Here are 3 things to do around Anchorage this weekend
Jul. 13—The weather in Anchorage this summer has been hit and miss so far — OK, let's be honest, mostly miss — but as we hit mid-July, summer activities are ramping up no matter what's happening with the weather. This weekend in Anchorage, two festivals should draw big crowds, and a band with some colossal hits will perform downtown.
Train
5 p.m. Saturday, Chinook Lot, 225 E St.
Few bands of the last 25 years can boast a pair of hits as irresistibly catchy as Train's.
"Drops of Jupiter," released in early 2001, was a massive hit and was later nominated for five Grammy Awards. "Hey, Soul Sister," from the 2009 album "Save Me, San Francisco," became a standard on TV shows while being certified platinum six times over.
The two songs are closing in on a combined 2 billion listens. The band will be performing in its 50th state Saturday with a concert in downtown Anchorage at the Chinook Lot at E Street and West Third Avenue. General admission tickets are $85 with a discounted four-pack option available.
Bear Paw Festival
Happening through Sunday in Chugiak and Eagle River
Nearly every burg in Alaska has established its own festival — from Girdwood's Forest Fair to Bearfest in Wrangell.
[Your guide to Alaska's summer fairs and festivals in 2023]
And Chugiak and Eagle River's Bear Paw Festival provides as much opportunity for fun and frivolity as any.
The schedule includes a cornhole tournament, a classic car show, an Xtratuf boot decorating contest, a 5K race, a human foosball tournament plus Saturday's big parade. And, of course, there's music, concessions, vendors, beer gardens and the like. Just make sure to save some room for Sunday's ice cream eating contest.
Fly By Festival
10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday, Alaska Aviation Museum, 4721 Aircraft Drive
Alaskans like to get high ... into the clouds. With one pilot for every 78 residents, the state has a keen interest and deep knowledge of aviation and its history. So Saturday's Fly By Festival is a perfect opportunity to ensconce yourself in aviation culture.
The day features vintage aircraft flying over Lake Hood, often touted as the busiest seaplane base in the world. Beer, wine and food trucks will be on site. Tickets are $20 for adults and $10 for kids ages 3-10.
Heading out of town?
Summer in Alaska means salmon, and this should be a big weekend for the dipnet fisheries on the Kenai Peninsula. The personal-use fishery is open to Alaska residents on the Kasilof River and the Kenai River. Kasilof dipnetting is open 24 hours a day and the Kenai River is open from 6 a.m.-11 p.m. Be sure to check any new emergency orders and be aware of standard regulations before heading out to fish.
Check our online calendar for more event listings at adn.com/calendar.
