Fishing
Last chance, dipnetters. The popular personal-use red salmon fishery at the mouth of the Kenai that attracts tens of thousands of netters every year screeches to a halt at 11 p.m. Sunday, so this weekend is your final opportunity to fill the freezer. However, the China Poot Bay personal-use fishery across Cook Inlet continues through Aug. 7. Prefer a rod and reel? Fish and Game calls Russian River red salmon fishing "slow to spotty." Still, it's running ahead of the last two years, and water levels, which peaked about a week ago, are dropping fast.
Beer and Bacon Festival
If you're a fan of beer and/or bacon, this is the festival for you. Compete in a bacon eating contest for a chance to be crowned the bacon king or queen of Anchorage. Sample beer and bacon dishes prepared by different chefs and hear live entertainment all day. 1-6 p.m. Saturday, The Lakefront Anchorage, 4800 Spenard Road. Tickets are $40, which includes drink tickets, a commemorative glass and a chance for prizes. $25 for children, pregnant women and designated drivers. (beerandbacon.ticketleap.com)
Harry Potter Midnight Magic Party
Get your hands on the first Harry Potter book released in nearly a decade, "Harry Potter and the Cursed Child," at the Harry Potter Midnight Magic Party. Celebrate with games, costumes, prizes and other fun. Wristband distribution starts at 7:30 p.m. Events start at 8 p.m. and sales of the new book will begin at midnight. 7:30 p.m.-midnight Saturday, Barnes & Noble, 200 E. Northern Lights Blvd. Free. (Check out the Barnes & Noble Anchorage Facebook page for details)