5 things to do in Anchorage this weekend

The Music Machine

7:30 p.m. Thursday-Friday, 2 p.m. Saturday; Discovery Theatre, 621 W. Sixth Ave.

Check out the colorful costumes, high-energy singing and dancing in this 43rd annual performance showcasing summer students from the workshop in American Musical Theatre for children. Tickets are $21 for adults, $18.75 for seniors and $13.50 for kids 18 and under.

10th Annual Clothesline Project

10 a.m. Saturday; Clark Middle School, 150 Bragaw St.

The Anchorage Police Department will join community members to distribute clothes to students and families in preparation for the upcoming school year. Giveaway items vary and will include things like new winter jackets, boots, helmets, new socks and underwear. There will also be haircuts, health immunization screening, free food and drinks, plus free face painting and a jump house.

2024 Distance Running Classic

9 a.m. Saturday; Atwood Center, 4455 University Drive

There’s a 5K, a 10K or try both at the 2024 Distance Running Classic. As in previous years, the race raises awareness and funds for Special Olympics Alaska. Registration cost ranges from $47 to $57 depending on the distance.

Lady Whistledown’s Midsummer Soiree

6 p.m. Saturday; Williwaw Social rooftop, 609 F St.

Join musicians Christina Napoleon, Pepper Kit and Anna Joy Luckett, who will perform for this event on the Williwaw rooftop. The “Bridgerton”-themed gathering promises “astrology, oddities and curiosities,” and organizers say it “will be perfectly curated with hand crafted cocktails and delectable cuisine.”

Alaska Orienteering Festival

Saturday and Sunday; Hatcher Pass and Willow

The Arctic Orienteering Club hosts this two-day, one-night event. The club will be premiering new maps in new locations and will have a grill and potluck at a camping site near the race venues. Cost is $30 per event or $40 for both. Check the club’s website at oalaska.org/festival2024 for full details.

First Friday

Anchorage Museum: Join “Lines of Sight” comic author and illustrator Nathan Shafer as he celebrates the release of a “Wintermoot” trade paperback. The Art Lab features an Art Swap. There will also be a number of docent-led gallery talks, including Ellie Schmidt’s immersive installation, the tide pool room as well as on Sugpiaq and Unangax̂ cultural belongings. Free admission starting at 6 p.m. 625 C St., 6-9 p.m.

Captain Cook: Sewphisticated Raven, the fabric and stitching art of Deb Robinette, is featured. 939 W. Fifth Ave., 4-9 p.m.

The Cove: Featuring Noah Lott, Jacob Paiz and J Cost. Plus a live DJ. 510 L St., 5:30-9:30 p.m.

Sevigny Studio: Healy artist Kassandra Mirosh will show her mixed media cardboard and paper sculptures of birds. 312 G St., 6-9 p.m.

Dos Manos: Featuring Meg Smith’s new show, “Elevate.” 1317 W. Northern Lights Blvd., 5 p.m.

IGCA: Opening of a new three-part exhibition by Mariano Gonzales. 427 D St., 5-8 p.m.

Green Connection: Showcasing Tarryn Zerbinos’ acrylic paintings. 804 E. 15th Ave., 5-7 p.m.

Anchorage Distillery: Featuring the work of Ash Farrell. 6310 A St., 5:30-8:30 p.m.

Midnight Sun Brewing Co.: Featuring the work of photographer Tyler Yates. 8111 Dimond Hook Drive, 5-9 p.m.

Stephan Fine Arts: Featuring the works of Robert Clayton, Sophie Green and Lynn Brautigam Boots. 939 W. Fifth Ave., 5:30-9 p.m.

The Writer’s Block: Featuring Erin Jones. 3956 Spenard Road, 6 p.m.

Georgia Blue Gallery: Fairbanks artist Joan Hornig’s show “Taking Flight.” 3555 Arctic Blvd., 5-7 p.m.

Tiny Gallery: The featured artist is Hailey Morgan. 706 W. Fourth Ave., 4-8 p.m.