Keep your eyes peeled for upcoming shows and in the meantime, catch a local sporting event or the Harlem Globetrotters. Prices vary. www.alaskaairlinescenter.com
Artistically inclined? Sign up for art classes together! The Anchorage Museum offers a variety of ways to create and appreciate art, science, history, and culture. The schedule is updated regularly – previous classes include macro and micro photography, textile-making, and portrait painting. Blaines Art is another great venue for classes: current offerings include drawing, watercolor, and oil painting. If you’re looking for a one time experience, check out Palette, a pop-up art studio: classes are held at businesses like Subzero Microlounge or Rethink Home and are led by artists who will walk you through each step to create a themed painting. Prices vary. www.anchoragemuseum.org/learn/classes-and-workshops/, http://blainesart.com/adult-classes/, and http://www.palettepopupart.com/
Mamma Mia! to Potted Potter, the Unauthorized Harry Potter Experience there is a performance for all tastes. Prefer a smaller venue? Head to the Tap Root Public House for live music every night (Parlor in the Round is rapidly becoming a fan favorite; catch it on the third Thursday of each month) or enjoy a more intimate experience at Cyrano’s Off Center Playhouse. The newly opened Williwaw is also home to great live music; plan a night out for New Year’s Eve and catch the Reel Big Fish! Prices vary by performance. alaskapac.centertix.net or williwawsocial.com
Learn to make sweet music together by signing up for music lessons! Anchorage is home to many talented musicians who teach lessons; stop by Mammoth Music for recommendations or consider guitar lessons from Todd Grebe or fiddle lessons from Angela Oudean. Members of Todd Grebe & Cold Country and accomplished musicians, they teach in Anchorage when they’re not on tour. $30/30minutes; $45/45 minutes; $60/1 hour. www.toddgrebe.com/private-lessons
The Alaska Airlines Center is a great new venue for big name performers like Kevin Hart and Toby Keith.
Gretchen Fauske is an economic developer and writes about our city at www.GretchenLovesAnchorage.com. She’s giving a thing or two (or 12?!) for the holidays, but is most looking forward to sharing an experience involving anchovies, huge wooden salad bowls, and generous pours of wine with her dad.