A wide range of cultural programs are offered year round, including those conducted by the Alaska Native Heritage Art Center, the University of Alaska Anchorage Theatre and Dance, and the Alaska Watercolor Society. The Alaska Playwright Series is sponsored by the Eccentric Theatre Company, and the Anchorage Museum of History and Art which features juried art shows and rotating exhibits such as The Shamans: Spirit Guides of Siberia.

Art events include Under 30, Holiday Food and Gift Festival, Crafts Weekend at the Museum, ReadAlaska, Make It Alaskan Festival, Anchorage Clay Guild Fall Pottery Sale, Three Barons Renaissance Fair, Alaska Fiber Festival, Earth, Fire and Fibre.

Among the many galleries and art studios are the International Gallery of Contemporary Art, the Alaska Glass Gallery, Decker Morris Gallery, Stephen Fine Arts Gallery, Aurora Lights Gallery, and the Chilkat Art Company.