Downtown News
Devils Club Weekly Events
Devil’s Club Brewery has launched new weekly events in their downtown area to enhance community fun. Activities include Monday Board Game Night (6-9 PM) hosted by Platypus Gaming, $2 Trivia Tuesdays (7 PM) with cash prizes, themed Pizza Nights (5 PM Wednesdays), and a Stand-Up Open Mic every Thursday starting October 10th at 7 PM. Additionally, a Friday 5K Running Club begins September 20th at 5:30 PM, featuring a casual run followed by social drinks. With a variety of events, there’s something for everyone at Devil’s Club Brewery!
CBJ Recognizes Visitor Industry for Major Contributions to Flood Relief
The City and Borough of Juneau (CBJ) has recognized the significant contributions of the visitor industry following a devastating glacial outburst flood that impacted nearly 290 residences and displaced many residents. Among the supporters, the Downtown Business Association notably raised $10,000 from Franklin Street businesses and local organizations, showcasing the strong ties between the visitor industry and the community. This collective effort includes generous donations from major companies like Alaska Airlines, Carnival Corporation, and Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings, highlighting the importance of community solidarity during this challenging time.
PRESS RELEASE: Portable Southeast 2025 Call for Art
The Juneau Arts & Humanities Council (JAHC) is accepting submissions for the 2025 Portable Southeast traveling art exhibit, showcasing Southeast Alaskan artists. The exhibit will tour six regions from January to June 2025. Artists can submit up to three pieces in any 2D or 3D media by the September 30, 2024 deadline. Selected works will be reviewed by regional curators. More information is available at www.jahc.org/portable-southeast. Established in 1973, the JAHC promotes arts and culture in Juneau and operates the Juneau Arts and Culture Center.
Rooted in Community: Messerschmidt Building
The Historic Messerschmidt Building in Juneau, Alaska, built in 1914, has a rich history, originally serving as a bakery and later becoming an inn. Today, it houses “In Bocca Al Lupo,” an Italian restaurant led by Chef Beau Schooler, which revitalizes the building by offering a blend of traditional and modern Calabrian cuisine. Despite challenges from the COVID-19 pandemic, the restaurant has adapted and continues to provide exceptional dining experiences. The building symbolizes the resilience of the Juneau community, merging history with gastronomy. The article is part of a series on unique buildings in Juneau’s Downtown Historic District.
NEW Downtown Parking Stations
Off-street parking is now available via Pay-By-Phone or Pay Station, requiring payment Monday to Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at a cost of $0.75 per hour with a minimum of two hours. Parking locations include the Shopper’s Lot, North Franklin Lot, and MPG Hourly Spaces at the Marine Parking Garage. To pay by phone, download the Park Smarter app, register, select a parking location, enter the desired time, and confirm; notifications will allow you to extend your parking session. For pay stations, enter your vehicle’s plate number and pay with a credit card or exact change, noting that coins will not be returned.
Bustin’ Out Boutique and Spice Indian Cafe Awarded Main Street America Grants
Bustin’ Out Boutique and Spice Juneau Indian Cuisine have each received $10,000 grants from Main Street America and American Express, recognizing their contributions to Downtown Juneau, the only accredited Main Street America destination in Alaska. Spice, located at 112 N. Franklin St., offers authentic Indian cuisine, live music, and chai made from a family recipe, along with delivery options and Bollywood dance workshops. Meanwhile, Bustin’ Out Boutique at 118 Seward St. provides a welcoming atmosphere with a curated selection of designer lingerie and clothing, along with personalized fitting services. Both establishments exemplify the benefits of being part of the Downtown Business Association.
Juneau Ranks #8 in the Country for Most Arts Vibrancy in a Small City
SMU Data Arts recently updated for the Top 40 Arts Vibrant Communities map naming Juneau Alaska as #8 on the Small Cities list. SMU Data Arts mission is to “provide and engage organizations and individuals with the evidence-based insights needed to collectively build strong, vibrant, and equitable arts communities.” Their work “employs cutting-edge research techniques and high-powered computing to test hypotheses, build theory, and increase understanding of the arts and cultural sector. Our research efforts range from academic papers published in leading journals, applied research undertaken with community partners, and actionable insights shared directly with arts practitioners.”
In Bocca al Lupo Ranked in the Top 22 Pizza Places in the United States
On June 26, 2024, the New York Times featured In Bocca al Lupo as one of the Top 22 Pizza Places in the United States. Located in a historic downtown building in Alaska’s capital, the restaurant includes a deli, kitchen, and a casual dining room for 50 guests. Chef Beau Schooler, a multiple James Beard nominee, crafts pizzas using Pacific Northwest flours and Pennsylvania’s Caputo Brothers Creamery cheese, with classic and seasonal toppings. The wood-fired oven allows diners to watch their pizzas cook, making it a cozy spot, especially on rainy days. The Downtown Business Association congratulated the restaurant on this recognition.
Downstairs Open & New License: Devils Club Brewing Company
Devils Club Brewing Company has opened a new downstairs space, accessible via the Taproom or a new Front Street entrance. This area will be open Wednesday to Sunday and features a new license that eliminates the previous 36-ounce limit and entertainment restrictions, allowing for guest taps, games, live music, and more. Local artists’ work is currently on display, and they are proud to offer the AROMA DOME IPA from Black Spruce Brewing Company. The downstairs space is also available for rent. For more details, visit their website.
Earth To Beer: Local Collaboration for Global Impact
Devil’s Club Brewing Co and Southeast Alaska Land Trust (SEALT) are launching a collaborative beer, Earth To Beer Locally Foraged IPA, on April 20, 2024, to coincide with Earth Day. This initiative aims to support SEALT’s goal of raising $250,000 for their Acquisition Fund, which helps protect vital natural areas in Southeast Alaska. The IPA is brewed with Salmon Safe certified hops and locally foraged ingredients, reflecting SEALT’s conservation efforts. Devil’s Club will donate 10% of sales from this beer to SEALT. This release is part of a broader national campaign involving over 30 breweries, promoting environmental sustainability through special beer offerings.