Anchorage, can we talk about these fall colors for a second?
Everywhere I look, the trees are putting on their finest shades of gold, orange, and yellow. It's like the entire city decided to dress up for a special occasion, and nobody bothered to tell the evergreen trees.
They're just standing there in the same outfits they've worn all year.
Unfortunately, we all know how this works. Fall in Anchorage is beautiful, but it doesn't exactly believe in long-term commitments. One good windstorm and suddenly all that beautiful foliage is decorating our driveways instead.
So let's enjoy it while we can! This weekend we've got a Stephen King thriller, zombies on the trails, Alaska-made video games, a delicious fall brunch, and a market inside one of Anchorage's more unusual buildings.
Here are my five picks for your weekend!
Sponsored by Natural Pantry, a Founding Partner of Mr Anchorage.
Misery at Cyrano's Theatre
Where: Cyrano's Theatre Building, 3800 DeBarr Road, Anchorage
When: Friday, October 9 at 7 PM or Sunday, October 11 at 3 PM
What & Why:
You know what's scarier than having a really devoted fan? Having a REALLY devoted fan who refuses to let you leave.
Cyrano's Theatre is kicking off its run of Misery, the psychological thriller based on Stephen King's novel. It follows a bestselling author who survives a car accident, only to discover that the woman nursing him back to health might be considerably more dangerous than the crash itself.
A little suspense, some dark humor, and a healthy reminder to always be nice to your readers.
Saturday's performance is sold out, so aim for Friday evening or Sunday's matinee. Recommended for ages 14 and older due to mature content.
More info & tickets: Centertix Link
Zombie Half Marathon
Where: Starts at Goose Lake, 2811 UAA Drive, and finishes at Kincaid Chalet, 6998 Raspberry Road
When: Saturday, October 10. Walkers start at 8 AM; runners at 9 AM.
What & Why:
Apparently running 13.1 miles isn't terrifying enough for some Alaskans. They have to do it dressed like the walking dead.
The Anchorage Running Club's Zombie Half Marathon is back, inviting runners to break out their creepiest costumes and tackle a late-season race along Anchorage's trail system.
And unlike the zombies in the movies, these ones are hopefully going to stay on the designated trails.
Whether you're running, cheering on a friend, or simply enjoying the spectacle, it's a fun way to celebrate the season. Participants should know this is a point-to-point course, so they'll need to arrange transportation from the finish.
More info & registration: Anchorage Running Club Link
Alaska Gamedev Expo 2026
Where: Egan Center, 555 West 5th Avenue, Downtown Anchorage
When: Saturday, October 10, from 1–5 PM
Admission: FREE!
What & Why:
Who says you need to move to Silicon Valley to make video games? Apparently, Alaska has some talented people who would like a word.
The Alaska Developers Alliance is hosting its Gamedev Expo, where you can actually play games created right here in Alaska and meet the people who made them.
We're talking everything from role-playing adventures and first-person shooters to card games, augmented reality, and other imaginative projects.
You don't have to be a programmer or even a serious gamer to enjoy this one. Just show up, play something new, and discover what creative Alaskans have been building.
And did I mention it's FREE? That's my favorite kind of admission price.
More info: AK Dev Alliance Link
Fall Brunch with Executive Chef Carlos Walker
Where: South Restaurant + Coffeehouse, 11124 Old Seward Highway, Anchorage
When: Sunday, October 11, from noon–2:30 PM
What & Why:
If your idea of celebrating fall involves something a little more sophisticated than eating Halloween candy straight out of the bag, South Restaurant has something special cooking.
Executive Chef Carlos Walker is hosting a seasonal, five-course brunch featuring creative autumn flavors.
The menu includes persimmon and labneh on housemade focaccia, crispy salmon cake with a poached egg, and a pumpkin parfait with cardamom and candied pumpkin seeds. Wine pairings are also featured.
It's the kind of brunch where you might need to look up a few ingredients, but you'll probably be too busy eating to care.
Heads up: This experience is almost sold out at the time of publishing! If this sounds like your kind of Sunday, don't leave reservations until the last minute.
More info & tickets: Eventbrite Link
October Fall Harvest Market at the Castle
Where: The Shops at the Castle on O'Malley, 1520 O'Malley Road, Anchorage
When: Sunday, October 11, from 11 AM–5 PM
Admission: FREE!
What & Why:
You don't have to be royalty to spend your Sunday at a castle in Anchorage.
The Shops at the Castle on O'Malley are hosting their October Fall Harvest Market, bringing together local makers, artists, and small businesses for an afternoon of autumn shopping.
Browse locally made gifts, warm yourself by the fire, grab something hot from the café, and enjoy the cozy fall atmosphere.
It's a great excuse to shop local, discover a few new Anchorage businesses, and enjoy one of the more unusual shopping destinations in town.
No royal invitation necessary. Just bring yourself. And maybe your wallet.
More info: Facebook Listing
Until Next Weekend...
That's your weekend lineup, Anchorage!
Whether you're running from zombies, getting scared at the theater, discovering Alaska's next great video game, or enjoying something pumpkin-flavored, there's plenty happening around town.
And if you haven't taken a moment to admire the beautiful fall colors yet, get out there and do it! Around here, autumn can go from a golden masterpiece to a bunch of naked trees faster than you can say, "Where did I put my snow shovel?"
Get out, explore, support your neighbors, and make some memories.
I'll see you out there, Anchorage!
— Mr Anchorage
