Good morning, Anchorage.

Anchorage musician John Larson released his new album, Through the Stillness, Through the Dark, which shows his fight with psychosis and addiction—he says help from the local Mutual Aid Network has guided his recovery.

The album is now available on all streaming platforms.

Anchorage Weekender details eight upcoming events this weekend including the 30th annual Greek Festival with food, music and dance at Holy Transfiguration Greek Orthodox Church, a Hmong Harvest Festival with family activities at Delaney Park Strip, UAA Campus Kickoff with sports and live music, a houseplant market, an Alaskan Crafted Summer Market, a Nordic run at APU, Drag Lotería with live performances and a state fair in Palmer offering concerts and rodeo.

Students and families began moving into dorms at UAA Thursday—move-in will continue through Sunday as classes start Monday, August 25.

Cook Inlet Energy was ordered to pay a fine after it flared over 51 million cubic feet of natural gas at the Badami field between October 2024 and March 2025—regulators said this excessive flaring broke oil field rules.

After more than a year of volcanic unrest, the Alaska Volcano Observatory lowered Mount Spurr’s aviation code to green and its alert level to normal, indicating that the immediate eruption risk has passed.

Small earthquakes and minor gas vents continue while high levels of carbon dioxide remain a potential hazard near Crater Peak — however, emissions are not affecting local communities.

First National Bank Alaska warns customers to guard against scam calls, texts, and emails after increased reports of fraud targeting personal information across all branches—bank officials stress that employees never ask for account details and advise hanging up on suspicious contacts.

A federal appeals court ruled on Wednesday that Alaska’s subsistence fishing program in public waters will continue under its dual management system, allowing federal preference that benefits rural subsistence fishers + mostly Alaska Natives.

Alaska Attorney General Treg Taylor said he was disappointed and plans to take the decision to the U.S. Supreme Court.

The Interior Department announced plans to hold six offshore oil and gas lease sales in Cook Inlet over the next six years starting next March — the move is meant to boost local jobs and long-term investments even as industry interest has been low, and Larry Persily said the schedule may not ease Southcentral’s near-term gas shortage.

Billy Currington Concert

7-8:30 p.m. — ConocoPhillips Borealis Theatre — Cost not specified — Experience a night of chart-topping country hits from multi-platinum artist Billy Currington.

Wiz Khalifa Live at Alaska State Fair

10 a.m. — Alaska State Fair — Fair admission is additional — Experience a live performance by multi-platinum artist Wiz Khalifa.

The Beach Boys Concert

7-8:30 p.m. — Alaska State Fair — $49-$101 (Fair admission additional) — Experience the enduring sound of America's iconic surf rock band.

Candlelight Concert: Coldplay & Imagine Dragons

9-10 p.m. — 49th State Brewing — Ticket purchase required — Experience the magic of candlelight concerts featuring beloved hits from Coldplay and Imagine Dragons.

2025 Demolition Derby

3:30 AM – 9:00 PM — Alaska State Fair — Adults $16, Youth $12, Kids free — Experience the thrill of destruction as vehicles clash in an exciting and loud demolition derby.

All Star Monster Truck Showdown

1-2:30 p.m. — Alaska State Fair — Adults $18, Youth $13, Kids $8 — Witness thrilling monster truck battles including wheelies, racing, and freestyle action.

All Star Monster Truck Show

1:00 – 2:30 PM — Alaska State Fair — Tickets from $37 — Experience the thrill of monster trucks as they roar and race at the Alaska State Fairgrounds.

David Spade Live Comedy Show

3:00 – 4:30 PM — Alaska State Fair — $59-$89 (additional fair admission required) — Enjoy laughs with the comedic legend known for his timeless roles and sharp wit.

Josiah and the Bonnevilles Concert

7 PM - 11 PM — 49th State Brewing — Cover charge applies — Experience soulful Americana from Josiah and the Bonnevilles kicking off their three-night run in Alaska.

Northern Lights Photography Tour

Northern Lights Tour — 00:00 — Visit Anchorage Log Cabin Visitor Information Center — $875 — Chase the breathtaking auroras of Alaska while learning from an expert photographer.