Good morning, Anchorage.

Polar Bear Gifts reported increased foot traffic on Fourth Avenue as Fur Rondy & the Iditarod’s ceremonial start boost business activity.

Local store owners expect a busy winter weekend with more visitors as the celebrations approach.

The U.S. Postal Inspector warned that scammers in Alaska increasingly used AI to create realistic websites and mimic voices and images — prompting officials to advise residents to verify communications before sharing personal data.

Anchorage’s Fur Rendezvous winter festival features a Snow Sculpture Competition near Ship Creek.

Visitors can view the sculptures daily from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. until Sunday.

State demographer Eric Sandberg said Alaska’s natural population increase margin has shrunk over the past decade as fewer babies are born and more residents die, even though births still outnumber deaths; 13 consecutive years of outmigration could lead to long-term decline.

The 2026 Special Olympics Alaska Winter Games begin Friday at 6:30 p.m. at East High School and run three days, ending Sunday at Clark Middle School (marking the 25th anniversary of the 2001 games).

Athletes from Kodiak, Fairbanks, Mat-Su and Anchorage will compete in five sports events amid volunteer needs.

Anchorage dog owners can try skijoring, where a dog pulls its owner on cross-country skis during winter.

Local experts advise waiting until a dog is at least a year old, using proper gear and teaching basic commands (like 'gee' and 'haw') to ensure safety.

NSAA crews work overnight to groom 100 miles of trails, ensuring safe skiing routes for local races and daily users.

The dedicated operators work at locations including Kincaid Park and the Hillside trails to support Anchorage’s vital winter sport community.

Artist Connect at The Nave

12-5 p.m. — The Nave — Free entry — Connect with local artists while painting plates for a charitable project.

Fairview Spring Play Program 2026

1:30-4:30 p.m. — Fairview Community Recreation Center — Check website for cost — A fun-filled mini camp with games, STEAM projects, and field trips for kids.

Mariculture Nerd Night: Talks, Tastings & Shell Painting

6-8 p.m. — 49th State Brewing — Free entry — Dive into mariculture with engaging talks, tasty samples, and a little shell painting fun.

Yukon River Science Symposium

All day — Denali Tower North — Free entry — Explore the latest research and developments concerning the Yukon River ecosystem.

Katherine Blanford Stand-Up Comedy Show

7-9 p.m. — Bear Tooth Theatrepub — Ticket prices vary — Experience the hilarious antics of comedian Katherine Blanford, who's won hearts with her charming and energetic performances.

B4uDie Kick Off Party

7-9 p.m. — Chilkoot Charlie's — Check for admission details — Celebrate the start of Alaska's week-long comedy arts festival featuring top national comedians.

Spring Improv Comedy Night

8-9:30 p.m. — The Nave — Mocktails available — Celebrate the return of daylight with a lively night of improv comedy and community spirit.

Candlelight: The Soundtrack of the 60s

6:30-7:30 p.m. — 49th State Brewing - Anchorage — Ticket required — Experience a magical evening of The Beatles' classics performed by a string quartet under candlelight.

Grade Checking IV - GPS Training

8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. — Alaska Laborers Training School — Pre-requisite required — Engage in hands-on GPS training for grade checkers in Alaska.

Hidden Valley Hustlers Comedy Show

6-8 p.m. — Chilkoot Charlie's — Admission varies — Enjoy an evening of standup comedy featuring local talent from Hidden Valley.