Events & Festivals in Homer, Alaska

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Chamber Events

 

MAY

May Calendar of Events

 

 

 

ALL MONTH

  • Homer Middle School 
    • Early Bird Basketball  Monday, Wednesday & Friday 6:15 – 7:30  Punch Cards offered through Community Schools 235-6090
    • Night Volleyball Tuesdays or Thursdays 7:30-9:30 Ongoing  Punch Cards offered though Community Schools, 235-6090.
  • Homer Elks Club
    • Homer Emblem Club Bingo Wednesdays 6:30 – 9:30 FMI 235-0122
  • Homer Public Library
    • Knitting Circle Mondays 3-5, refreshments provided.
    • Children’s Storyhour 10-11 Tuesdays 
    • Chapter Book After School Story Hour 4:00 Wednesdays. Craig Phillips reads to Elementary-school aged children and parents are invited.
    • Infant Lap Sit with Jolee 11:30-12:00 Thursdays for Infants to 2 years old
  • Fireweed Art Gallery
    • “Down by the Sea, A First Look” Mosaic Art May 7 – June 2
    • Spring Show by the Kachemak Bay Watercolor Society May 7 – June 2
  • Homer Council on the Arts
    • Accepting application for the Homer Street Fair for vendors offering diverse products and services, arts/ crafts, energy-wise, health-wise, food, etc.  HOCA is also seeking acoustic musicians and street performers to play and perform.  Deadline is July 1.  235-4288 hcoa@homerart.org.  www.homerart.org
  • Mermaid Café
    • Johnny B live music every Thursday at 6:30
  • Boys & Girls Club
    • Hoop Play (Drop-in, All ages, All levels)  Not just for kids, HoopDancing is sweeping the nation as a great new exercise for adults & kids alike.  $5 a class + $3 drop-in fee. 1-2pm
    • Children’s Playgroup  Parents & children 0-5 years old are invited to run, romp & play.  Ongoing to April 30.  Punch Cards 10 punches for $20, 20 for $35 Mondays & Fridays 10:30 – Noon.
  • Land’s End Locals Night  Wednesdays at 5 pm
  • Community Stash
    • CommuKnitty Stash hosts a weekly evening knitting circle every Wednesday night at the CommuKnitty Stash yurt in The Yurt Village from 6:30 to 8:30.  All are welcome, come knit in our cozy little yurt.

·         Boys  & Girl’s Club

·         HOOP PLAY (Drop-in, ALL AGES, ALL LEVELS)
Thought hula hooping was just for kids?  Well, think again!  HoopDancing is sweeping the nation as a great new exercise for adults and kids alike. Come play around with Cosmic Hoops, and join the fun.  Hoops provided, or bring your own.  
Saturdays at 1:00pm - 2:00pm $5 a class plus $3 CS drop-in fee.

·         Homer High School

·         Green Room:  Latin Dance Group Therapy 6:30 on Wednesdays with Janette Aragones

·         Open Weight Room Monday through Thursday 6-8  punch cards offered through community schools.  Dress appropriately.  Wear clean indoor sneakers.

  • Alaska Islands & Oceans
    • Visitor Center Open 10-5 Daily.

THE FOLLOWING PROGRAMS ARE FREE AND IN OPERATION FROM JUNE 20 - AUGUST 14

    • Marine Discovery Labs Wednesday, Friday, Saturday 1-3PM All Summer.  June 23-26 featuring Kachemak Bay Fish & Feeding
    • Homer’s Wildlife & Birding Hotspots Sunday & Monday 3 PM
    • Glaciers Tuesday 11 AM – Talk & Slideshow
    • Beach Walks Wednesday, Friday & Saturdays 11 AM
    • Estuary & Slough Walks Tuesdays & Thursdays 1-2 PM
    • Alaska Wildlife Tuesdays, Fridays & Saturdays 3 pm (Talk or Walk)
    • Volcanoes Thursdays 11 AM Talk & Slideshow
  • Cycle Logical Bicycle Shop
    • Open Bike Shop – come and learn more about your bicycle.  Taught by Derek Reynolds 226-2925  Every Sunday 6-9  $10 per session +1-time $12 CS fee.  Punchcards 10 for $90.
  • Haas Studio
    • 5Rhythms Movement Class with Gail Edgerly.  5Rhythms is a form of freestyle dance.  This movement practice is for anyone.  If you can breathe you can dance. FMI go to www.movmentashealer.com Mondays from 6-7:15PM
  • Picture Alaska
    • Special Exhibit:  “Coastal Life” paintings by Kurt “Jake” Jacobson, an Alaskan born and raised artist who expresses his love of the Alaskan outdoors in oils and acrylics.  His work in this show reflects scenes based on living on the coasts of Alaska and how it influences our lives in Alaska.  Jocobson is a realist painter with a touch of impressionism.  Jacobson paints acrylics when striving for detail and in oils for impressionism.  He works on location in order to be fast and loose capturing the light and emotions of the moment.  Featured May 7 – June 2 with an opening artist reception 5-7:30PM Friday, May 7
  • Pratt Museum
    • Special Exhibit:  Jubilee!  2010:  Celebrating Young Artists  April 2 through May 9, 2010, This exhibit features the work of local students’ talent in the arts.
    • Special Exhibit: Backyard, Alaska:  Walsh & Freeman March 19 – May 23, 235-8635.
    • Special Exhibit:  Sailing for Salmon:  An Exhibit Celebrating 125 Years of Commercial Fishing in Bristol Bay  This exhibit celebrates commercial fishing in Bristol Bay 1884 – 1009.  Stop by the Museum this summer and watch Dave Seaman of the Wooden Boat Society as he restores a Bristol Bay Double Ender.  Opening reception May 21.
    • Fish Feedings every Tuesday & Friday at 4 pm in the marine room.  Help feed the intertidal creatures in the aquaria.  Fish feeding is fun, free and all are welcome!.
    • Forest Ecology Walks every Thursday evening at 6 pm, join a Pratt Museum docent for an hour of interesting and informative forest ecology discussion.  No fee.  Meet at the Forest Ecology Trailhead behind the museum.  The trail is flat but often muddy and is not stroller or wheelchair accessible.  Please no pets. 
    • Historic Harbor Walking Tour every Friday and Saturday at 3 pm.  Meet with a museum docent at the Pratt Wheelhouse in front of the Salty Dawg Saloon on the Homer Spit and walk the historic docks of the Homer Harbor.  Co-sponsored by the Salty Dawg Saloon.  $5 per person. 
    • Open Tuesday through Sunday 12-5, closed Mondays.  Beginning May 15, Open every day 10 – 6.
  • 2011 Rotary Conference will be held on Memorial Day Weekend 2011.  We are expecting 300+ people.  Seeking Volunteer & business involvement.
  • Bunnell Street Arts Center
    • Special Exhibit:  Karin Franzen Crane Tapestries on exhibit May 7 – June 2.  Long-time Alaskan resident, Karin Franzen lives in Fairbanks.  Days spend exploring the prairies and wetlands of South Dakota where she was raised, initiated a love of the biological world that would eventually her to a degree in Biology with an art minor.  Franzen uses skills honed over a lifetime – drawing, mathematics, structural design, sewing and an understanding of the biology – to create her work.
    • Special Exhibit:  Leah Danberg, Kelp Sculptures on exhibit May 7 – June 2.  Using Pacific kelp to create sculptural baskets in geometric flat-0wave and round baskets with shawls of kelp bladders, Danberg has been a fiber artist and basket maker since 1984. 
    • 60 Plate Artists on Exhibit till May 31:  The 17th Annual plate project, Bunnell’s Annual membership drive. Pick a plate when you give a $100 membership or more.  Coordinated by Ahna Iredale since its inception, the Plate Project is outstanding this year.  The show will travel to Anchorage for a special membership party at Gina Hollomon and Ward Hulbert’s gallery in June.  There are many fabulous plates to pick from and seventeen new artists participating! 
  • Pier One Theatre opens this month.  Enjoy “Live Theatre” on the Spit from May – September 235-7333, www.pieronetheatre.org
  • Homer Jackpot Halibut Derby begins May 1 – September 30.  Get your $10 derby ticket, giving you a many chances to win.  Thousands of dollars given away each year!!!

 

Sa1      Homer Chamber of Commerce

            Clean Up Day  Increase your publicity while sprucing up the town!  Sponsors needed for advertising and prize donations.  Contact Paula 235-7740 or halibutderby@homeralaska.org.  Get your group together, clean up the town for summer and get ready to win big!

Alaska Society of Radiologic Technologist is having a conference from April 30 – May 1.  We are expecting 75 – 80 people in town.  Meetings are to be held at Land’s End.  We will open our doors, increase our staff and do what it takes to welcome our guests to Homer!

 

Su2

Mo3

Tu4

We5     Cinco De Mayo

We5     Kachemak Bay Campus

Commencement Exercises  7pm at Mariner Theatre

Th6      Center for Alaskan Coastal Studies

Shorebird Festival Kick-off

5-7pm at CACS, 708 Smoky Bay Way. 235-6667

Homer Coucil on the Arts

Susan Grace:  Singing for the Birds  7 PM  Admission $12, $10 members.  Tickets at HCOA.  Susan Grace, known as Alaskan troubadour, naturalist and educator, performs her folk style of music, singing out for the birds, critters and Alaskan  wilderness.

6-10      18th Annual Kachemak Bay Shorebird Festival   

The theme is Partners Around the Pacific: Common Waters, Uncommon Birds.

We are thrilled to celebrate spring keynote speaker Peter Harrison. This fun-filled weekend celebrates the annual return of hundreds and thousands of shorebirds as well as seabirds and woodland birds to Kachemak Bay. The Festival is geared towards birders of all ages and skills, with workshops and presentations, field events and entertainment for the entire family. Call the Chamber for information 235-7740, fax 235-8766.

Fr7       Art Shop Gallery

            First Friday Show

            Libby Berezin, Soldotna Pottery Artist 507 pm

Homer Public Library

Computer Question Help Session  3:30

Bird is the Word Writing Workshop.  Author Nancy Lord presents writing workshop in conjunction with the Shorebird Festival. 

Alaska Islands & Ocean Visitor Center

Jr Birder’s Lab  3-5pm.  Learn about local birds and earn a special Jr. Birder patch for ages 5-8.  Free family event.

The Homestead

Friday Wine Class  6:00 PM.  Try 3 wines with appetizers for $25 per person.  Thirty Years of Port

Picture Alaska Art Gallery

FIRST FRIDAY “Coastal Life” paintings by Kurt “Jake” Jacobson, an Alaskan born and raised artist who expresses his love of the Alaskan outdoors in oils and acrylics.  His work in this show reflects scenes based on living on the coasts of Alaska and how it influences our lives in Alaska.  Jocobson is a realist painter with a touch of impressionism.  Jacobson paints acrylics when striving for detail and in oils for impressionism.  He works on location in order to be fast and loose capturing the light and emotions of the moment.  Featured May 7 – June 2 with an opening artist reception 5-7:30PM Friday, May 7

 

Pratt Museum

Keynote Speaker Welcome Reception 4-6 pm  Meet this year’s keynote speak Peter Harrison.  Enjoy refreshment and browse the current museum exhibits.  No admission.

CACS Yurt on the Spit

Shorebird Festival Dock Tours ~ 235-6667

7-8        Anchor Point Auction and Salt Water King Tournament 

Sponsored by the South Peninsula Sportsman's Association. Call 235-2600 for date, time and location.

8-9        Kachemak Bay Quilters Show at the Homer Elks, 10a-8p Sat, 10a-4pSun.  Call 235-2127 from 8AM - NOON for more information.

Sa8      Center for Alaskan Coastal Studies

Shorebird Festival Kids Events – CACS on Smoky Bay Way. 235-6667

            Shorebird Festival Dock Tours – CACS Yurt on the Spit. 235-6667

            Alice’s Champagne Palace

            Whiskey Jacks Benefit Concert  9pm – Midnight.  $15 admission.  Call 235-5263  Lively Irish & bluegrass music to support the Kachemak Heritage Land Trust’s land conservation work on the Kenai Peninsula.  Non-smoking event with open kitchen. 

Homer United Methodist Church

            Pancake Breakfast 6 am – noon  WELCOME ALL BIRDERS!  Please join us to celebr4ate the State Park’s 40th anniversary.

            Bunnell Street Arts Center

            Jazzmom’s Jazz Trio  With 4 cd’s to her name (&4 children), Jazzmom, Melissa Bledsoe Fischer will perform with bassist Dirk Westphall and Pat Owens on horn.  Concert with wine bar 8 pm $20

Su9      Happy Mother’s Day!

            Bunnell Street Arts Center

            Jazzmom’s Jazz Trio  With 4 cd’s to her name (&4 children), Jazzmom, Melissa Bledsoe Fischer will perform with bassist Dirk Westphall and Pat Owens on horn.  Concert with Maura’s Mother’s Day Brunch Noon $40.  $5 off brunch tix purchased by members by May 1.  235-2662

Alaska Islands & Ocean Visitor Center

Birder’s Coffee  9-11AM.  Speakers Jr Birder and Big Day Birder award ceremonies, raffles, live birds, guest artist and delicious refreshments.  Family Free event. – part of the Shorebird festival.

Anchor Point Senior Center

Mother’s Day Spceical Breakfast 9-1

Land's End Resort

Mother's Day Brunch  Contact Darrel Oliver at 235-0406 for more information.

            Pratt Museum

Feathers & Folding 1pm to 3pm.  This annual shorebird event offers kids and their companion adults the opportunity to learn about bird feathers and make an origami bird. Regular admission applies, free to museum members

Mo10    Homer Chamber of Commerce

            “Business Startup” Presented by Bryan Zak of the Small Business Association in the Chamber Conference Room $20 10 – noon.

            Islands & Oceans

            Marine Mammal Stranding Network  5 pm.  This meeting is open to anyone who wants to join our group and would be the best meeting for people to attend if they are thinking about joining since we will be doing our training during this meeting…

Tu11     Best Western Bidarka

            Homer Chamber of Commerce Luncheon Department of Labor Lunch Available $12 for members, $14 for non-members. 

We12

Th13.    Alaska Islands & Ocean Visitor Center

Three Cups of Tea – A Mother’s Perspective  7-9 AM in Auditorium.  Dr Jerene Mortenson, mother of Greg Mortenson (author of best-selling book ‘Three Cups of Tea’ and the new ‘Stones into Schools’) will be here in Homer to discuss Greg’s work building peace one school at a time in Afghanistan..

 

Fr14     The Homestead

Friday Wine Class  6:00 PM.  Try 3 wines with appetizers for $25 per person.  Brown Bag:  Can you guess which red?

Islands & Oceans Visitor Center

Homer Chamber of Commerce hosts GET TO KNOW HOMER 9-1 A great opportunity for those in the tourism industry to get to know what all Homer has to offer.  Free and open to the public.

 

Sa15    Armed Forces Day

The Homestead

Tour de France 6:30 PM.  Five course Meal with paired beer and wines.  Price includes tax and gratuity. $75

            Law Enforcement Torch Run

            Proceeds stay in Homer.  Call Carol 235-7805.  Race 10 AM

Su16    The Cooking School at Tutka Bay

            The Harmony of Food – Japanese Influences May 16 – May 20  274-2710, info@withinthewild.com, www.withinthewild.com

Mo17    Homer Chamber of Commerce 

            SBDC “Building a Website Basics” Seminar $40 Learn the easy way to market your company.   Some of Dave’s agenda will include:  Can I build my own website – Pros and Cons?  How do I choose the best web designer?  How much should I expect to spend?  Sign up now.  2:30 – 5PM.  Register online be fore 5/121 deadline at http://aksbdc.ecenterdirect.com or contact Bunny for info (907)260-5629

Homer Public Library

            War On Weeds  9-5.  Come help make the library beautiful!

Alaska Islands & Ocean Visitor Center

Alaskan Bike Trips;  From Basic to Burly  6-8PM.  In the Seminar Room

Tu18     Pratt Museum

International Museum Day 10-6 Free Admission in celebration of International Museum Day.  This year’s theme is “Museums for social harmony”.  Museums are an important means of cultural exchange, enrichment of culture and development of mutual understanding, cooperation and peace among people.

Quilters Reception Tea  10 - Noon.  Sponsored by the Patrons of the Pratt Society (POPS), this reception will officially unveil this year’s raffle quilt made by the Kachemak Bay Quilters Group.

Alaska Islands & Ocean Visitor Center

Friend’s of Alaska National Wildlife Refuges monthly membership meeting   4:30-6:30 in Refuge Conference Room.  Independent, non-profit Organization dedicated to promoting the conservation of the natural resources of all the Alaska National Wildlife Refuges

We19   Homer Senior Citizens

            Social Security 9-1

Th20

Fr21     First Alaskan Veterans Halibut Fishing Tournament www.akvft.org  Call Jack Roskind 529-5174.

ATTN: Homer Businesses ~ We are expecting over 200 fishermen plus their families to the Homer area interested in lodging, dining, boating, shopping & other activities.

 

 

 

 

 

The Homestead

Friday Wine Class  6:00 PM.  Try 3 wines with appetizers for $25 per person.  Malbec:  The New Road

 

Pratt Museum

Sailing for Salmon:  An Exhibit Celebrating 125 Years of Commercial Fishing in Bristol Bay  This exhibit celebrates commercial fishing in Bristol Bay 1884 – 1009.  Stop by the Museum this summer and watch Dave Seaman of the Wooden Boat Society as he restores a Bristol Bay Double Ender.  Opening reception 5-7.  6 pm presentation by Melvin Munson, Sr., Tim Troll and John Branson.  Bring your favorite salmon appetizer or dish to the Pratt by 4:L30 to share at the Sailing for Salmon opening reception.  Get creative:  Find your favorite salmon recipes – bring some tot share – taste the best of Homer’s salmon…and put a gold star on your favorite dish!  The best salmon dish will receive a People’s Choice Award and win a gift to eh Pratt Museum Store!

Sa22    The Homestead

“Dinner at the Vineyards”  6:30 PM.  Five course meals with paired beer or wines.  Price includes tax and gratuity.  Benefit for the Center for Alaskan Coastal Studies $100 each, $175 couple, Enjoy a decadent meal, wines, beautiful music and a live auction.  Support outdoor education for Alaskan youth and families.  www.akcoastalstudies.org

TRAILS Independent Living Center

Gear Swap  9-2 Homer High.  Buy / Trade / Buy gear for all seasons.  Rent a table $15 to sell your own gear.  They sell your gear taking 25% up to a $100.  Tax deductable.  Drop gear off at the ILC at the corner of Bartlett & Soundview.  Benefits TRAILS – Homers Inclusive Recreation Program.  FMI, call Tela 235-7911

Homer Council on the Arts

Silk Painting Workshops  Returning by popular demand:  Instructors Sarah and Katie Cronk.  Silk painting is like water coloring on fabric, or tie-dying.  Painting on a new media – Be fashionable and wear your art.  Kids Class (Age 10+) 10AM – Noon.  Cost $35 for members, $40 for non-members.  Material fee $10.  Limit 12.  Kids will make a silk bandana!  Adults $65 for members $75 for non-members.  Material Fee $30.   Limit 12, Adults will make 3-4 silk scarves.  Call HCOA 235-4299 to register.  hcoa@homerart.org.  www.homerart.org

Center for Alaskan Coastal Studies

Peterson Bay Nature Tour ‘Local’s’ Special $80 p/p 11 AM _ 4 PM  Head across Kachemak Bay for opportunities to view marine birds and a seabird colony.  Onshore, you will be guided by our naturalist to experience the incredible richness exposed by Kachemak Bay’s extreme tidal changes.  235-6667

Su23    The Cooking School at Tutka Bay

            Memories of a French Country Kitchen May 23-29, 274-2710, info@withinthewild.com, www.withinthewild.com

           

Mo24    Homer Chamber of Commerce

            “Build a Buisness Plan” Presented by Bryan Zak of the Small Business Association in the Chamber Conference Room $40 10 – noon.

 

Tu25     Cruise ship will be in port today.  300+ visitors per ship.  In port Approximately 10a-5p.  They will continue to arrive every other Tuesday through September 14th.

We26   Bunnell Street Arts Center

            Evening with Lady Greensleeves, 7:30 pm.  Lindianne sings her ballads, romances, and adventures with a smoky voice.  Through music songs and  readings, An Evening with Lady Greensleeves introduces Lady Greensleeves, an Irish troubadour who participated in the multi-generational Irish movement in the 1500’s to save Ireland’s Culture from destruction by English invaders-a stirring chapter in the annals of freedom which LIndianne detailed in her book.  Greensleeves:  An Historical Novel of the First Irish Diaspora.  Suggested Admission $15.  Pay as you can.

            Alaska Islands & Ocean Vistior Center

            Guided Bird Walk  2-3PM  Meeet volunteer guide Nancy Langer for a walk along Beluga Slough to look for birds.  We’ll have some binoculars available to loan out…

Kachemak Bay College

            Coordinated Transportation Plan Workgroup

            5-7 PM  FMI Call 1-866-535-1877

Th27     Fresh Sourdough Express Bakery & Café

            Homer Chamber of Commerce Mixer 5pm Open to the public.

Fr28     Pratt Museum

Bristol Bay Double Ender special exhibit Opening reception at 5pm.  

Pier One Theatre

            Much Ado About Nothing  8:15

The Homestead

Friday Wine Class  6:00 PM.  Try 3 wines with appetizers for $25 per person.  Red Wines to Pair with Seafood

28-31    Seldovia Chamber

Craft Invitational Chainsaw Carving Contest and Awards  Call 234-7612 or visit www.seldoviachamber.org  for more details on this anticipated event.

28-31    Anchor Point Chamber of Commerce

Anchor Point Memorial Weekend Family Fun Festival  Events include free cookouts, pancake breakfast, games for kids of all ages, teen and adult softball and home run derby, music and lots of fun. VFW and American Legion Memorial Day services at local cemeteries. Contact 235-2600 for more information.

Sa29    Pier One Theatre

            Much Ado About Nothing  8:15

Homer Spit

Homer Yacht Club Sourdough Regatta 

Race start at 1pm.  For more information visit www.homeryachtclub.org

Sa29    Center for Alaskan Coastal Studies

Across the Bay Natural History Tours begins! Contact 235-667 for additional information. Tours continue daily until Labor Day.

Alice’s Champagne Palace

International Gallery of Contemporary Art’s Object Runway Fashion Show presented by Bunnell Street Arts Center.  Shows at 5 and 8 pm. 

Homer Intuitive Arts Festival – Eath, Sun, Heart, Mind & Changes

Homer Elks Lodge 5 PM $5.  FMI Call 235-5433

Sailboat Races

Homer Yacht Club sponsors races at the end of the spit.  Captain’s meeting at p float at 11 AM.  Races start at 1PM.

HOWL

Edible Harvest and Survival Skills Weekend  Wilderness camps & Expeditions near Homer,  Ages 11+, $85.  Contact www.homerwildernessleaders.com 

Su30    The Cooking School at Tutka Bay

            A Northern Italian Table May 30 – June 5  274-2710, info@withinthewild.com, www.withinthewild.com

Kachemak Bay Campus

Early Registration for Kachemak Bay Writers Conference Ends Today.  Visit Kachemak Bay Campus on Pioneer Avenue or call 235-7743.

Pier One Theatre

            Much Ado About Nothing  7:30

Cook Inletkeeper

15th Anniversary Benefit Bash  FMI Call 235-4068 * 21”Protecting Alaska’s Cook Inlet watershed and the life it sustains since 1995.

Mo31    Memorial Day

HOWL

Beginner Trip #1 Wilderness camps & Expeditions near Homer, Alaska  May 31 – June 4   Ages 11+, $85.  Contact www.homerwildernessleaders.com 

Kachemak Cowboy Race Challenge & Chili Cook off

Cottonwood Horse Park 11 AM  Season Opener Sponsored by the Kachemak Bay Equestrian Association, Cottonwood Horse Park will promote and encourage activities in the community through educational, recreational, therapeutic, and youth programs. The development of a non-motorized, multi-use park and riding arena will provide a safe environment for interaction between the general public and equine enthusiasts. This park will also provide access to new and existing non-motorized trails in the area.

 

 

List Your Event!

To list your local event on the HCOC Calendar, please call the Chamber at 235-7740 or email us at viscenter@homeralaska.org.

Activities are updated as new events come in. Please call the Homer Chamber of Commerce for updates at 235-7740 or email us at viscenter@homeralaska.org.