Good morning, Anchorage.

Anchorage Weekender details Memorial Day weekend events—a reggae concert at Moose’s Tooth Pub on Sunday at 6 p.m., a band benefit bash at Club Nyt Lyt, and a comedy show at The Nave on Saturday—with additional art tours and garden visits locally and in nearby Southcentral areas.

Anchorage hosts a weekend of events with a half marathon and 10K at Margaret Sullivan Park, a circus at Sullivan Arena, bull riding in Palmer and a concert at the Alaska Airlines Center.

Also, events include a jazz benefit, improv competition and classical tribute at Anchorage Lutheran Church on Sunday.

Anchorage School District ended school Thursday amid a turbulent year marked by the closure of Lake Otis, Fire Lake and Campbell STEM Elementary due to a $90 million budget gap; Chinook Elementary principal Lori Rucksdashel (26 years with the district) left to begin a statewide support role.

Alaska lawmakers approved one-time $144 million for K-12 funding next year, with $29 million to offset rising energy costs and plans for the state to cover fuel expenses starting in 2028.

The measures include a teacher loan forgiveness program (up to $15,000 over three years) to aid retention.

The Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center in Portage is celebrating over 30 years with family activities and animal programs this Saturday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., featuring a porcupine presentation and a special birthday gift for one of its bears.

Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport warned travelers yesterday of extended TSA wait times as new equipment slowed processing and lines stretched nearly to the end of the South Terminal; officials advised arriving two hours early for Memorial Day weekend flights and noted delays may continue today.

Air travelers at Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport faced long delays yesterday due to intermittent outages with the TSA’s X‑ray screening equipment — officials advised passengers to arrive two to three hours early as technicians work to fix the issue.

Alaska lawmakers passed House Bill 25 to ban disposable polystyrene foam food containers from restaurants and state agencies effective Jan.

1, 2027, pending Gov. Dunleavy’s signature. The bill allows local option exemptions and lets restaurants use stockpiled containers (bought before the ban).

Anchorage held a Police Memorial Ceremony on Wednesday at the State Crime Detection Lab where a new bell designed by a local high school student was used during name readings for fallen officers — a key moment in Alaska’s Police Memorial Week.

Providence Alaska Medical Center trained its staff to handle infectious diseases using full protective gear on Thursday — part of a $430,000 grant-driven effort — and is working toward a Special Pathogen Treatment Center designation to enhance patient care.

A recent episode of Outdoor Explorer had host Steve Cleary and horseback riders from local groups discuss winter horse care and shared backcountry trails, highlighting efforts to maintain Alaska’s trails and offer locals insight on riding in harsh conditions + promoting diverse trail use.

2026 Kids Alaska State Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Tournament

9:15 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. — Avis Alaska Sports Complex — Registration required — A day filled with exciting Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu competitions for kids of all skill levels.

Skinny Raven Twilight 12K & 6K

7-10 p.m. — Skinny Raven Sports — Registration fees vary — Kick off summer with a fun 12K or 6K run and enjoy live music and refreshments at the finish line.

Breakthrough Basketball Essential Skills Camp

June 2-4 — O'Malley Sports Center — $97 for observing coaches — Elevate your basketball skills with high-intensity drills designed for young players.

2026 Alaska Regional Conference

Educational sessions and networking for small businesses — Jun 9-10 — Marriott Anchorage Downtown — Fee info not specified — Access resources and matchmaking opportunities tailored for various business categories.

Summer Concert Series: Wiley Post Live

7-8:30 p.m. — Suzan Nightingale McKay Park — Free entry — Enjoy a night of rocking live music and beautiful views in your neighborhood park.

Midnight Sun 7s 2026

10 AM – 11:30 PM — Alaska Mountain Rugby Grounds — Cost Info Not Provided — Experience fast-paced rugby action and great vibes under the midnight sun.

Paint Nite: Late Summer Sunset

6-8 p.m. — Ravens Ring Brewing Company — Cost varies — Unleash your creativity with a guided painting experience while enjoying your favorite brews.

Garden Grooves – Solstice Edition

6:00 – 8:30 PM — 49th State Brewing - Anchorage — Free entry — Celebrate the longest day of the year with live music in a beautiful beer garden.

Anchorage Midnight Sun 5K & Family Fun Run

11:30 PM — Town Square Park — Registration fees vary — Experience a magical race under the midnight sun with festive activities and stunning views.