π What’s Up, Alaska?
πΈ From backyard gatherings to big community celebrations, The Connection has been keeping Alaskaβs music scene humming for decades. This week, theyβre bringing the soundtrack to a summer Friday in Wasilla. Turn it up! ππΆ | πΈ Courtesy of Dave Robinson, bass player for The Connection
Your Community Calendar for What’s Up July 8 through July 15, 2026
By Gina Hill | Alaska Headline Living | July 8, 2026
Looking for something fun to do? We’ve rounded up art classes, concerts, farmers markets, football camps, grand openings, live music, and family-friendly festivals happening across the Last Frontier. Grab your calendar and start making plans!
π¨π· Wednesday, July 8
Paint & Sip at the Creek Street Cabaret
π 6:00 p.m.
π The Creek Street Cabaret
Unleash your inner artist during an evening of painting, sipping, and Southeast Alaska inspiration! Whether you’re an experienced painter or trying it for the first time, you’ll be guided step by step through creating your own Alaska-inspired masterpiece. All painting supplies are provided, so just bring your creativity and enjoy a fun night out.
ππΏΒ More Information
π Art Links: Creativity, Connection & Community
π Santa’s Senior Center
Hosted by Alzheimer’s Resource of Alaska, Art Links offers a welcoming space where individuals living with Alzheimer’s disease or related dementias, along with seniors experiencing isolation, can connect through art, music, movement, and meaningful conversation. No registration is required, and participation is free.
ππΏ More Information
π Thursday, July 9
Grand Opening: Global CU’s UtqiaΔ‘vik Branch
π Noon to 2:00 p.m.
π Global Credit Union
Help celebrate the opening of Global Credit Union’s northernmost Alaska branch! Meet Branch Manager Dexter and the local team, tour the new branch, and enjoy complimentary refreshments and treats while welcoming a new community gathering place.
ππΏ Β More Information
πΏπΆ Summer Vendor Party at Canna Get Happy
π Noon to 6:00 p.m.
π Canna Get Happy, 2321 E. Palmer-Wasilla Highway, Wasilla
π² Free
Food, vendors, shopping, live music, and family fun all come together for this outdoor summer celebration. Browse local artisans, grab a bite to eat, let the kids enjoy the bounce house, and stick around as The Connection performs live from approximately 3:00 to 6:00 p.m.
πΆ Legends never go out of tune.
πΈ Courtesy of Dave Robinson, bass player for The Connection.
ππΏ More Information
π€ Friday, July 10
Chepo’s 40th Anniversary Party
π Doors Open at 6:00 p.m.
π Chepo’s Mexican Restaurant
π² No Cover
Forty years calls for a celebration! Enjoy an evening of live country music featuring David Lee Murphy and Ken Peltierwith the Ken Peltier Band. Dust off your boots and celebrate one of the Valley’s longtime favorites.
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πΆ Every Friday
Live @ 5 Summer Concert Series
From Fairbanks to the “Top of the World” at Chickenstock, these folks know how to turn a gathering into a party. ππΈ
πΈ Fireweed Fiddle with Chickenstock Music Festival
π 5:00 to 7:00 p.m.
π Talkeetna Village Park
π² Free
Kick off your weekend in Talkeetna with free live music in the park! Bring a lawn chair, grab dinner in town, and enjoy an evening filled with mountain views, great company, and talented performers from Alaska and beyond.
π» Featured this week: Fireweed Fiddle, performing an energetic blend of folk, bluegrass, jazz, Cajun, blues, pop, and outlaw country.
ππΏ Β More Information
π₯ Kodiak Farmer’s Market
π Kodiak Baptist Mission
Fresh produce, baked goods, handcrafted items, local vendors, and plenty of community spirit make the Kodiak Farmers Market a summertime favorite. Come shop local and discover something new.
ππΏ Β More Information
π Monday, July 13 through Wednesday, July 15
SOHI Stars + Soldotna Saints Football Camp
π 10:00 a.m. to Noon
π Soldotna High School
π² $75
Young athletes can sharpen their football skills while learning from local high school players during this three-day camp hosted by Kenai Peninsula Pop Warner. Expect skill development, teamwork, confidence-building, and lots of fun.
ππΏ Β More Information
π―οΈ Ongoing in Anchorage
Concerts by Candlelight
π 717 W. 3rd Ave., Anchorage
ποΈ Ticketed
Experience your favorite artists in a whole new light. These intimate candlelit concerts feature orchestral tributes to everyone from Taylor Swift and Coldplay to Queen, Adele, Fleetwood Mac, The Beatles, ABBA, Metallica, and Hans Zimmer. It’s an unforgettable evening for music lovers, date nights, or anyone looking for a unique Anchorage experience.
ππΏ Β More Information
Whether you’re discovering a new band in Talkeetna, painting in Ketchikan, shopping a local market in Kodiak, celebrating a hometown milestone in Wasilla, or cheering on future football stars in Soldotna, there’s no shortage of ways to make the most of summer in Alaska. Have an event you’d like to see featured? Let us know, and we’ll help spread the word! ππ