Is anyone else still riding the high from last weekend? Between Hot Import Nights filling the Dena'ina Center, Bug in a Rug playing at Deck 85, and the Plein Air Art Festival, it was one of those weekends that reminded me how beautiful summer in Anchorage can be.

There's no shortage of sunshine or things to do over the next few days.

In the Roundup this week:

Here’s what’s happening around town 👇

If this email landed in Promotions or Spam, move it to your Primary inbox so you don’t miss future roundups. Replying to this email also helps your inbox know you want to keep getting these emails.

🎉 West End Block Party & Business Exchange — L St. & 4th Ave. (Wed, 4:30 PM)
The West End Block Party returns for its 24th year with live music, local food trucks, a beer and margarita garden, family activities, and Visit Anchorage's Business Exchange. Stop by after work or bring the family and make an evening of it downtown.

🥁 The Power of Drums — Discovery Theatre (Sat, 6:30 PM)
Tomodachi Daiko brings together three drumming traditions for one high-energy night at the Discovery Theatre. The concert features traditional Japanese taiko from Chokoma, West African rhythms from Anchorage's Oni iLu Drum Corps, and a one-night celebration of music, culture, and community.

🎬 No Man’s Land Film Festival — Bear Tooth Theatrepub (Thu, 6 PM)
The No Man’s Land Film Festival brings its world tour to Bear Tooth with a lineup of films centered on women and genderqueer athletes, adventurers, and storytellers. The six-film program explores adventure, identity, conservation, and resilience, with general admission tickets available for $10.

🎭 The Music Machine! — Sydney Laurence Theatre (Thu–Sat)
Now in its 45th season, The Music Machine brings 75 local performers ages 6–18 to the stage for a fast-paced musical revue filled with singing, dancing, colorful costumes, and plenty of energy. The family-friendly production also features performers from Dance Machine.

🏃‍♂️ Alaska Distance Classic — Alaska Pacific University (Sat, 9 AM) [Sponsored]
Whether you're running the 5K, 10K, or Double-Up challenge, the Alaska Distance Classic winds through the scenic trails surrounding the APU and UAA campuses. Every participant receives a commemorative shirt and a root beer float at the finish, while helping support Special Olympics Alaska.

🏔️ Another Denali Climbing Season Is in the Books

The 2026 climbing season on Denali officially wrapped up this month, with 582 climbers reaching the summit for a 60% success rate. It was one of the mountain's more difficult seasons, with persistent May storms delaying summit attempts and five climbers losing their lives.

🌧️ Anchorage Ties Wettest July on Record
If this summer has felt especially rainy, you’re not imagining it. Anchorage received 4.49 inches of rain through July 23, tying the city’s wettest July on record, set in 2001. The wet weather also broke Anchorage’s year-to-date precipitation record.

🚧 Denali Street Is Losing Lanes for a Winter Snow Pilot
Portions of Denali Street between Northern Lights and Tudor will be reduced from four lanes to two as part of a winter snow-storage pilot. The municipality hopes the extra space will make plowing easier and help keep sidewalks clearer. The temporary changes are expected to be in place by September.

☕ The Raft Cafe — Now Open
The Raft Cafe is now open downtown with gourmet sandwiches, soups, and an upscale café feel, plus a dedicated playroom for kids ages 0–8. There’s also a community mug wall where you can bring in a gently used mug and swap it for one that’s new to you.

📍 1343 G St., Suite 102
🕒 Mon–Sat • 8 AM–8 PM
📱 @theraftak

🥟 Pacific Corner Market — Now Open
Pacific Corner Market is now open downtown, bringing together island goods, Asian favorites, and fresh eats under one roof. Stop in for fresh lumpia, bula pies, custard pies, pineapple half-moon pies, and other Pacific-inspired favorites. Best of all, it's open 24 hours a day.

📍 411 W. 4th Ave., Suite 2D
🕒 Open 24/7
📱 @pacificcornermarket

💬 Know about a new business, product, or project? Submit it here.

Browse 50+ events happening over the next seven days, filter by category, and discover what’s happening around Anchorage. You'll still find my Top Picks in the newsletter, while the full calendar is available online.

👉 View the Events Calendar

Congratulations to Elaina M. who won the ultimate trail running kit from Skinny Raven! Thanks to everyone who entered through Instagram and the newsletter.

My goal is to make community raffles a regular part of The Anchorage Local, so stay tuned for more chances to win from local businesses and organizations.

Whether you're cheering on runners at the Alaska Distance Classic, discovering a new favorite café, or soaking up another beautiful summer evening at the block party, I hope you get out and enjoy the weather.

If you found this helpful, share it with a friend or send it to someone you’d like to explore Anchorage with.

— Klynt
Publisher, The Anchorage Local

P.S. If you’re a local business and would like to work with The Anchorage Local, just reply to this email.

The Anchorage Local is supported by local businesses and organizations that believe in helping people experience more of Anchorage.