What to Do in Anchorage This Weekend: Events and Activities

Anchorage residents and visitors have a packed schedule this weekend, November 6–8, 2026, featuring a variety of cultural, educational, and community-focused events. Highlights include the Alaska Crafted Invitational beer festival, the Anchorage Symphony Orchestra’s “America at 250” concert, and a city-wide First Friday celebration across local galleries.

What is happening at the Alaska Crafted Invitational?

The 49th State Brewing, located at 717 W. Third Ave., hosts the Alaska Crafted Invitational from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. this Friday. This beer-focused event serves as a showcase for entries in the 2026 Alaska Beer Awards, allowing attendees to sample a curated lineup of beers, ciders, and seltzers. General admission tickets are priced at $40.

How can families participate in UAA STEM Day?

The University of Alaska Anchorage invites families to the ConocoPhillips Integrated Science Building, 3211 Providence Drive, for a day of hands-on learning on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. This free event provides interactive booths covering topics such as robotics, earthquakes, DNA, Alaska wildlife, human anatomy, and wind power. Experts will be present throughout the day to guide children and parents through various experiments.

What are the details for the Friends of the Library book sale?

The Anchorage Friends of the Library holds its fall book sale this weekend at the Loussac Library, 3600 Denali St., with proceeds funding library materials and programming. The sale runs Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., with a members-only preview scheduled for Friday from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Prices are accessible, starting at 50 cents for paperbacks and $1 for hardcovers. A half-price sale takes place on Sunday from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Where can residents see the “America at 250” performance?

The Anchorage Symphony Orchestra performs “America at 250” at the Atwood Concert Hall, 621 W. Sixth Ave., on Saturday at 7:30 p.m. The program features violinist Tim Fain and includes works by composers George Gershwin, Samuel Barber, and Aaron Copland. Tickets for this exploration of American music start at $30.

What to Do in Anchorage This Weekend: Events and Activities

What is featured during the First Friday gallery walks?

First Friday brings a wave of exhibitions and performances to downtown Anchorage. The Anchorage Museum hosts the opening of “Grandeur and Grit: The Alaska Highway” and a performance by the Anchorage Opera from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Other participating venues include:

Georgia Blue Gallery: Featuring children’s book illustrator and author Shannon Cartwright.
Teeny Tiny: Featuring work by Moriah Rearick, noon to 8 p.m. at 704 W. Fourth Ave.
Cabin Fever: Featuring work by Mark Figura, 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at 412 G St.
Stephan Fire Arts: Featuring art by Luzan Quintero and Stephanie Janes, 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. at 939 W. Fifth Ave.
The Rockwell: Featuring art by Kelly Curtis, 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. at 939 W. Fifth Ave.
Sevigny Studio: Featuring art by Richard Rearick and music by Steve Norwood, 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at 314 G St.
Visit Anchorage: Featuring art by Denielle Baldwin, 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at 524 W. Fourth Ave.
IGCA: Featuring exhibitions from Leah Hawker, Young Kim, and Sharon Trager, 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at 427 D St.
Crimson: Featuring art by Natalie Treadwell, 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at 239 W. Fourth Ave.
Akela Space: Featuring a new exhibition from Cecilia Karoly-Lister, 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. at 320 W. Sixth Ave.
Turnagain Ceramics: Featuring Brian Adams and Kelly Smith, 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at 1343 G St.

What other events are scheduled for the weekend?

The Best of Alaska Showcase takes place at the Dena’ina Center, 600 W. Seventh Ave., on Saturday from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. The event highlights local businesses, services, and entertainment, with music provided by Yachtly Crew. Admission is free. Additionally, the Anchorage Fall Rock and Mineral Show runs Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. and Sunday from noon to 5:30 p.m. at the Midtown Mall, 600 E. Northern Lights Blvd., featuring vendors selling fossils, minerals, and handmade jewelry.

For those interested in theater, Midnight Sun Theatre presents “Proof” at the Jerry Harper Studio, 3700 Alumni Drive. Showtimes are 7 p.m. Friday, 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. Saturday, and 3 p.m. Sunday. Adult tickets are $35, with a discounted rate of $20 for first responders; students and seniors receive free admission.