Last Thursday I attended the Anchorage Museum's Refashioned show and was amazed by what people created. Materials that would have otherwise been thrown away became elegant dresses and outdoor gear. It made me realize how much talent and creativity exists in Anchorage.

This week brings the Summer Solstice and nearly 20 hours of daylight. There's enough going on to fill every extra hour.

In the Roundup this week:

Here’s what’s happening around town 👇

☀️ Summer Solstice Festival — 4th Ave. & F St. (Sat, 12:00 PM)
One of Anchorage's signature festivals returns downtown this Saturday as we celebrate the longest day of the year. The Summer Solstice Festival features live music, dance performances, and community activities spread across multiple stages. With nearly 20 hours of daylight, there's no rush to get home.

🤠 Memorial Rodeo — Chamberlin Equestrian Center (Sat-Sun)
South Anchorage hosts the Dan Fowlie Memorial Rodeo this weekend with two days of bull riding, barrel racing, roping, and more at the Chamberlin Equestrian Center. Whether you're a longtime rodeo fan or just looking for something different to do, it's a chance to experience a piece of Alaska's rodeo culture right here in Anchorage.

🏔️ Chugach Festival — Arctic Valley (Fri-Sat)
Sixteen bands, food vendors, breweries, and mountain views come together this weekend for Chugach Fest at Arctic Valley. New this year, Chair 2 will be running on Saturday for scenic rides and hiking access. If your perfect weekend includes live music and time in the mountains, this one checks both boxes.

🤝 Juneteenth Celebration — Delaney Park (Fri-Sun)
Anchorage's citywide Juneteenth Celebration brings three days of community events to Delaney Park this weekend, honoring a milestone in African American history. Activities run Friday through Sunday, with a Friday evening concert planned as part of the celebration.

🍦 3,125 Pounds of Rhubarb Traded for Ice Cream
Wild Scoops collected 3,125 pounds of rhubarb from the community during this year's Rhubarb Trade. Expect plenty of rhubarb flavors throughout the summer.

🚢 New Seward Cruise Terminal Opens
Seward's new cruise terminal is now open, serving both cruise passengers and Alaska Railroad travelers during the summer season.

🧱 Town Square Memorial Bricks Looking for Owners
The city is working to return commemorative bricks removed during the Town Square Park renovation project to their original owners.

🐻 Alaska Zoo Welcomes New Orphans
The Alaska Zoo recently welcomed four orphaned moose calves and a caribou calf. The young animals are now receiving care at the facility.

🏨 Salted Roots Basecamp — Now Open
Known for its cabins and vacation rentals in Seward, Salted Roots Alaska has expanded into Anchorage with a new downtown Basecamp location offering overnight accommodations in the heart of the city.

Located within walking distance of the Dena'ina Center, train depot, and many downtown restaurants, the property also includes an onsite coffee shop and movement studio, making it an interesting addition to the downtown neighborhood.

📍 508 West 2nd Ave
📱 @saltedrootsalaska
🌐 saltedrootsalaska.com/stay-in-anchorage

🍓 The Perfect Bite — Now Open
The Perfect Bite is a new Anchorage snack cart serving mini pancakes, fresh fruit, and other sweet treats at local events and gatherings.

The business is now booking events, bringing a locally-owned option for birthdays, parties, markets, and community gatherings around town.

📱 @theperfectbite.ak

🍽️ The Bridge Co. — Reopened
The Bridge Co. is reopening to the public this summer at Ship Creek. The waterfront spot will be serving lunch, appetizers, and drinks Friday through Monday.

Grab a seat inside or enjoy the views from the boardwalk overlooking Ship Creek.

📍 221 W Ship Creek Ave
🕒 Fri–Mon • 12PM–6PM
📱 @the_bridge_co
🌐 thebridge.company

🍷 Seven Glaciers — Reopened
Seven Glaciers at Alyeska Resort has reopened for the summer season. The mountaintop restaurant returns with a new four-course menu built around Alaska ingredients and some of the most impressive dining views in the state.

🕒 Tue–Sat • 5PM–8:30PM
🌐 alyeskaresort.com/seven-glaciers
ℹ️ Reservations Required

Know about something new in Anchorage? New businesses, menus, local products, seasonal reopenings, and creative projects are all fair game.

👉 Submit Something New

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

The Summer Solstice only comes around once a year. Let’s get outside, try something new, and make the most of the longest days we'll see all year.

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