Arts and Entertainment

What's happening this week: Juneteenth, Run for Women and Summerfest

Run for Women

This Saturday, the 25th anniversary of the Alaska Run for Women is expected to bring together 5,000 women and girls for one of the biggest — and certainly the pinkest — runs in Alaska. The event raises funds for breast cancer research, public awareness and health services. Bib pickup is from 6:45-8:15 a.m., and the various runs and walks will start at 8:30 a.m. At 11 a.m. the band N.E.D. (stands for No Evidence of Disease — a band made up of six gynecologic oncology surgeons) will kick off an anniversary party, which will last until 2 p.m. with a DJ, refreshments and activities for the kids. The race start is between Mulcahy Stadium and the Sullivan Arena. See akrfw.org for details.

Juneteenth barbecue, film and keynote

Juneteenth commemorates the abolition of slavery in the United States, and this year the University of Alaska Anchorage will celebrate with a barbecue, film presentation and keynote address from Dr. Marc Lamont Hill.

On Wednesday, there will be food from Smokehouse BBQ, music by the Robert Arms Jazz Ensemble, a free throw challenge, a pie-eating contest and tie-dyed T-shirts from 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. at the Cuddy Quad. The barbecue is free for UAA students, $5 for UAA staff/faculty and $8 for the general public.

Also on Wednesday, UAA will screen "I Am Not Your Negro," which explores the topic of race through the eyes of author James Baldwin, at 7 p.m. for free at the UAA Wendy Williamson Auditorium.

Hill, the host of "BET News" and a New York Times contributor, will deliver a keynote address for Juneteenth at 7 p.m Thursday at the Wendy Williamson. The keynote address is free for UAA students taking six or more credits, and $5 for general admission. Wendy Williamson Auditorium, 2533 Providence Drive.

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AK Summerfest

Few things pair together as seamlessly as music and nature. AK Summerfest is an all-day hard rock show featuring artists like Lita Ford, Pop Evil and Art of Dying. Through Fire, founded by former Emphatic guitarist Justin McCain, and the female-fronted hard rock band Dead Sara will also perform, as well headliner Night Ranger. 2-10:30 p.m. Saturday, Kincaid Park, 9401 Raspberry Road. $59 in advance, $69 at the door. (Visit the event page on Facebook for more info.)

[Here's your Alaska summer 2017 festival guide]

Alyeska bike park opens

Winter may be over, but that doesn't mean that the mountain has nothing left to offer. Summertime mean­s day trips to the Alyeska Bike Park. The park has downhill singletrack trails for beginners, experts and everyone in between. Lessons are available at the Daylodge Bike Hub for all ages and ability levels and are recommended for new riders. Noon-6 p.m. Friday-Sunday, Alyeska Resort, 1000 Arlberg Ave. $25-$45. (alyeskaresort.com)

Smells Like Nirvana

Greasy hair and flannel shirts? It must be the '90s. Family Tree Presents Nirvana tribute band, Smells Like Nirvana. Hailing from Chicago, the band comprises die-hard fans and seasoned professionals, including Paul Wandtke of Trivium. 10 p.m.-3 a.m. Friday, Chilkoot Charlie's, 2435 Spenard Road. $10. (seetickets.us/smellslikenirvana)

Mountain View Street Fair

The ninth annual Mountain View Street Fair celebrates one of Anchorage's oldest neighborhoods with games, arts and crafts, prizes, performances and food vendors. This year's fair will collaborate with Catholic Social Services to raise awareness for World Refugee Day. Noon-4 p.m. Saturday, Clark Middle School, 150 Bragaw St. Free. (Visit the event page on Facebook for more info.)

Vintage motorcycle show

Eat some food, drink some beer and lay out in the grass courtyard at this all-day event. Come and check out more than 70 vintage motorcycles while listening to live music, and make sure not to miss the Elvis impersonator. Noon-5 p.m. Saturday, Palmer City Alehouse, 320 E. Dahlia St. Free. (Visit the event page on Facebook for more info.)

Whale Fat Follies

The Whale Fat Follies returns for another summer and Anchorage fun in … downtown Anchorage? Spenard's favorite satirical comedy show has moved to Hard Rock Cafe, but that doesn't mean it's lost its edge. The Follies features a live band, singing and dancing, and over 800 high-definition images of "Alaskan stupidity." Mr. Whitekeys and his trusty partners-in-crime Cameron Morrison and Regina McDonald return for a 28-show run. 7-9 p.m. Tuesday, and every Monday-Wednesday through Aug. 16, Hard Rock Cafe, 415 E St. $22.50-$27. (centertix.net)

Lip sync battle

Who does the best Adele impression? Lip sync battles aren't about singing, they're about theatrics. Individuals, couples and groups are all welcome to lip sync their favorite songs across multiple genres. There will be weekly cash prizes for first, second and third place, with each first-place winner competing in a final Last Frontier Lip Sync war for a grand prize of $1,000. Contest registration from 6-6:30 p.m. 7 p.m. Saturday, L.E.D. Ultra Lounge & Grill, 901 W. Sixth Ave. (ledultralounge.com)

Skateboard contest in Wasilla

If the sun's out, then it's time to shred. Blue & Gold Boardshop hosts the first of three summer contests bringing together Alaska skateboarders. This free contest takes place in Wasilla and welcomes people of all levels of skill who just want to skate. Each event features a jam, with prizes awarded for every event and points awarded to every skater. This year's featured food vendor will be Glacier Bowl and Poke. 1-5 p.m. Sunday, Wasilla Skate Park, 290 E. Herning Ave. Free. (Visit the event page on Facebook for more info.)

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