This weekend in Anchorage: Downtown Solstice Celebration, Pride parade and festival, lots of music options
Jun. 22—Running Free Alaska: 7 p.m. Thursday, Alaska Pacific University, 4101 University Drive
Running Free Alaska's mission "is to make a positive difference in the lives of Alaskan women who are incarcerated through a structured running program and to provide running-related support after release." The Running Free Loopty-Loo is a fundraiser for that program. The virtual race has been open since last week, but the in-person event is Thursday with a $35 entry fee.
Chugach Fest: 6 p.m. Friday and noon Saturday, Arctic Valley Ski Area, 18800 Arctic Valley Road
Arctic Valley will host two days of fun featuring food trucks, a beer garden and outdoor vendors, plus camping is available. Several top Alaska bands are set to play, including Hope Social Club, The Jangle Bees, SunDog and Wiley Post. Tickets are available at the gate for $45 for adults and $35 for teens.
Anchorage Pride Parade and Festival: 11:30 a.m. Saturday, Delaney Park Strip, West Ninth Avenue
Starting at 11:30 a.m. the parade will feature LGBTQ+ legislators Andrew Gray, Jennie Armstrong and Ashley Carrick as grand marshals. More than 25 groups and floats will be involved in the parade circling the Park Strip. After the parade ends, the Celebrate Pride '23 Festival will begin. Join local LGBTQIA2S+ community members in celebrating with vendors, food trucks, musicians and drag artists.
Downtown Summer Solstice Celebration: noon-5 p.m. Saturday, Fourth Avenue from E to G Street
The 20th annual downtown celebration will feature two stages with full days of musical performances, a 3-on-3 basketball tournament, a petting zoo, an Alaska-made vendor market and much more. Plus, there'll be beer gardens by Darwin's and Uncle Joe's for the adults and a kids zone for youngsters.
Puddle of Mudd with Hinder: 5:30 p.m. Saturday, 600 F St.
Puddle of Mudd headlines this outdoor show with fellow rockers Hinder. For every ticket purchased, $5 will go to the nonprofit Covenant House. General admission tickets are $70 with VIP options available.
Paula Poundstone: 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Discovery Theatre, 621 W. Sixth Ave.
Comic Paula Poundstone takes the stage Saturday delivering her brand of sly wit and observational humor. She is well known as a regular panelist on NPR's "Wait Wait ... Don't Tell Me!" and is the author of multiple books, including "The Totally Unscientific Study Of The Search For Human Happiness." Tickets start at $33.50.
The Aloha in Alaska Music Festival: 2 p.m. Sunday, Lei's Poke Stop, 1142 N. Muldoon Road
Hawaiian and island reggae music will be featured with the legendary Hawaiian slack key artist Ledward Kaapana, singers Liam Moleta and Kekoa Kane, Alaska's H3 and much more. Plus, Hawaiian and Alaskan crafts, clothes and jewelry vendors and food trucks will be on site. Presale tickets are $35.
Check our online calendar for more event listings at adn.com/calendar.
