5 things to do in Anchorage this weekend

Spenard Jazz Fest

Friday, Saturday, Sunday; Various locations

The 2024 Spenard Jazz Fest kicks off this week with a full slate of events set for the weekend. On Friday, Girl Crush Friday will play a free all-ages show at Rage City Vintage featuring Emma Hill, Neva Menkens, Pepper Kit and Triple Threat. That day will also feature a ticketed house concert with The Carla Bley Experience and opener Lena Lukina. Both of those shows start at 6 p.m. Saturday’s festivities include dinner and a show at Organic Oasis with Whereyat? and Melissa “JazzMom” Fischer at 5:30 p.m. And there’s also a multi-genre community jam at The Billiard Palace on Sunday starting at 5 p.m.

Twilight 12K & 6K

7 p.m. Friday; Skinny Raven Downtown, 800 H St.

Skinny Raven Sports hosts the 18th annual Twilight 12K & 6K with bands, BearTooth provisions and beer, making it one of the best races of the summer. The route includes a trip over the A/C Couplet bridge, a lap around Government Hill and a traverse through downtown Anchorage, the Coastal Trail and Westchester Lagoon. The 12K is $60 for people 16 and older and $50 for 15 and under. The 6K is $50 for 16 and older and $40 for 15 and younger.

Alaska Polynasian Festival

7 p.m. Friday; Matanuska Brewing in Anchorage, 2830 C St.

In coordination with Asian American Native Hawaiian Pacific Islander Heritage Month, this inaugural festival is dedicated to Polynesian and Asian culture. It’s a family-friendly event from 7-10 p.m. and for 21 and older from 10 p.m. to 2 a.m. Tickets are $20 at the door.

3 Barons Renaissance Fair

Noon-8 p.m. Saturday and Sunday; Russian Jack Springs Park North, 801 Pine St.

The first weekend of the Renaissance Fair has arrived, with Friday and Saturday devoted to a pirate theme. The fair promises “combat, entertainment, crafts and culinary delights.” Attendees can take a free shuttle from UAA’s West Lot at Lake Otis Parkway and 36th Avenue. Tickets are $10 for adults, $5 for kids 12 and under and $9 for both seniors and military.

Third Eye Blind

6 p.m. Saturday; Matanuska Brewing, 11901 Old Glenn Highway in Eagle River

If you love ‘90s hits like “Semi-Charmed Life” and “Jumper,” this weekend is the time to check out the band that made them famous. Third Eye Blind hits the stage at Matanuska Brewing in Eagle River. Doors open at 5 p.m. with music set to start at 6 p.m. Tickets are $79 for general admission and $149 for VIP admission.