Anchorage Alaska Tattoo Expo – Ink Masters Show
The Ink Masters Show is an Alaska tattoo expo featuring both local and national tattoo artists and piercers. The weekend will see a host of local vendors showcasing original art, tattoo work, piercings and more. There will be six free tattoo giveaways over the three-day event as well as tattoo award shows. Family activities include face painting and other kids activities, and there will be food available for purchase. $25-$40; free for kids 15 and under. 1:30-11 p.m. Friday, 11:30 a.m.-11 p.m. Saturday and 11:30 a.m.-9 p.m. Sunday, Dena'ina Civic and Convention Center, 600 W. Seventh Ave. (Search 'Anchorage Alaska Tattoo Expo – Ink Masters Show' on Facebook)
Alaska Cannabis Cup
One of the nation's leading marijuana trade shows is coming to Alaska for the first time. Head out to the Valley for a fest focusing on all things cannabis, complete with instructional seminars, competitions, expositions, product showcases and live music from national headliners Methodman and Redman, Thievery Corporation, Iration, Arrested Development and more. 21 and over. $45-$140. Noon Saturday and Sunday, Settlers Bay Golf Course, 7307 S. Frontier Drive (seetickets.us)
Augtoberfest
Oktoberfest comes early to Alaska every year with Augtoberfest, a Bavarian-style bash in scenic Denali. Enjoy the pristine mountain views as you feast on schnitzel, sip on a variety of beers brewed by the 49th State Brewing Company and rock out to a brand new laser and light show set to live music from The Werks, Rose's Pawn Shop, DJ Mancat and more. 21 and over after 10 p.m. 6 p.m. Friday and Saturday, 49th State Brewing Company, Mile 248.5 Parks Highway (brownpapertickets.com)
SoLo block party
Head toward South Restaurant for a "SoLo District" block party (that's just south of Lowe's… get it?). There will be tunes by Dj Covy, dancing, food, beer garden, shopping, a skate jam and more. Enter to win a door prize or $100 gift certificates to a variety of businesses. 3-8 p.m. Saturday. (11124 Old Seward Hwy.)
Birds, Bees & Wine
This event promises a night of untamed, adult fun at the zoo. Learn about animal reproduction as you taste a variety of wines provided by the Alaska Denali Winery. 21 and over. $60. 8-10 p.m. Saturday, The Alaska Zoo, 4731 O'Malley Road (alaskazoo.org)
'An Intimate Evening with Death, Herself'
Dorothy Truth, a middle-aged waitress, meets Death in a bar. Days later, she becomes him. This 90-minute, one-woman show created by writer, painter and storyteller Douglass Truth has been shown all along the West Coast, including the Nugget Fringe Festival. $10 at the door. 7 p.m. Thursday, August 16, Mad Myrna's, 530 E. Fifth Ave. (deathherself.com)
Cocktails for a Cause 2018
This annual fundraiser benefits breast cancer research and local patients. Participate in their silent auction, dance to tunes spun by a live DJ and play games for a chance to win two round-trip tickets anywhere Alaska Airlines flies. 21 and over. $35. 5:30-8 p.m. Thursday, August 16, Williwaw, 609 F St. (myalaskatix.com)
Great American Taxi
The latest concert in the Salmonfest Music Series is Great American Taxi, a classic rock and roll band with hints of gutsy pop, rough country and old-fashioned rhythm and blues. 21 and over. $10. 8 p.m. Friday, Koot's, 2435 Spenard Road (seeticket.us)