Coming up in Anchorage: A big Juneteenth celebration, plus solstice events going all day and night

Solstice weekend is among the busiest of the summer, and this year, the lead-up to the summer solstice coincides with Anchorage’s big celebration of Juneteenth, which commemorates the end of slavery in the United States.

Juneteenth marks the day in Galveston, Texas, in 1865 when U.S. Gen. Gordon Granger announced that enslaved people in the state were free under an executive proclamation. It has been celebrated annually on June 19 in parts of the U.S. since then, and last year, Juneteenth became a federal holiday. In Anchorage, Juneteenth festivities include a major two-day event on the Park Strip near downtown, and the Anchorage Museum will also offer free admission on Juneteenth.

Official Citywide Juneteenth Celebration, Saturday and Sunday, Delaney Park Strip

The Official Citywide Juneteenth Celebration in Anchorage will honor the extraordinary contributions of Black leaders today across media, health care, politics and the arts. The free, family-friendly, all-ages event will also feature vendors, entertainment, speakers and more.

• Saturday: Freedom Rally 12:30-1 p.m.; opening remarks, opening prayer, national anthems featuring Danyelle Kimp on trumpet, 1-1:30 p.m.; Anaya Latin Dance, 1:30-2 p.m.; pageant, 2-2:30 p.m.; Devon Shaw, 2:45-3 p.m.; Sankofa African Dance Theatre, 3-3:15 p.m.; pageant crowning, 4-4:30 p.m.; Tayy Tarantino, 4:30-4:45 p.m.; Kelly-Kellz, 5-5:15 p.m.; Dawn McClain, 5:30-5:45 p.m.; closing remarks and prayer, 5:45 p.m.

• Sunday: Trinity Colvin, 1-1:15 p.m.; Ed Washington, 1:30-1:45 p.m.; Annalisha Jacobs, 2-2:15 p.m.; Fathers Program and Day Prayer, 2:30-3 p.m.; Spoken Work Showcase, 3:30-3:40 p.m.; Marcus Burns, 4-4:15 p.m.; Starboi, 4:30-4:45 p.m.; Black Diaspora Themed Fashion Show, 5-5:30 p.m.

[Markets are all over Anchorage in the summer. Here’s when and where to find them.]

Sundown Solstice Festival, Friday-Sunday, Williwaw Social, Sixth Avenue and F Street

Williwaw Social is hosting a music festival for summer solstice this year. The outdoor stage at Sixth Avenue and F Street will be home to concerts, food vendors and all-around fun for three days straight. There will be an under-21 section within full view of the stage, as well as a 21-and-over wet section. The festival includes shows by rapper A$AP Ferg, electronic duo Hippie Sabotage and local artists like Frozen Founders and Bethlehem Shalom. Tickets start at $79.

George Michael Reborn, 8 p.m. Friday, Koot’s, 2435 Spenard Road

George Michael Reborn, starring Robert Bartko, is a tribute to the late George Michael and the pop duo Wham! The show at Chilkoot Charlie’s will feature all the George Michael classics, with music from special guest I Like Robots. Tickets start at $28 for this 21-and-older show.

The Fab Four, 8 p.m. Friday, Discovery Theatre, 621 W. Sixth Ave.

The Fab Four is a Beatles tribute band, renowned for their attention to detail. The Beatles may not be around anymore, but the Fab Four is here now, and tickets for the Anchorage show start at $42.

Anchorage Mayor’s Marathon, 7:30 a.m. Saturday, starts at Kincaid Park and finishes at Delaney Park Strip

The Anchorage Mayor’s Marathon is an annual tradition on solstice weekend. The Mayor’s Marathon weaves through Anchorage trails and parks, starting in Kincaid Park and finishing at the Delaney Park Strip in the heart of downtown. In addition to the full marathon, there will be a half marathon, a 5K, a marathon relay and a kid’s mile. Registration and bib pickup end Friday night.

Downtown Summer Solstice Festival, noon to 5 p.m. Saturday, downtown Anchorage

The Anchorage Downtown Summer Solstice Festival includes fun for all ages downtown. Check out the kids zone on E Street for a climbing wall, petting zoo, obstacle course and more. There will be entertainment and performances in Peratrovich Park and Town Square Park, including dance performances from Sankofa, Polynesian Dance by POA and Anaya Latin Dance’s Salsa Dance Social. Darwin’s Theory is setting up the beer garden on G Street, so grab a beverage and check out the live music, food trucks, local vendors and more. Hosted by the Anchorage Downtown Partnership.

[Spirits stay high despite a washed-out trail for Anchorage’s Rainbow Run, with plenty more Pride events on tap]

Ship Creek Youth Fishing Day, 3 p.m. Saturday, The Bait Shack, 212 W. Whitney Road

The sixth annual Ship Creek Youth Fishing Day is a special day for youths under the age of 15 to come out to Ship Creek and catch some fish. The portion of Ship Creek from the C Street bridge upstream to the The Bridge Restaurant is designated by the state of Alaska as a youth-only fishery on Saturday from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. Kids and their families can line up at The Bait Shack for hot dogs and gift bags, and there will be a group photo at 3 p.m. along the pedestrian bridge.

Solstice Weekend at Bernie’s, 8 p.m. Saturday, Bernie’s Bungalow Lounge, 626 D St.

San Francisco-based DJ and producer Knowpa Slaps will be playing a show at 8 p.m. at Bernie’s Bungalow Lounge for summer solstice on Saturday night.

Taste of Spenard, noon Sunday, Koot’s parking lot, 2435 Spenard Road

Taste of Spenard is a farmers market, street fair and food truck festival, all rolled into one. There will be food trucks, food vendors, produce growers, craft booth, live music and a full bar provided by Koot’s. It’s a great way to check out Spenard’s new and beloved businesses. This is a free, all-ages event.

Summer Solstice Block Party, 4:30 p.m.-10 p.m., Tuesday, Inlet Towers, 1020 W 12th Ave

Inlet Towers is hosting a block party Tuesday with Lizzie G and the Eternal Cowboys providing entertainment. Admission is free and the party includes lawn games and a special PubHouse Grill menu.