22 Halloween events in Anchorage, from family fun to grown-up ghoulishness
Oct. 26—The season of spookiness is upon us: Halloween. Or as some parents call it, the cornerstone of cavities. Whether you're in it for late-night hijinks or if you crave candy, there are plenty of events for you — even plays, musical events and a footrace. Here's a look at 22 local Halloween events.
Family fun
Trick or Treat and Fall Feed Fundraiser: 5-8 p.m. Friday, Alaska Pacific University campus in front of the Atwood Building, 4455 University Drive
This outdoor community trick-or-treat event suitable for kids and families will include a haunted house at the climbing wall, free Kaladi Brothers hot chocolate plus activity booths featuring cookie decorating, Halloween biathlon, obstacle courses and more. This event will also host a fundraiser for the APU Nordic Elite Ski Team, selling raffle tickets for a range of prizes. Admission is free.
Trick or Treat Street: noon-4 p.m. Saturday, Town Square Park, 544 W. Fifth Ave.
The first stop is Town Square Park, where attendees can pick up a candy stop map and an Alaska Airlines stamp card. From there, make stops at different downtown businesses. Free parking is available at any EasyPark garage with two canned food items dropped off at the Fifth Avenue and C Street candy stop. Enter to win four tickets anywhere Alaska Airlines flies.
YMCA of Alaska Fall Festival: 2-4 p.m. Saturday, YMCA of Alaska, 5299 Laurel St.
Admission for kids ages 3 and up is $5 at the door, and activities like Bucking Salmon, the cake walk and concessions will have $1 tickets sold separately. There's also a free open swim 4-5 p.m.
Trunk or Treat Drive Thru: 2-4 p.m. Saturday, Anchorage Moose Lodge, 4211 Arctic Blvd.
Stay in the car and stay warm at this event, which is free and open to the public. Trick or treat bags will be available for kids. Moose Bucks Prizes will be awarded for the best decorated vehicles.
Trunk or Treat 2023: 2-6 p.m. Saturday, Lithia Kia of Anchorage, 4434 Old Seward Highway
There's no shortage of trunks at Lithia Kia, and therefore no shortage of candy. This event features more than 100 pounds of candy and free toys as well.
Trunk or Treat: 5 p.m. Saturday, First Baptist Church Of Anchorage, 1100 W. 10th Ave.
This free event includes food, fun and of course, Trunk or Treat! A great stop for those dressed in family-friendly costumes, and there will be hot chocolate, a bounce house and trunkloads of candy.
Zoo Boo at the Alaska Zoo: 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Sunday, Alaska Zoo, 4731 O'Malley Road
The zoo's annual event features trick-or-treat stations, lots of candy, spooky decorations and activity stations. Tickets must be purchased for specific time frames, including 10 a.m.-noon; noon-2 p.m., 2-4 p.m. and 4-7 p.m. Tickets for the event are available online.
Trick-or-Treat Fish Creek: 4:30-6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Kiwanis Fish Creek Park, 3907 E. Turnagain Blvd.
This family-friendly event features trick-or-treat stations will be set up along the trail between Kiwanis Fish Creek Park, Woodland Park and Barbara Street Park.
Fun for all
Frightening 4K: 11 a.m. Saturday, Hotel Captain Cook, 939 W. Fifth Ave.
The race is staged in the Captain Cook courtyard and will of course have treats and a costume contest. There's also a virtual race available, and cost is $47.
Green Connection's Cans for Candy Food Drive: Noon-5 p.m. Saturday, Green Connection, 804 E. Fifth Ave.
There will be plenty of fun and games plus trick or treating in a warm and spooky tropical greenhouse. This event is also a food drive, and the admission is nonperishable food items. All proceeds from the drive benefit the Food Bank of Alaska.
Party in the Patch: 1-5 p.m. Saturday, 49th State Brewing, 717 W. Third Ave.
This rooftop pumpkin patch party at 49th State Brewing features face painting, balloon animals, Alaska Potbelly Pig Rescue plus a can of Frontier Pumpkin Pie Soda while supplies last.
HallowQueer Carnival: 5 p.m. Saturday, The Nave, 3502 Spenard Road
A spooky celebration for queer youth and families includes tricks, treats, a scavenger hunt and a costume party from 5-7:30 p.m. Then from 8-10:30 p.m. there's a dance party for those 13 and older with Evil Wizard, 3000-21 and Tiny. Tickets are $13, or individually $5 for the 5-7:30 p.m. portion and $10 for the dance party.
Candlelight: A Haunted Evening of Halloween Classics: 6:30-10 p.m. Sunday, 49th State Brewing, 717 W. Third Ave.
Candlelight concerts bring a multisensory musical experience, and the Aurora Borealis Quartet will perform a selection of haunting hits. The tentative program includes contemporary tunes like Michael Jackson's "Thriller" along with the "Beetlejuice" and "Ghostbusters" themes. It also includes classical and Romantic-era selections from Franz Schubert and Camille Saint-Saëns. Remaining tickets are $55.
TBA Theatre Spooky Performances: Times/dates vary, Grant Hall, 4101 University Drive
TBA Theatre has a trio of spooky performances at APU's Grant Hall this weekend. "Mr. Mummy Halloween's Surprise" plays Thursday at 7 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday at 3 p.m. "Curse of the Mummy" plays Sunday at 7 p.m. and on Tuesday at 8 p.m. while "13 Tales of Terror" has one show only at 8 p.m. Monday. Check the site for ticketing info.
Amusement for adults
Halloween Bar Crawl: 4-10 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Avenue Bar, 338 W. Fourth Ave.
With more than a half dozen venues, this bar crawl includes custom drink specials, after parties and a costume contest with a $1,000 top prize. Tickets are $25 for individuals and $20 in a group and are good for either night or both nights.
Weekend Retro Halloween Party: 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Whale's Tail at the Hotel Captain Cook, 939 W. Fifth Ave.
Go back in time with this retro event featuring music, food and a costume contest. Both evenings should feature throwback costumes from the hippie era to disco and beyond. Tickets are $25 or $40 for both nights.
Halloweemo: 7 p.m. Friday, Williwaw Social, 609 F St.
The fourth annual Emo Party Halloween returns with Scary Kids Scaring Kids and DJ Gre. There's a MySpace profile pic photo booth, door prizes and themed cocktails. Early-bird tickets are $19.99.
Viva Halloween: 8:30 p.m. Friday, Koot's, 2435 Spenard Road
Viva Halloween, a twist on Viva Pride, is an annual drag show/party. Hosted by Athena Nuff, this show will feature DJ Rachel Monae and drag performances from Jasper Dragful, Neptune Mako, Elle Emerald and Beyquance. Tickets are $20 or $90 for a reserved table.
The Jangle Bees Halloween Party: 7 p.m. Saturday, 49th State Brewing, 717 W. Third Ave.
If a rockin' Halloween party is your thing, the Jangle Bees Halloween Party may be your ticket. The Ouija Bee Gees kick off the night with the Jangle Bees set to take the stage at 8:30 p.m. Tickets are $20.
Grave Rave: 8 p.m. Saturday, Williwaw Social, 609 F St.
This Halloween dance party has more than $1,000 in cash and prizes. It includes music on both floors and haunted house horrors. There will be a selfie station and DJs Lloyds Noize and Mega Sisqo. Tickets are $10.
There's Some Horrors in This House: 9 p.m. Saturday, Mad Myrna's, 530 E. Fifth Ave.
Mad Myrna's party includes a drag show at 10 p.m. and a big costume contest at midnight.
Danger Money Halloween Bash: 9 p.m. Saturday, The Carousel, 3206 Spenard Road
The Carousel's annual Halloween bash is among the biggest in Anchorage. It includes a costume contest with cash prizes and music from Danger Money with no cover.
If you know of a Halloween event that would be a good addition to this list, email details on it and and a link with information on the event to cbieri@adn.com.
