There's plenty to look forward to this week! From live music and Halloween fun to delicious ways to support local, there's something for everyone. Plus, we're catching up on some city developments and welcoming a new Alaska-made storefront just in time for winter.

In the Roundup this week:

Here’s what’s happening around town 👇

🍽️ Anchorage Restaurant Week — 30+ Local Restaurants (Thu-Thu, Oct 22-29)
More than 30 local restaurants are participating in Anchorage Restaurant Week, with special menus, featured dishes, and treats that hope support Food Bank of Alaska. From pizza and brunch to desserts and local favorites, there's plenty to explore while supporting a goal of raising $50,000 to help feed Alaskans.

🦇 Museum After Dark: Goth Edition — Anchorage Museum (Thu, 6:30 PM)
Dress in your best Goth-inspired look for a Halloween-season night of live music, dancing, horror films, and more. Enjoy performances by Turbo Hell and Circle of Salt, Goth and New Wave tunes from DJ GRE, plus live screen printing and special planetarium shows. Ages 21+ only. Tickets are $35.

🎃 Pumpkin Patch Party — 49th State Brewing (Sat, 12-4 PM)
Pumpkins, costumes, and plenty of Halloween fun! The Great Pumpkin Patch at 49th State Brewing is celebrating the season with a big Halloween party featuring a petting zoo, local vendors, family games, kids' arts and crafts, and more. Bring the whole family for an afternoon of fall festivities!

🛍️ Hilltop Holiday Market — Hilltop Ski Area (Sat, 10 AM-4 PM)
Get a head start on holiday shopping while supporting local! Hilltop Ski Area is bringing together local vendors and artisans offering unique gifts, handmade treasures, and Made-in-Alaska products. Plus, a raffle will benefit Hilltop's Exploring Adventure Scholarship, helping more kids get outside and explore!

🪕 Liam Purcell & Cane Mill Road — Discovery Theatre (Sat, 7:30 PM) [sponsored]
Rising star Liam Purcell and his band Cane Mill Road bring Appalachian roots, impressive musicianship, and a fresh take on traditional bluegrass to Anchorage. With Billboard Top 10 placements and national recognition, this talented group is keeping bluegrass traditions alive while bringing something new to the stage!

💰 Anchorage Faces Budget Shortfalls

Anchorage is facing a potential $30 million budget shortfall in 2028, bringing conversations about a municipal sales tax back into focus. Mayor Suzanne LaFrance's administration says no new sales tax proposal is currently being developed, but cuts to city services could be on the table without additional revenue. The Assembly will hold a public hearing on the proposed 2027 budget on October 20.

🏘️ New Housing Opportunities Across Anchorage
Two land deals are moving forward to make room for more housing in Anchorage! The city plans to exchange the former Tozier Track for a downtown parking lot that could accommodate more than 100 homes. A separate proposal could open up nearly 54 acres near Kincaid Park for future residential development. Both projects are still in the early stages, but could bring new housing options to Anchorage.

🐻 Bear Makes Unusual Hospital Visit
A black bear made three unexpected visits to the JBER hospital last week, helping itself to Halloween candy and food from a coffee stand! After repeatedly returning to the building, wildlife officials determined the bear posed a public safety risk and euthanized it. Thankfully, no patients or staff were injured.

⛸️ Ermine Skate Storefront — Grand Opening
Alaska-made Nordic skate brand Ermine Skate is opening its first Anchorage storefront! Founded in 2021, Ermine has earned international recognition for its innovative ice skates designed for Alaska conditions, including models for kids and backcountry adventures.
📍 520 W 58th Ave, Unit A, Anchorage
🎉 Grand Opening: Wed, Oct 21 • 6–8 PM
📱 @ermineskate
🌐 ermineskate.com

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

Browse 50+ events 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

Whether you're trying something new, supporting a local business, or getting into the Halloween spirit, I hope you find a little time to enjoy what Anchorage has to offer.

If you enjoyed this week's Roundup, share it with a friend who needs a new pair of ice skates.

— Klynt
Publisher, The Anchorage Local

P.S. Have something happening in Anchorage? Send it my way.

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