7 things to do in Anchorage this weekend

Heading into Presidents Day weekend, children and grown-ups alike have plenty of events to look forward to, including performances of the Broadway production “SIX: The Musical,” the return of the Anchorage Boat Show, a runway fashion show benefiting a local nonprofit, plus a day of engineering-themed competitions for youths at UAA, among other highlights.

SIX: The Musical

Various times from Feb. 14 to 25; Atwood Concert Hall, 621 W. Sixth Ave.

This Tony Award-winning musical about the six wives of Henry VIII — “divorced, beheaded, died, divorced, beheaded, survived” — has arrived in Anchorage as part of Broadway Alaska’s inaugural season. “SIX: The Musical” offers theatergoers a modern take on historical heartbreak that’s been remixed into “a euphoric celebration of 21st-century girl power,” according to organizers. Tickets start at $49, with special lottery, student and “Affinity Night” offers available through CenterTix.

Anchorage Boat Show

Noon-7 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Sunday; Dena’ina Center, 600 W. Seventh Ave.

This show is all about the boats, powersports and accessories that Alaskans rely on for their outdoor endeavors. Featuring an array of exhibitors, along with the Office of Boating Safety, NOAA and the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary. Senior night runs from 4 to 7 p.m. Saturday with hot and cold refreshments. Admission is $10 for adults and free for children under 12, and kids can also pan for gold for free.

Noah Rouse looks at boats from Alaska Mining & Diving with his daughters Marilena, 7, left, and Gracey, 6, right, at the Anchorage Boat Show on March 3, 2016. (Bill Roth / ADN)

E-Week Student Competitions

10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday; UAA Engineering & Industry Building, 2900 Spirit Drive

Students from kindergarten to 12th grade are invited to participate in engineering-themed games and challenges as part of the celebration of National Engineers Week in Anchorage. There’ll be a tower shaking and breaking competition, paper airplane distance contest and egg drop, along with competitions for bridge strength, “floatable moatables,” marshmallow and spaghetti towers and more. This event is free, and minors must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. For more information about the student competitions at UAA and other events, visit eweekak.com.

Ski 4 Kids

2 to 5 p.m. Saturday; Kincaid Park, 9401 Raspberry Road

Hundreds of kids up to 14 years old, including many from Title I schools, take to the Kincaid trails each year for this event hosted by the Nordic Skiing Association of Anchorage. Highlights include obstacle courses, 1K and 3K ski loops, fat-tire biking and other winter activities. While participating is free, donations will help fund cross-country ski equipment, programs and other resources for schools and youth organizations. Registration the day of the event runs from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. For more information, visit anchoragenordicski.com/events.

Trend Alaska Fashion Show

7 p.m. Saturday; Egan Center, 555 W. Fifth Ave.

The works of more than 20 designers with connections to Alaska will be featured on the Trend Alaska runway, and proceeds from the fashion show’s ticket sales and live auction will support this year’s nonprofit partner, Victims for Justice. The theme for the 2024 event is “garden party,” and attendees are encouraged to wear their best floral outfit. Individual tickets cost $100; recommended age is 21 or older. Find event updates at Trend Alaska’s Facebook page.

A model walks down the runway showcasing wearable art, named “Let The Light Shine In,” from designer Sandra McMillian during the Trend Alaska Fashion Show in Anchorage on Jan. 28, 2023. (Emily Mesner / ADN)

Anchorage Festival of Music presents ‘Visions of Spring’

7 p.m. Saturday and 4 p.m. Sunday; private residence on Anchorage’s Lower Hillside

This house concert showcases baroque and folk songs along with instrumental works performed on period instruments in a celebration of spring, featuring soprano Victoria Fraser and harpsichordist Jonathan Salzedo as special artists. The performance includes selections from Bach’s “Wedding” Cantata, a set of variations by Joseph Bologne Chevalier de Saint-Georges and songs by Rameau and Monteverdi. Admission is $50 for adults, $25 for students and youths, and includes a reception with wine and non-alcoholic beverages. Tickets are available through CenterTix; the venue address will be provided upon purchase.

Spenardi Gras

9 p.m. Saturday; Koot’s, 2435 Spenard Road

Revelers at this lively Mardi Gras celebration can look forward to a costume contest with prizes, Cajun-inspired cuisine, body and face painting, music from The Stack, DJ Militant and DJ Systematic, and more. Doors open at 9 p.m.; cover charge is $15.

To find more events around Anchorage, visit ADN.com/calendar.