Sunshine on Memorial Day and hail the day before feels fitting for Anchorage this year. It’s officially summer, even with the weather still doing whatever it wants.

This week’s roundup includes a new Summer Side Quests section I’ve been creating for a while, along with a small formatting update that now lets you click event titles directly for more info.

And yes… I’m really missing Williwaw Social this week. It was the first venue I checked while putting together this roundup each week, and a spot that helped get me through last winter. I know I’m not the only one that feels that way.

In the Roundup this week:

Here’s what’s happening around town 👇

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🌮 Tacos & Tequila Music Fest — Sullivan Arena (Sat, Doors at 3PM • Concert at 7PM)
Tacos, margaritas, lucha libre wrestling, a Chihuahua beauty pageant, and a concert lineup featuring Bone Thugs-N-Harmony and Mark McGrath of Sugar Ray. The Sullivan Arena parking lot turns into a full-on festival this weekend with food vendors, tequila tastings, live music, and plenty happening before the concert even starts.

🎶 Live After Five: Super Saturated Sugar Strings — F St. & 6th Ave (Thu, 5:30PM)
Anchorage’s first Live After Five concert of the summer kicks off this Thursday with a free block-party show featuring the Super Saturated Sugar Strings. One of the better parts of summer downtown is seeing F Street fill up with live music and people hanging around after work.

😂 Comedy Up North: Giulio Gallarotti — Wildbirch Hotel (Thu, 7PM)
New York comedian Giulio Gallarotti brings his stand-up tour to the Wildbirch Hotel this Thursday as part of the Comedy Up North series. Known for appearances on Netflix, Barstool’s The Yak, and Hulu’s Ramy, his comedy mixes sharp storytelling, travel experiences, and the kind of observational humor that works especially well in a smaller room.

🎷 Jazz on the Lawn — Anchorage Museum (Sat, 12PM)
Free live jazz returns downtown this weekend as the summer series kicks back off outside the Anchorage Museum. Bring a chair, grab lunch nearby, and settle in for an easy Saturday afternoon with local musicians in the heart of downtown.

🏃 Twilight 12K & 6K — Skinny Raven Sports Downtown (Fri, 7PM) [Sponsored]
A summer tradition returns Friday night as hundreds of runners and walkers make their way through Government Hill, downtown, and the Coastal Trail for the Twilight 12K & 6K. With live bands along the course and Bear Tooth wraps waiting at the finish line, this one feels just as much like a community event as it does a race. Register.

With Memorial Day behind us and the leaves back on the trees, it’s time to fully shift into summer mode (if you haven’t already).

We all know Anchorage summers are short enough that we have to be intentional with our summer plans. This is your reminder to stay outside a little longer, say yes to more plans, and squeeze the most out of the season while we have it.

Here are a few side quests to add to your summer list:

💌 Poppy & Cow Paper Co. — New Product
A new limited-edition affirmation deck created in collaboration with local photographer Rachel Struve, featuring 52 weekly affirmation cards focused on mindset, confidence, growth, and self-worth.

Designed with a clean, minimal aesthetic and intended to become part of your daily routine. Each deck is hand-signed and available in limited quantities.

🌐 Becoming Her Affirmation Deck

♻️ Rolling Racks — Grand Opening
A new community-focused thrift shop opening in Spenard, blending curated vintage pieces with lower-cost donated clothing and a mission centered around reuse, accessibility, and giving back locally.

Their grand opening on May 31 will include drinks, charcuterie snacks, giveaways, DJs, and a block-party-style kickoff.

📍 2601 Spenard Rd, Suite 3
🕒 Grand Opening • May 31 • 11AM–5PM
📱 @rollingracksak

🫕 Boiling Pot — Now Open
A new Chinese hot pot and Asian fusion spot now open on Lake Otis, serving interactive hot pot meals alongside a broader fusion menu.

A fun new option for group dinners, date nights, or switching up the usual restaurant rotation.

📍 9220 Lake Otis Pkwy
🕒 Mon–Fri • 3PM–12AM
🕒 Sat • 12PM–12AM
🕒 Sun • 12PM–11PM
📱 @boilingpot907

Recurring events like trivia, karaoke, and open mics now live in the Community Directory. 👉 View the Community Directory

I hope you make it out to some live music, a comedy show, or one of the new spots around town. Start checking off items on the Summer Side Quests list and let me know if there’s anything you’d add.

If you found this helpful, share it with a friend or send it to someone you want to get out and explore Anchorage with.

— Klynt
Publisher, The Anchorage Local

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