PFD deposits are hitting bank accounts this week! Whether you've already got plans for yours or you're still deciding, it's a nice way to kick off October.

This week, Jake Shimabukuro and ALOK are taking the stage, 49th State Brewing is bringing back its Great Pumpkin Patch, and the Anchorage Museum is celebrating Latin American heritage with Feria Artesanal.

We've also got the final round of Fat Bear Week, some big developments at JBER, and a couple of new places to check out around town.

In the Roundup this week:

Here’s what’s happening around town 👇

🎶 Jake Shimabukuro — Atwood Concert Hall (Sat, 7:30 PM)
Known as the “Jimi Hendrix of the ukulele,” Jake Shimabukuro brings his incredible four-string talent to Anchorage, blending rock, jazz, blues, classical, and traditional Hawaiian music into a performance that redefines what the ukulele can do.

🎤 ALOK: Eat Pray Leave Tour — Sydney Laurence Theatre (Sat, 7 & 9:30 PM)
Internationally acclaimed poet and comedian ALOK brings their Eat Pray Leave Tour to Anchorage for two shows. Known for blending comedy, poetry, and personal storytelling, ALOK has performed in more than 40 countries and appeared at the Edinburgh Fringe and Netflix Is a Joke festivals.

🎃 The Great Pumpkin Patch — 49th State Brewing (Oct. 1–31)
The Great Pumpkin Patch is back at 49th State Brewing in downtown Anchorage! Stop by throughout October for pumpkins and fall fun, then mark your calendar for the big Halloween party on Oct. 24, featuring a petting zoo, local vendors, games, kids’ arts and crafts, and more.

🎨 Feria Artesanal (Craft Fair) — Anchorage Museum (Fri, 6 PM)
Celebrate Latin American heritage with traditional crafts, handmade art, live music, and food. Meet artists and cultural representatives from across the Latino diaspora while exploring their work. Free and open to the public, with select art and products available for purchase.

🐻 Vote Today for Fat Bear Week’s Champion!

Fat Bear Week at Katmai National Park and Preserve is down to the final two bears! Bear 89, nicknamed Backpack, pulled off an unprecedented semifinal comeback against Bear 164, Bucky, winning by roughly 3,000 votes in the closest race in Fat Bear Week history.

Now Backpack faces Bear 910, the daughter of former champion Beadnose, and you can help decide the winner!

Voting is open today, Tuesday, from 8 AM–5 PM. Cast your vote on explore.org/fat-bear-week.

🏗️ JBER Expansion Brings New Investment and Housing Needs
A multibillion-dollar expansion at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson is expected to bring approximately 2,500 additional service members to Anchorage, along with their families, creating new opportunities for the local economy.

The growth will also mean more demand for housing in an already tight market. JBER estimates Anchorage will need nearly 2,500 additional homes by 2030. City officials are working with the base to identify potential housing development sites and funding to help the community prepare.

🗑 A Reminder to Keep Anchorage Bear-Safe
Bears are still active in Anchorage neighborhoods, and wildlife officials say unsecured trash is one of the biggest reasons they stick around.

A few simple steps can help keep bears and people safe: secure your garbage, use bear-resistant containers when possible, put trash out only on collection day, and keep other food attractants out of reach.

🚌 People Mover Bus Stops — Newly Upgraded
Dozens of People Mover bus stops across Anchorage received new benches, shelters, and upgraded signage this summer. The improvements also feature artwork by local artist Julie Ditto, with redesigned transit signs to make navigating the bus system easier. More bus stop upgrades are planned.
📱 See the Upgrades

🛋️ Ashley Furniture — New Store
Ashley Furniture recently celebrated the grand opening of its new Anchorage store on Old Seward Highway! Browse furniture, home décor, rugs, lighting, and more in the new showroom.
📍 3801 Old Seward Hwy, Unit A1
🌐 See Store Details

🧸 Toys “R” Us — Opening Oct. 1
Toys “R” Us is coming to Anchorage 5th Avenue Mall just in time for the holiday shopping season! The new shop will feature favorites like LEGO, Barbie, Hot Wheels, NERF, PAW Patrol, and more.
📍 Anchorage 5th Avenue Mall, Level 2 near JCPenney
📅 Grand Opening • Thu, Oct. 1

💬 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 picking out a pumpkin, catching a show, or putting that PFD to good use, I hope you do something fun this week.

If you enjoyed this weekly Roundup, share it with a friend who already has their Halloween costume picked out.

— 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.