This weekend in Anchorage: A political comedy hits the stage and families can hit the ice at Westchester Lagoon

The year 2023 is officially upon us, and while it’s a relatively slow weekend following the rollicking New Year’s celebrations, there are still plenty of options. A new play launches at Anchorage Community Theatre, and themed parties are available if you’d like to get out on the town. The Westchester Lagoon family skates start this weekend, plus there are plenty of First Friday events for January.

Out to Lunch: a Political Comedy: 7 p.m. Thursday, Friday and Saturday and 3 p.m. Sunday, Anchorage Community Theatre, 1133 E. 70th Ave.

Written and directed by Dick Reichman, this co-production between RKP Productions and Anchorage Community Theatre follows a city council meeting in a small town where a debate over whether to accept a free COVID vaccine for the community devolves into conspiracy peddling. Tickets, available at actalaska.org, are $25 for adults, $20 for military/students and $15 for children 12 and under. The show will run through Jan. 22.

Westchester Lagoon Family Skate: 1-3 p.m. Saturday, Westchester Lagoon, 1824 W. 15th Ave.

The seasonal Saturday family skates, hosted by Anchorage Parks and Recreation, start this week at Westchester Lagoon and run through February.

Winter Flannel Fest: 9:30 p.m. Saturday, Williwaw, 609 F St.

This year’s flannel fest features a ‘90s edition of grunge vs. pop. Pull your favorite flannel out of the closet and join DJ Llloyds Noize.

1970s Dance Party: 8:30 p.m. Saturday, Humpy’s Great Alaskan Alehouse, 610 W. Sixth Ave.

For anyone who didn’t get enough dancing on New Year’s, here’s a second chance. The Vintage Retro will provide music for everyone on the dance floor in their tassel jackets.

Folk Tunes and Animal Tales: 2 and 4 p.m. Sunday, UAA Recital Hall, 3700 Alumni Drive

This concert presents music from three classic fairy tales: Martin Kutnowski’s “How the Toad Got His Spots,” Daniel Dorff’s “The Three Little Pigs” and Kile Smith’s “The Bremen Town Musicians.” Narrated by Luke Honeck, the performance features Katie Wasko-Klink on violin and Brett Lindsay on cello. Tickets are $15, or $10 for those 18 and under.

First Friday

Anchorage Museum: 6-9 p.m., Polar Nights Free First Friday, 625 C St.

AK Cycle Chic: 5-7 p.m., featured artist Becky Kotter, 908 W. Northern Lights Blvd.

Second Run Consignment: 11 a.m.-5:30 p.m., 720 D St.

Tundra Herb Company: 10 a.m.-11:55 p.m., 520 W. Sixth Ave., Suite A

Cyrano’s Art Gallery: 5-7 p.m., featured artist Meg Anderson, 3800 DeBarr Road

IGCA: 5-8 p.m., featured artist Garry Kaulitz, 427 D St.

Sara’s Gift Cache: 10 a.m.-8 p.m., 408 W. Fourth Ave.

Kiss A Moose: 2-8 p.m., 523 W. Fourth Ave.

Sevigny Studio: 10 a.m.-9 p.m., 312 G St.

Tiny Gallery: 11 a.m.-8 p.m., 706 W. Fourth Ave.

Turnagain Brewing: 5-8 p.m., Kenai Mountains Turnagain Arm National Heritage Area 4th Annual Photo Contest, 7920 King St.

Stephan Fine Arts: 6-8:30 p.m., 939 W. Fifth Ave.

The Cubby at Hotel Captain Cook: 6-8:30 p.m., 939 W. Fifth Ave.

Snow City Cafe: 5-7 p.m., featured artist John Jodwalis, 1034 W. Fourth Ave.

Midnight Sun Brewing Company: 5-8 p.m., featured artist Scott Clendaniel, 8111 Dimond Hook Drive

Anchorage Distillery: 5-8 p.m. featured artist Mara Parks of Gala Studios, 6310 A St.

Once in a Blue Moose: 2-8 p.m., 523 W. Fourth Ave.