The downtown Alaska Center for the Performing Arts (5th Ave. and G St., 907/263-2900, www.myalaskacenter.com) offers photo shows on the northern lights, daily on the hour 9 a.m.–9 p.m. all summer.

Bear Tooth Theatrepub (1230 W. 27th Ave., 907/276-4200, www.beartooththeatre.net) has a winning combination: inexpensive second-run and art-house movies ($3), tasty light meals (including tacos, nachos, salads, burritos, and pizzas), plus brewery-fresh draft beer. It’s a great place with a family atmosphere, and it’s run by the same geniuses who created Moose’s Tooth Pub & Pizzeria.

You can eat downstairs and drink while watching the movie; upstairs is reserved for underage kids. It also has a restaurant area (very noisy) in the lobby for those who just want a meal in a family setting, and the adjacent Bear Tooth Grill with a big menu of burgers, Mexican platters, pasta, and seafood. Bear Tooth is highly recommended.

See what’s showing at local theaters by visiting www.anchoragemovies.com. Anchorage’s main theater action is the Century 16 (36th Ave. and A St., 907/929-3456), where all 16 theaters have stadium seating and reclining chairs.

Other Anchorage multiplexes include Totem 8 (3131 Muldoon Rd., 907/566-3329), Fireweed 7 (Fireweed Lane and New Seward Hwy., 907/566-3328), and Dimond Center 9 (Dimond Mall, Dimond Blvd. and Old Seward Hwy., 907/566-3327).