6 things to do in Anchorage this weekend

It’s spring break for many families and residents in Anchorage and Mat-Su, and if you’re not traveling or getting outside to enjoy our lengthening days, local event organizers have plenty going on to keep you busy in the run-up to St. Patrick’s Day. If you’re in the Valley, the Arctic Winter Games closing ceremony is Saturday afternoon in Wasilla, capping a week of sporting events featuring youth athletes from across the circumpolar north.

Alaska Native Artist Market

8 a.m.-9 p.m. through Saturday, returning March 20 to 23; third floor of the Alaska Airlines Center, 3550 Providence Drive

The Alaska Native Heritage Center is hosting this Alaska Native artists’ market in conjunction with the 1A-2A and 3A-4A state high school basketball tournaments. Visit the third floor of the Alaska Airlines Center to browse the artists’ jewelry, visual art, handmade crafts and regalia in between the action happening on the basketball court. Admission to the artist market requires a ticket for an ASAA March Madness session; find more information on tickets at asaa.org.

Wearin’ O’ the Green concert

7 p.m. Friday; Anchorage Lutheran Church, 1420 N St.

Alaska Celtic Pipes & Drums is performing to kick off St. Patrick’s Day weekend with a bang, featuring piping and drumming from the entire ensemble, smaller groups within the band as well as soloists. Admission is free, but donations are welcome.

‘Spring Breaking’ concert

8 p.m. Friday; Atwood Concert Hall, 621 W. Sixth Ave.

This Anchorage Concert Chorus performance will feature the Yale Glee Club as a special guest. Attendees can expect a wide-ranging repertoire that includes the work of composers such as Johann Sebastian Bach, Sergei Rachmaninoff, Ralph Vaughan Williams and Randall Thompson. Tickets are available through CenterTix, with discounts available for seniors, students, youths and military.

Shamrock Shuffle 5K

9:30 a.m. Saturday; Bear Tooth Theatrepub, 1230 W. 27th Ave.

Join other runners and walkers for this St. Paddy’s Day-themed event following a loop from Spenard around Westchester Lagoon. The Shamrock Shuffle, hosted by Skinny Raven Sports, is held in support of Running Free Alaska, a nonprofit that provides running opportunities to women incarcerated at Hiland Mountain Correctional Center. Packet pickup is available 3-6 p.m. Thursday at either Skinny Raven location, or from 8-9 a.m. Saturday at the Bear Tooth. Registration fee starts at $52, increasing closer to the event date.

Nitro McCarthy Stout concert and St. Patrick’s celebration

Activities start at 1 p.m., concert at 7 p.m. Saturday; 49th State Brewing Co., 717 W. Third Ave.

This celebration starts midday Saturday with Irish music, dancing and revelry at the Irish Club of Alaska’s Hooley party. From 5 to 6 p.m., the Alaska Treble Makers will give an Irish dance performance. For the Nitro McCarthy Stout concert, Matt Hopper and the Roman Candles perform at 7 p.m., with Jubilee opening at 6 p.m. Attendees can wear green to win prizes. Tickets are free but capacity is limited; register on EventBrite.

St. Patrick’s Day ceilidh

5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Sunday; Organic Oasis, 2610 Spenard Road

The Irish Cultural Collective is holding a family-friendly ceilidh in honor of St. Patrick’s Day. The all-ages community gathering features Irish music, song and dancing, including instruction. Admission is free.