Events

James Whistler, 8, operates a mini excavator during Gold Rush Days on Saturday, June 17, 2023. People young and old were offered a chance to place tires around traffic cones and other challenges after getting a brief introduction to the excavator. (Mark Sabbatini / Juneau Empire file photo)

There’s good reason to be extra charged up for this year’s Juneau Gold Rush Days

Digital registration for logging/mining competitors new for 32nd annual event this weekend.

James Whistler, 8, operates a mini excavator during Gold Rush Days on Saturday, June 17, 2023. People young and old were offered a chance to place tires around traffic cones and other challenges after getting a brief introduction to the excavator. (Mark Sabbatini / Juneau Empire file photo)
Runners take off from the starting line of the 35th annual Only Fools Run at Midnight at 11:59 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 21, 2019. The event included a costume contest and 1-mile and 5-kilometer run/walk/wheelchair. The event is being revived this year at 9 p.m. Friday. (Nolin Ainsworth / Juneau Empire file photo)

‘Only Fools Run’ costume-themed fundraising race returns for summer solstice after multiyear absence

5K and 1-mile events will start downtown at 9 p.m. Friday, rather than old tradition of midnight.

Runners take off from the starting line of the 35th annual Only Fools Run at Midnight at 11:59 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 21, 2019. The event included a costume contest and 1-mile and 5-kilometer run/walk/wheelchair. The event is being revived this year at 9 p.m. Friday. (Nolin Ainsworth / Juneau Empire file photo)
Jackie Renninger Park, which is scheduled to receive structural and safety improvements. (City and Borough of Juneau photo)

Neighbors briefs

See design ideas for Jackie Renninger Park at June 24 public meeting CBJ Parks and Recreation, and Corvus Design, will host a public meeting on… Continue reading

Jackie Renninger Park, which is scheduled to receive structural and safety improvements. (City and Borough of Juneau photo)
Melina Meyer and Laine Rinehart laugh while weaving the bottom fringe of the Chilkat Pride robe on Saturday. The robe will be exhibited and danced in for the first time during this year’s Celebration. (Jasz Garrett / Juneau Empire)

Celebration 2024 mixes decades of tradition with new events

Thousands gather in Juneau for four-day Indigenous dance-and-culture festival starting Wednesday.

Melina Meyer and Laine Rinehart laugh while weaving the bottom fringe of the Chilkat Pride robe on Saturday. The robe will be exhibited and danced in for the first time during this year’s Celebration. (Jasz Garrett / Juneau Empire)
This Woodworm Grease Bowl by artist Patrizia (Patty) Fiorella is among the works accepted into Sealaska Heritage Institute’s 2024 Juried Art Show and Competition as part of First Friday and Celebration. (Brian Wallace / Courtesy of Sealaska Heritage Institute)

Here’s what happening for First Friday in June

Art events affiliated with Celebration, skateboarding and pro-choice activism among activities.

This Woodworm Grease Bowl by artist Patrizia (Patty) Fiorella is among the works accepted into Sealaska Heritage Institute’s 2024 Juried Art Show and Competition as part of First Friday and Celebration. (Brian Wallace / Courtesy of Sealaska Heritage Institute)
Nick Hanson of the NBC show “American Ninja Warrior” kicks off the blanket toss at the 2020 Traditional Games in Juneau. (Lyndsey Brollini / Sealaska Heritage Institute)

Neighbors: Celebration begins Wednesday with mix of traditional and new events

Nearly 1,600 dancers from 36 dance groups scheduled to participate in four-day gathering.

Nick Hanson of the NBC show “American Ninja Warrior” kicks off the blanket toss at the 2020 Traditional Games in Juneau. (Lyndsey Brollini / Sealaska Heritage Institute)
“Curiosities of Alaska” by Junnie Chup, which won first place in Kindred Post’s 2024 statewide postcard art contest. (Photo courtesy of Kindred Post)

Neighbors briefs

Kindred Post announces 2024 statewide postcard art contest winners Kindred Post on Wednesday announced the 10 winners of their statewide postcard art contest. Each of… Continue reading

“Curiosities of Alaska” by Junnie Chup, which won first place in Kindred Post’s 2024 statewide postcard art contest. (Photo courtesy of Kindred Post)
Juneau Symphony members rehearse Thursday for this weekend’s “BOOM” pops concerts at the Juneau-Douglas High School: Yadaa.at Kalé Auditorium. (Mark Sabbatini / Juneau Empire)

Juneau Symphony ends its season with things that go ‘BOOM’ in the night

Ensemble will feature popular film scores, solo by Dallas Brass trumpet player this weekend at JDHS.

Juneau Symphony members rehearse Thursday for this weekend’s “BOOM” pops concerts at the Juneau-Douglas High School: Yadaa.at Kalé Auditorium. (Mark Sabbatini / Juneau Empire)
The interior of the Pipeline Skate Park on Dec. 7, 2023. (Mark Sabbatini / Juneau Empire file photo)

Neighbors briefs

Join interactive design meeting for Jackie Renninger Park on May 21 CBJ Parks and Recreation, along with Corvus Design, will hold an interactive public meeting… Continue reading

The interior of the Pipeline Skate Park on Dec. 7, 2023. (Mark Sabbatini / Juneau Empire file photo)
Kaxhatjaa X’óow/Herring Protectors wearing robes, which will be part of the exhibit “Protection: Adaptation & Resistance” at the Alaska State Museum on Friday. (Photo by Caitlin Blaisdell)

Here’s what happening for First Friday in May

Exhibit by more than 45 Alaska Natives at state museum features protector robes, MMIP Day preview.

Kaxhatjaa X’óow/Herring Protectors wearing robes, which will be part of the exhibit “Protection: Adaptation & Resistance” at the Alaska State Museum on Friday. (Photo by Caitlin Blaisdell)
Sister Sadria Akina, Elder Tanner Christensen and Elder Bronson Forsberg, all missionaries with the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, collect litter on April 22, 2023, in the Lemon Creek area. It was their first time partaking in Juneau’s communitywide cleanup. (Ben Hohenstatt / Juneau Empire file photo)

Neighbors briefs

Annual Litter Free citywide cleanup on Saturday Saturday is set for Litter Free’s annual communitywide cleanup. People are encouraged to go to one of the… Continue reading

Sister Sadria Akina, Elder Tanner Christensen and Elder Bronson Forsberg, all missionaries with the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, collect litter on April 22, 2023, in the Lemon Creek area. It was their first time partaking in Juneau’s communitywide cleanup. (Ben Hohenstatt / Juneau Empire file photo)
A handmade ornament from a previous U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree. (Photo courtesy of U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree)

Neighbors briefs

Ornaments sought for 2024 U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree The Alaska Region of the Forest Service, comprised of the Tongass and Chugach National Forests, is honored… Continue reading

A handmade ornament from a previous U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree. (Photo courtesy of U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree)
Artwork by Eric Bealer, seen here, and his wife, Pam, will be featured at Alaska Robotics Gallery as part of first Friday in April. (Sitka Conservation Society photo)

Here’s what’s happening for First Friday in April

Annual UAS student ceremics show, Folk Fest sneak peak and art exhibits in full bloom.

Artwork by Eric Bealer, seen here, and his wife, Pam, will be featured at Alaska Robotics Gallery as part of first Friday in April. (Sitka Conservation Society photo)
A photo by Ben Huff being exhibited as part of his presentation at 6:30 p.m. at the Alaska State Museum. (Photo courtesy of the Alaska State Museum)

Here’s what’s happening for First Friday in March

Both the state and city museums are celebrating 20 years of artistic achievements, the state’s former budget director makes his debut showing of woodworkings, and… Continue reading

A photo by Ben Huff being exhibited as part of his presentation at 6:30 p.m. at the Alaska State Museum. (Photo courtesy of the Alaska State Museum)
Joslyn Unger’s winning submission to the 2023 Alaska Fish Heritage Award, part of the Wildlife Forever Fish Art Contest. (Courtesy U.S. Forest Service)

Neighbors briefs

Alaska Fish Heritage Contest seeking entries from young artists Alaska Fish Heritage Contest is in full swing with a challenge to Alaska students in grades… Continue reading

Joslyn Unger’s winning submission to the 2023 Alaska Fish Heritage Award, part of the Wildlife Forever Fish Art Contest. (Courtesy U.S. Forest Service)
Participants perform in the 2023 Juneau’s Got Talent competition. (Juneau Dance Theater photo)

Neighbors briefs

11 acts scheduled to perform Saturday in 7th annual Juneau’s Got Talent Eleven acts will show off their talent and compete for cash prizes at… Continue reading

Participants perform in the 2023 Juneau’s Got Talent competition. (Juneau Dance Theater photo)
A landscape interpretation by Hollis Kitchin, whose work will be featured Friday at the Barnaby Brewing Company. (Photo courtesy of the Juneau Arts and Humanities Council)

Here’s what’s happening for First Friday in February

A multitude of options for people looking to make or buy creative items for Valentine’s Day is among the other usual assortment of art exhibitions,… Continue reading

A landscape interpretation by Hollis Kitchin, whose work will be featured Friday at the Barnaby Brewing Company. (Photo courtesy of the Juneau Arts and Humanities Council)
Clarise Larson / Juneau Empire File Locals gathered for a whale of a time near “Tahku,” the whale sculpture under shimmering lights and loud booms for the annual firework display over Gastineau Channel in 2022.

How to celebrate the many sights and sounds of July 4

“Voices of Alaska” theme for downtown parade reflects range of Juneau’s traditional holiday events

Clarise Larson / Juneau Empire File Locals gathered for a whale of a time near “Tahku,” the whale sculpture under shimmering lights and loud booms for the annual firework display over Gastineau Channel in 2022.
A member of the 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment, also known as The Old Guard, places flags in front of each headstone for "Flags-In" at Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, Thursday, May 25, 2023, to honor the Nation's fallen military heroes ahead of Memorial Day. (AP Photo / Andrew Harnik)

A Memorial Day explainer

Plus, what’s happening in Juneau on Monday.

  • May 26, 2023
  • By Ben Finley Associated Press
  • NewsEvents
A member of the 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment, also known as The Old Guard, places flags in front of each headstone for "Flags-In" at Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, Thursday, May 25, 2023, to honor the Nation's fallen military heroes ahead of Memorial Day. (AP Photo / Andrew Harnik)
Lisa Hawkins interviews drummer Cameron Cartland for the Anchorage-based livestream concert/conversation podcast Amplify Alaska. (Courtesy Photo / Yngvil Vatn Guttu)

Upcoming concert series to ‘Amplify Alaska’ voices

Saturday night show to serve as a fundraiser for Aak’w Rock Indigenous Music Festival.

Lisa Hawkins interviews drummer Cameron Cartland for the Anchorage-based livestream concert/conversation podcast Amplify Alaska. (Courtesy Photo / Yngvil Vatn Guttu)