September 11 is a date that changed my family’s life twice.
The events of September 11, 2001, prompted my parents and I to leave New Jersey and move to Alaska. Then, on September 11, 2023, I lost my wife. For my family and me, this anniversary carries both a shared national grief and a deeply personal one.
So I’m beginning this week a little more quietly. I’m thinking about the people we miss, the first responders who answer the call, and the neighbors who help us through days that don’t get easier simply because another year has passed.
That’s part of why this newsletter matters to me. Community happens when we show up for one another and sometimes when we invite someone along for a walk, a hockey game or an afternoon learning something entirely unexpected.
There’s room this weekend to remember, to reconnect and, when you’re ready, to enjoy the place we call home.
Pirate Pub Crawl: Anchorage Gets Its Sea Legs
Where: Pirate Cove, 3rd Avenue and E Street, followed by participating downtown pubs.
When: Saturday, September 12, 7 p.m.–midnight.
Downtown’s dress code is about to become considerably more nautical. Assemble your crew, locate that suspiciously versatile costume sash and head to Pirate Cove for the 7 p.m. group photo and official crawl map.
Participation is free, the evening crawl is for adults 21+, and fundraising supports the Blood Bank of Alaska. Your beverages remain your own financial adventure.
And yes, this year’s gathering point is 3rd and E. Even pirates must occasionally surrender territory to construction crews.
More info: Official Pirate Fest and Pub Crawl details
Girdwood Fungus Fair + Anchorage/Girdwood Mycoblitz
Where: Girdwood Community Room, 250 Egloff Drive; Mycoblitz observations throughout Anchorage and Girdwood.
When: Fair: Saturday, September 12, 9:30 a.m.–5 p.m., and Sunday, September 13, 9:30 a.m.–4 p.m. Join the ongoing Mycoblitz during the weekend through 6 p.m. Sunday.
If your usual mushroom identification system consists of “little umbrella” and “absolutely not,” Girdwood has a weekend for you.
The Fungus Fair offers free displays and talks, with separately registered workshops for anyone ready to take their curiosity further. Several guided walks are already full, so check availability before building your day around one.
You can also contribute to the free Mycoblitz: join the project on iNaturalist and document mushrooms and lichens around Anchorage and Girdwood. It’s a family-friendly excuse to slow down and notice the small things beneath our feet.
Wolverines Hockey: Two Nights at the Sully
Where: Sullivan Arena, 1600 Gambell Street, Anchorage.
When: Friday, September 11, and Saturday, September 12, 7 p.m.
The Anchorage Wolverines welcome the U.S. National Under-17 Team for two exhibition games, giving us two opportunities to gather at the Sully and offer highly confident hockey analysis from the relative safety of our seats.
Bring a friend, bring the family, and remember that a warm layer is an excellent accessory even when your enthusiasm is running hot. This is an easy pick for anyone who likes their community gatherings with a scoreboard.
More info: Official Wolverines game listings · Arena location
Check with the team about ticket availability before heading over; Friday’s individual ticket page currently says tickets are unavailable for sale.
Moose Loop Trail Challenge: Choose Your Own Moose
Where: Anywhere along Anchorage’s Moose Loop trail system—choose your own access point; there is no single event address or mass start.
When: Begins Saturday, September 12, 8 a.m. Participate at your own pace Saturday or Sunday; the challenge continues through September 19.
Some weekend plans require tickets, reservations and a small committee. This one starts with deciding whether you feel like walking, running or riding a bike.
The Moose Loop Trail Challenge offers distances from a 5K to the full 51.5K Mighty Moose, with options in between. Registration is $35 and supports the Anchorage Park Foundation’s work on our parks and trails.
Make it a family outing, recruit a walking buddy or finally give that bicycle a destination beyond “I really should ride it.” A little fresh air and a shared goal can make a very good afternoon.
More info, registration and route map: Anchorage Park Foundation
SCCA Autocross: Endgame in Palmer
Where: Alaska Raceway Park, 5599 S. Race Way, Palmer.
When: Saturday–Sunday, September 12–13. First car expected on course at 10:30 a.m. each day. Competitor check-in is 7–8 a.m., with a mandatory driver meeting at 10 a.m.
For the automotive contingent, we’re taking this week’s fifth pick up the highway to Palmer.
Autocross: Endgame brings a weekend of timed driving competition to Alaska Raceway Park. Think precision, concentration and a much more appropriate place to explore your competitive instincts than the grocery store parking lot.
If you want to drive, read the registration and vehicle requirements carefully: arriving for the first run is too late for competitor check-in. If you’re hoping to watch, confirm spectator access with the organizer before making the trip.
More info: Official event and venue · Registration and daily schedule
A Moment to Remember: September 11
These deserve their own space this week.
9/11 Day of Remembrance at the Alaska Veterans Museum
Where: Alaska Veterans Museum, 411 W. 4th Avenue, Anchorage.
When: Friday, September 11, 10 a.m.–5 p.m.
The museum is listed as offering free admission for its Day of Remembrance. It falls before our usual Friday-evening window, but I wanted to include an opportunity to pause, reflect and spend time with the history behind the anniversary.
More info: Anchorage Press event listing
9/11 Memorial Service with Anchorage Firefighters
Where: Alaska Firefighters Memorial, 100 E. 4th Avenue, Anchorage.
When: Friday, September 11, 6 p.m.
The firefighters have invited the public to gather in remembrance. On the 25th anniversary of September 11, this is an opportunity to honor those who were lost and the firefighters and first responders who answered the call.
However you spend this weekend, I hope you find good company. If someone comes to mind while you’re reading this, send the invitation. It doesn’t have to be elaborate. “Want to take a walk?” can mean more than we realize.
For everyone carrying a difficult anniversary, I’m thinking of you, too.
Until next week, take care of one another. That’s the Anchorage I’m grateful to call home.
—Mr. Anchorage