5 things to do in Anchorage this weekend

This is a big weekend in Anchorage, with the Iditarod ceremonial start scheduled for Saturday morning. But if fast dogs and chilly air isn’t for you, there are plenty of other options for music and entertainment plus a number of First Friday openings. Here’s a look at some of weekend’s most notable events:

Iditarod and Fur Rendezvous

Starting at 10 a.m. Saturday; downtown Anchorage

Saturday will be a big day in Anchorage as the Iditarod ceremonial start kicks off downtown beginning at 10 a.m. Spectators will have plenty of viewing opportunities as teams run through downtown before hitting Chester Creek Trail and mushing to the Campbell Creek Science Center. The second weekend of the annual Fur Rondy festival will also provide plenty of activities, including the famous melodrama, the Blizzard Bash, the Running of the Reindeer and much, much more. Mushers head to Willow on Sunday for the Iditarod restart at 2 p.m.

[Get the full Fur Rendezvous experience with the Running of the Reindeer and more fun-filled events]

What We Lived Through: Dispatches from the Pandemic Years

6:30 p.m. Friday; Seed Lab, 111 W. Sixth Ave.

Former Seed Lab writer-in-residence Julia O’Malley hosts this community storytelling event that also marks the release of the latest issue of Chatter Marks, a journal of the Anchorage Museum. Chatter Marks’ Issue 6 collects original writings about Anchorage residents’ experiences during the pandemic years, with a focus on human connections. Those writings were part of the Neighbors project, a collaboration between the Daily News and the Anchorage Museum. The new issue also contains a pocket zine made by artist Jimmy Riordan. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. with readings set to start at 7 p.m.

Piff the Magic Dragon

7 p.m. Friday and 7 p.m./10 p.m. Saturday; Discovery Theatre, 621 W. Sixth Ave.

A magician, a dragon and a self-deprecating deadpan, Piff the Magic Dragon can entertain in a number of ways. And he’ll be joined by Mr. Piffles, touted as the world’s only magic-performing Chihuahua. Tickets start at $47.50.

Tradition and Innovation concert

7:30 p.m. Saturday; Atwood Concert Hall, 621 W. Sixth Ave.

This concert, initially scheduled to be the 2020 season finale, includes trumpet player Mary Elizabeth Bowden as the featured performer for the evening. Among the pieces to be performed are Beethoven’s Symphony No. 5 and Bohuslav Martinu’s “Thunderbolt P-47,” described as “a thrilling piece capturing WWII fighter pilots’ spirit, courage, and heroism.” Tickets start at $27.50.

Snowdown

9 p.m. Saturday; Williwaw Social, 609 F St.

The third annual Snowdown is a retro ski party that brings together dancing, vintage gear and fun. This year’s edition features headliner Slushii with support from Saxafras & Dystraxion. General admission tickets are $26.99 with other ticketing options available.

First Friday

Anchorage Museum: Featuring the “Chickaloonies Book 2: Watering Ways” release, and an Understanding Comics presentation with Bosco’s owner John Weddleton and artist Lee Post, 625 C St., 6-9 p.m.

Sevigny Studio: Featuring landscape artist Teri Lindseth and the music of Steve Norwood, 312 G St., 6-9 p.m.

The Cove: Featuring aluminum cast artwork by John Coyne and music by Spaffdaddy, 510 L St., 5:30-10 p.m.

Tiny Gallery: Featuring multimedia artist Emily Longbrake, 706 W. Fourth Ave., 4-8 p.m.

AK Cycle Chic + Alpine Fit: Featuring artist Amber Stull and musicians Evie Bear and Dan Bailey, 908 W. Northern Lights Blvd., 5-7 p.m.

Georgia Blue Gallery: Featuring Alaska painter Jon Van Zyle’s 49th Annual Official Iditarod Show, 3555 Arctic Blvd., 5-7 p.m.

Aurora Fine Art: Featuring Alaskan Aurora Hunter Todd Salat, 737 W. Fifth Ave., 5-8 p.m.

Midnight Sun Brewing: Featuring the works of Amy Vail and Katy Grant, 8111 Dimond Hook Drive, 5 p.m.

IGCA: Featuring the annual members exhibition, 427 D St., 5-8 p.m.

Anchorage Distillery: Featuring artist Laura Dewey, 6301 A St., 5:30-8:30 p.m.

Ravens Ring Brewing: Featuring Ember Inks, 12150 Industry Way, 4- 9 p.m.

Akela Space: Featuring “Emotionless” exhibition by Madeline E. Goolie, 320 W. Sixth Ave., 6 p.m.

Zip Kombucha: Featuring oil painter Carlos Pereira, 8161 Schoon St., 4-8 p.m.