking event on Wednesday, Nov. 11 from 5 to 8 p.m. leading up to the Anchorage Zine Fair on Nov. 22.

Music fans can catch the Blackwater Railroad Company performing a folk-americana dance rock set on Friday, Nov. 13 at 8 p.m. for Bear Tooth’s first tap series. Later that evening, an Athabascan Fiddlers Dance and Potluck takes place at The Nave from 7 to 11 p.m., offering a sober, family-friendly evening with a $10 suggested donation supporting the musicians. Anchorage also hosts a Spenard Community Stories youth film screening at The Nave on Saturday, Nov. 14 at 7 p.m. featuring short documentaries by Adam Mackie’s West High School students, surprise “Spenardian” guests, popcorn, and refreshments.

Stand-up comedian Eleanor Kerrigan performs at 49th State Brewing on Saturday, Nov. 14 at 7 p.m. for a comedy night promoting mental health awareness, with general admission tickets costing $45.

Rage City Roller derby skaters compete at 11051 O’Malley Road on Saturday, Nov. 14 at 6 p.m. in a Brewery Brawl where Team Beer and Team Cider face off on the track and at the bar, featuring a beer and cider garden. The Chugiak/Eagle River Community Band puts on a special Veterans Day concert at Chugiak High School on Thursday, Nov. 12 at 7 p.m.

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Palmer also hosts The Curtain Call Ball at 2055 N. Stringfield Road on Saturday, Nov. 14 from 7 to 10 p.m., an adults-only dance featuring Broadway favorites, party classics, Broadway karaoke, and live performances by MASCOTarts students. The Skeetawk Season Premiere takes place at the Palmer Sports Center on Friday, Nov. 13 at 6 p.m., where members hear big Skeetawk announcements before staying for the new Warren Miller film, “Days Off,” featuring Katie Burrell.

Fairbanks Markets and Film Premieres

On Friday, a monthly Native artwork pop-up sale features authentic pieces and local artists. Fairbanks and Ester also observe a Veterans Day Ceremony at the Westmark Gold Room on Wednesday, Nov. 11 at 11 a.m. honoring those who serve, featuring live music from the Fairbanks Community Band.

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At the Walt & Marita Babula Planetarium on Wednesday, Nov. 11, visitors can attend the premiere of the 20-minute film “Listening to Alaska” paired with a scientific Q&A session.

Southeast Gatherings and Screenings

Juneau schedules its own slate of weekend activities, featuring the Juneau Independent Fall Fundraiser at Devil’s Club Brewing Co. on Friday, Nov. 13 from 5 to 8 p.m. Film enthusiasts can also catch “The Way Out” ski movie at the Aurora Grand Theater on Friday night at 7 p.m., which includes a silent auction featuring authentic halibut jackets and Eaglecrest prints.

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The Mendenhall Mall hosts the 2nd Saturday Market on Saturday, Nov. 14 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., bringing local makers and bakers together under one roof.

Kenai Peninsula Events

Kenai Peninsula College McLane Commons in Soldotna hosts KDLL’s “True Tales, Told Live,” where attendees can share stories following November’s theme, “Fall: Tales of Tripping Up, Falling Down, or a Moment of Impact,” preceded by an Intro to Storytelling session from 3 to 5 p.m.