birdwatching
Hawk Watch
Join the Anchorage Audubon Club's first field trip of the spring to Gunsight Mountain. Migrating raptors likely to be spotted include the golden eagle, American kestrel, merlin, peregrine falcon and a whole roster of hawks. Heck, even ospreys have shown up. Bring warm clothing, lunch, spotting scopes and lawn chairs. Meet at 10 a.m. Saturday, April 16, at Mile 118.8 of the Glenn Highway for a brief raptor-watching talk. And come back Sunday for the Mat-Su Birder's annual Hawk Watch potluck barbecue. (matsubirders.org/html/calendar.html)
ecology
Scoop the Poop
The snow is gone and it's time for Anchorage pet owners and friends to tidy up the dog parks. There'll be tables set up at Connors Bog and University Lake starting at 11 a.m. Saturday, April 16. The Scoop the Poop Committee will have shovels, gloves, bags, buckets and thank-you gifts. Oh, and hand cleaner, too. (anchoragecreeks.org)
improv
Urban Yeti Improv
Urban Yeti reprises their original show, "Frigid Affair," an evening of wackiness based on local newspaper headlines brought to life in a choose-your-own-adventure storytelling style. There'll be a full-service bar available. The show starts at 8 p.m. Saturday, April 16, at 49th State Brewing Co., 717 W. Third Ave. Admission is $10 at centertix.net.
children's activities
KidsDay
Celebrate youths and families with face-painting, prize wheels, a petting zoo, street fair and 80 exhibitors at KidsDay, which runs from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday in the Dena'ina Civic and Convention Center. The event is free, and so is parking in EasyPark garages when you bring an item to donate to the Children's Lunchbox at the City Hall parking lot. More at anchoragespromise.org.
operetta
'The Mikado'
Anchorage Opera presents Gilbert and Sullivan's comic masterpiece making fun of self-serving politicians and flummoxed lovers set in fictional Japan. The music is as delicious as flowers that bloom in the spring, the wordplay is an object all sublime. Put this one on your little list of must-sees. Performances are at 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday, April 15-16, and 4 p.m. Sunday, April 17, in the Discovery Theatre. Tickets are available at centertix.net.