5 things to do in Anchorage this weekend

As we hit the second weekend of September, there’s plenty in store for anyone looking for fun and frivolity in Anchorage. There are events dedicated to arts and crafts, like pottery and quilting. There’s also a major fundraiser, a comedian and a major anime and gaming convention. Here’s a look at the details:

Jo Koy

8 p.m. Thursday-Friday, Alaska Airlines Center, 3550 Providence Drive

Comedian Jo Koy, who has starred in specials on both Comedy Central and Netflix, takes the stage in Anchorage for a pair of shows. He covers a variety of topics from family to food and even has his own brand of rice. Tickets range from $55-$75 with other packages available.

Tristen Aquino, dressed as an armed scout from "Attack on Titan," is patted down by security as he enters Senshi Con at the Egan Center on Saturday, Oct. 1, 2016. The annual convention celebrates Asian culture, animation, graphic novels and games. (Loren Holmes / Alaska Dispatch News)

Senshi Con 2023

4-11 p.m. Friday; 11 a.m.-11 p.m. Saturday; 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Sunday, Dena’ina Center, 600 W 7th Ave.

Senshi Con is an annual anime and gaming convention that draws fans of Japanese animation and other interesting corners of pop culture. Badge prices range depending on day, age and package so check the site for details. There’s plenty of cosplay, exhibits and even celebrity guests.

Quilter Gail Ramsay stands with one of her works. (Photo provided by Anchorage Log Cabin Quilters)

The Great Alaska Quilt Show

11 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday-Sunday, First United Methodist Church, 725 W 9th Ave.

Nothing says autumn like a warm, comfy quilt. Presented by the Anchorage Log Cabin Quilters, more than 100 quilts of all sizes and design will be showcased at this event. One quilt will be raffled off and there’s a small-quilt silent auction, but this event is a show, not a sale, and there is no admission or parking cost.

Two potters work on their wares during the first anniversary event at Turnagain Ceramics in May 2023. (Photo provided by Turnagain Ceramics)

Clay Fest 2023

11 a.m.-8 p.m. Saturday, Turnagain Ceramics, 1343 G St.

Clay Fest is a day devoted to pottery as 14 ceramic artists from Anchorage, Fairbanks, Homer and Talkeetna get together at Turnagain Ceramics. The day includes sales, demos, live raku firings plus local musicians performing and food trucks.

Great Alaska Duck Race

4 p.m. Saturday, Ship Creek Overlook Bridge, 302 E Whitney Road

Now in its fifth year, the Great Alaska Duck Race is a major fundraising event for education, local community organizations and youth sports. The concept is simple: Purchase a $10 or $20 ticket for a duck, which will be assigned a number. Then on Saturday all of the ducks purchased will race from Ship Creek Overlook Park Bridge to the Bait Shack just below the Bridge Restaurant on lower Ship Creek. The $10 ducks can win up to $5,000 and the $20 ducks up to $10,000.