Alaska Life

A roundup of fun, pandemic-safe events happening soon in Anchorage

As coronavirus infections continue across the state, though at a a lower level, Alaskans are finding ways to socialize while social distancing during the chilly, dark months. For those avoiding indoor public places, there are outdoor activities, drive-in movies and virtual workshops aplenty.

Note: Families should use their best judgment in light of CDC guidelines and recommendations from the Alaska Department of Health and Social Services when deciding whether to attend a public event. If you have questions about the safety protocols, research the event in advance or reach out to the organizers or venue.

First Friday at the Anchorage Museum — The museum is now open Thursdays through Sundays. Get out of the cold and take in the art with 40,000 square feet of room to social distance. Current exhibitions include “Extra Tough: Women of the North,” “Circumpolar Cinema” and more. $10-$20. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Anchorage Museum, 625 C St. (anchoragemuseum.org)

Ice skating at Town Square — Grab a pair of skates and glide into the weekend, whether it’s a date night or outing for the kids. No registration required. Social distancing and mask wearing is encouraged. Free. Friday, Feb. 5. 9 a.m.-10 p.m. Town Square Park, 544 W. Fifth Ave.

First Friday kickoff for the Walk 4 Warmth — The Downtown Partnership has published a map of window displays, yard displays and First Friday events in downtown to coincide with the kickoff to United Way’s Walk 4 Warmth, a weeklong fundraiser. Funds raised by Walk 4 Warmth will support families and individuals struggling to pay basics including rent and utilities. Walk 4 Warmth will begin Friday, Feb. 5 at noon with a Facebook Live event and conclude on Sunday, Feb. 7 at 4 p.m. (liveunitedanc.org/walk-4-warmth)

Third annual bike art show — For the month of February, Trek Bicycle Store of Anchorage and Bike Anchorage will showcase paintings, sculptures and mixed-media pieces by local artists reflecting on the city’s biking culture. Artwork will be displayed in-store and on Facebook Live. A portion of proceeds will benefit Single Track Advocates, a local nonprofit that builds and maintains trails in Anchorage. Artwork on display through Feb. 28. Free. Friday, Feb. 5. Livestreams begin at 10 a.m. Trek Bicycle Store of Anchorage, 530 E. Benson Blvd, Suite 9C.

International Gallery of Contemporary Art — Head to IGCA for a chance to speak with First Friday artist Graham Dane, who is showing “Chlorine Aqualung” and other works produced during a pandemic. Free. Friday, Feb. 5. Noon-4 p.m. International Gallery of Contemporary Art, 427 D St. (igcaalaska.org)

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First Firkin Friday — Sip on bold brews and experience great views during this monthly celebration for First Friday artists. Artwork will be displayed in The Loft alongside a fiery firkin keg. Free. Friday, Feb. 5. 5-8 p.m. Midnight Sun Brewing Co., 8111 Dimond Hook Drive. (midnightsunbrewing.com, 907-344-66530)

First Friday film on the rooftop — Enjoy an outdoor film screening of short films from North American filmmakers about the lives of Indigenous peoples in the United States and Canada, including “Who We Are,” “Lake,” “Ada Blackjack Rising” and “Beyond the Visible: Himla af Klint.” Bike and walk-ins welcome, although registration is recommended. Dress warmly, as the films will be entirely outside. Lawn chairs and blankets encouraged. Free. Friday, Feb. 5. 6:30-8 p.m. The Rooftop at Fifth Avenue EasyPark Garage, 440 B St. (anchoragemuseum.org)

Live virtual concert: Concrete to Clouds — Start your weekend off with this free livestream from local rock band Concrete to Clouds. Free. Friday, Feb. 5. 6:30 p.m. Online.

2021 Still Cold Open Ice Fishing Classic — Bundle up and head to Mat-Su for the Heath Trep Classic Still Cold Open Ice Fishing Series. To register, contact Jim McCormick at 907-398-8927. Free. Saturday, Feb. 6. 9:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Big Lake North, 16905 W. Northshore Drive. (See Facebook for details)

Saturday Night Live Trivia at Williwaw Social — Think you have a handle on the show with more than 40 seasons? Try your luck at this SNL-themed trivia night. Masks must be worn at all times unless actively eating or drinking. Table service only. Groups are limited to six people. Free. Saturday, Feb. 6. 6-8 p.m. Williwaw Social, 609 F St. (See Facebook for details)

UAA at the movies: “Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse” — UAA students can swing by Century 16 for a private showing. Theater will be at 25% capacity. $2. Saturday, Feb. 6. 6:30 p.m. Century 16 and XD, 301 E. 36th Ave. (See Facebook for details)

The Great Big Heart Show — This group show on the theme of “great, big heart” is in its eighth year. On display Feb. 7 through April 3. Free. 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Middle Way Cafe, 1200 W. Northern Lights Blvd.

2021 Alaska Ski for Women — Break out your colorful costumes and enjoy some fresh air while raising money for domestic abuse victims in Anchorage. For its 25th year, the 2021 Alaska Ski for Women registration is open to everyone, including men. Participants are invited to ski anytime over a five-day period. $15-$35. Starts 10 a.m. Sunday, Feb. 7, at Kincaid Park (9401 Raspberry Road) and runs until Feb. 11. (anchoragenordicski.com/events/alaska-ski-for-women)

Valentine’s Art Virtual Workshop — Learn how to incorporate tissue printing, crayon rubbing, watercolor techniques and more into handmade valentines. This Zoom class from the Alaska Botanical Garden is family-friendly and fun for all ages. $8-$40. Sunday, Feb. 7. 3 p.m. Online. (alaskabg.org)

Movies Out Drive-in Film Series: “Latcho Drom” — This drive-in movie series presented by Out North and the Alaska Bookmobile present “Latcho Drom,” the first in a showing of pop-up films in partnership with the Anchorage Public Library. Carpooling is recommended. Arrive 15 minutes early to secure your spot. A limited number of USB radio transmitters will be available, although audio can be streamed via phones. Free. Sunday, Feb. 7. 6:30 p.m. Anchorage Public Library, 3600 Denali St. (See Facebook for details.)

Encore Zoo Lights — Brighten up your weekend with a Valentine’s Day trip to the Alaska Zoo, perusing through custom light displays and animations. The last available entry to the zoo is 30 minutes prior to closing. $10-$15, children ages 2 and under free. Feb. 12-14. 5-9 p.m. Alaska Zoo, 4731 O’Malley Road. (alaskazoo.org/zoo-lights)

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