January may be flying by, but the city isn\u2019t slowing down.<\/p>\n
The Anchorage Weekender rounded up nine events so you can make the most of your weekend \u2014 from the city\u2019s annual folk festival to a free book fair. Plus, we\u2019ve included a few options to get outside and soak up the sunshine.<\/p>\n
1. Science on Tap<\/b><\/h3>\n
Thursday, 6 to 8 p.m., Turnagain Brewing<\/b> Thursday through Feb. 1, various locations<\/b> There\u2019s a special Parlor in the Round<\/u><\/a> show on Thursday, which is a songwriter showcase with a collaborative, surprising twist. The show is hosted by Kevin Worrell and features Eric Howk, Shonti Elder, and Hunter Prueger. (If you miss this one, there\u2019s another show<\/u><\/a> in April.)<\/p>\n A free performance at the Wendy Williamson Auditorium on Friday highlights local artists at 7 p.m., followed by the Henhouse Prowlers<\/u><\/a> at 9 p.m.<\/p>\n On Saturday from 7 to 10:30 p.m., there\u2019s a fundraiser concert<\/u><\/a> with locals Wiley Post and Henhouse Prowlers at Odd Man Rush Brewing in Eagle River. Tickets<\/u><\/a> for the event cost about $34 and are open to those 21 and older. Here\u2019s what\u2019s currently on tap<\/u><\/a> at the brewery. <\/p>\n Folk Week<\/u><\/a> starts on Sunday, and it\u2019s an opportunity to see local musicians perform at restaurants and pubs in the city, including Hearth Artisan Pizza and Reilly\u2019s Irish Pub.<\/p>\n Next Wednesday, The Horsenecks and Hannah Read<\/a> will perform at a fundraiser concert at 49th State Brewing from 8 to 10 p.m. Tickets cost about $23 and can be bought here<\/a>.<\/p>\n Find the full Anchorage Folk Festival program here<\/u><\/a>.<\/p>\n Friday and Saturday, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., FashionPact (2520 E. 68th Ave.)<\/b> Friday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., Fresh Cup Playhouse<\/b> Friday, 6 p.m., Alaska Native Heritage Center\u00a0<\/b> General entry is $20, but is $5 if you\u2019re under 16. Evacuees in Anchorage have free entry.<\/p>\n Saturday, 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., The Nave<\/b> Saturday, 1:30 p.m., North Bivouac Trailhead<\/b> All skill levels are welcome to this low-stress ride, but fat tire bikes are recommended. Trek Bicycle Store of Anchorage<\/u><\/a> is a host of this event, and offers discounted rentals for these rides. Organizers ask that you leave dogs at home.<\/p>\n The ride starts at 1:30 p.m. at the North Bivouac Trailhead<\/u><\/a>, but get there early to sign a waiver.<\/p>\n Sunday, 4 p.m., Musk Ox Farm<\/b> Sunday, 1 to 3p.m., Cuddy Park<\/b> You\u2019ll learn from Amy Fitzpatrick, a longtime athlete and past president of the Alaska Speed Skating Club, along with John Monroe, a U.S. Speed Skating coach. Businesses catering to the sport will be onsite for skate sharpening and equipment questions.<\/p>\n All skates are welcome, but organizers say you must bring a helmet and you should dress for the weather. The event starts at 1 p.m., but show up early to sign a waiver. This event costs $25 and you need to register in advance. Find that information here<\/u><\/a>.<\/p>\n
The Science on Tap<\/u><\/a> lecture series by the University of Alaska Anchorage is a monthly event at Turnagain Brewing. On Thursday, grab a drink, and hear from Dr. Gregory Larsen about how drones are used for wildlife research. This event is open to those 21 and older.<\/p>\n2. Anchorage Folk Festival<\/b><\/h3>\n
The 37th annual Anchorage Folk Festival<\/u><\/a> kicks off Thursday and runs through the rest of the month. The event includes over 100 live performances and nearly 50 workshops \u2013 all for free.<\/p>\n3. Free Book Fair<\/b><\/h3>\n
Thousands of books ranging in genres and reading levels will be given away<\/u><\/a> Friday and Saturday at FashionPact. Books for kids and adults will be available. Local nonprofits will be selling baked goods for additional purchase.<\/p>\n4. Free Day of Play<\/b><\/h3>\n
Kids can play for free for one hour on Friday at Fresh Cup Playhouse<\/u><\/a>. The space is designed for children from 6 months to 6 years old, and there\u2019s a specific area for infants and crawlers up to 18 months old. You\u2019ll need a waiver to play \u2013 fill it out in advance online<\/u><\/a>.<\/p>\n5. Western Alaska benefit event<\/b>\u00a0<\/h3>\n
Enjoy local music, cultural dance performances and storytelling at Ilapet: Our Relatives Benefit Event,<\/u><\/a> with proceeds benefitting the Western Alaska Disaster Relief Fund. There\u2019s also a potluck, and organizers encourage you to bring a dish to share.<\/p>\n6. Yuuyaraq Gathering<\/b><\/h3>\n
The Yuuyaraq Gathering<\/u><\/a> is a free, family-friendly afternoon full of culture, community and connection. On Saturday, share a potluck feast, watch and learn Yuraq, browse Alaska Native vendors and more. Attendees are welcome to come and go throughout the event.<\/p>\n7. Cheese and Crackers Ride<\/b><\/h3>\n
This month\u2019s Coed Cheese and Crackers Ride<\/u><\/a> <\/b>gives you a chance to get into the North Bivy side of Far North Bicentennial Park. You\u2019ll ride for about an hour, then enjoy cheese, crackers and pumpkin pie around a warm fire pit.<\/p>\n8. Jamie Hansen performs in Palmer<\/b><\/h3>\n
Not everyone can say they\u2019ve been to a concert at their local Musk Ox Farm, but you have a chance to. Jamie Hansen<\/u><\/a>, a Wyoming-based artist, mixes heartfelt storytelling with adventure, taking listeners to wild places. Doors open at 3:30 p.m., with the show to start at 4 p.m. Tickets cost $25 \u2013 buy yours here<\/u><\/a>.<\/p>\n9. Women\u2019s Skate Clinic<\/b><\/h3>\n
The Women\u2019s Skate Clinic<\/u><\/a> focuses on technique, efficiency and how to move with confidence on the ice. Organizers ask that participants have a \u201cdecent amount\u201d of prior skating experience, and say this isn\u2019t a learn to skate course.<\/p>\n
![\"a](\"https:\/\/npr.brightspotcdn.com\/dims4\/default\/934da8b\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/1920x1440+0+0\/resize\/880x660!\/quality\/90\/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F6a%2F65%2F7c90955545939677fb9adfe576c8%2Fwestchester2024-04.jpg\"\/)
<\/p>\n<\/picture>\n