What to do this weekend in Mat-Su (April 10-12): Basketball, rambles, robots and films
There's plenty to do around Mat-Su this weekend.
What you need to know:
- Mat-Su plays host to a wide range of events this weekend, including a film festival in Talkeetna, live music in Palmer, a robotics competition and a charity basketball game.
- Outdoor and community activities include a 5K race, an end-of-winter tailgate party in Hatcher Pass, music, films and a guided hike near Reflections Lake.
- Some of the events this weekend are low-cost or free, while others carry a small cost.
- Short on time but need the local news scoop? Get free weekly news in your inbox for Mat-Su, from Mat-Su.
Want your event included in an upcoming edition of "What to do this weekend in Mat-Su?" Email contact@matsusentinel.com.
Action is the name of the game this weekend in the Mat-Su, where an eclectic array of events promises to keep even the most adventurous thrill-seekers running from venue to venue.
There’s a highly acclaimed film festival in Talkeetna, a musical celebration in downtown Palmer, a friendly basketball rivalry in Wasilla and even some battling ’bots — plus a couple of events designed to keep those feet moving.
From the robots to first responders, here are five fun things to do this weekend in Mat-Su:
Head for the mountains
Talkeetna is the place to be Friday and Saturday during the two-day BANFF Mountain Film Festival World Tour at the Sheldon Community Arts Hangar. Mountain film screenings will include selections from different films each night, starting at 7 p.m. Friday and 6:30 p.m. Saturday. Tickets are $25 general admission, $15 for kids 7-17, and free for those 6 and under. There will also be a Film Festival Marketplace and Mini Beer Festival from noon to 5 p.m. Saturday, featuring live music, vendors, breweries and saunas.
The Soggy Sneaker 5K race will be held Saturday at noon, starting at the hangar. Entry is $30 for those 12 and over and free for those 11 and under. For more information, a complete list of festival films or to purchase tickets, visit the Mat-Su Sentinel community calendar.
Birthday bash
Celebrate the birthday of one of Alaska’s most popular live performers with the man himself on Friday at 7 p.m., when the Ken Peltier Band takes the stage at the Palmer Depot building alongside DJ Lefty for Ken Peltier’s Birthday Celebration. Pizza Ria Delphi will serve pizza at the all-ages show (anyone under 21 must be accompanied by an adult). Doors open at 6 p.m.; tickets are $20. For more information, visit the Mat-Su Sentinel events calendar.
Robot sumo takes center stage
Watch some of Mat-Su’s brightest builders — and their robots — at the Mat-Su College Sumo Robotics competition on Saturday at 10 a.m. at the Glenn Massay Theater. Autonomous robots built by local high school and college students will engage in three-minute rounds as they attempt to push each other out of the robot sumo ring. The event is free and open to the public. For more information, email dnichols4@alaska.edu or visit the Mat-Su Sentinel events calendar.
Celebrate the end of winter
Pause your weekend ski or snowmachine trip in Hatcher Pass on Saturday and join Hatcher Pass Avalanche Center for an end-of-season tailgate party with free hot dogs, brats and beverages in the lower parking area at Independence Mine State Historical Park. The event is designed to mark the end of their avalanche forecasting season and help raise some more donations to help them meet their fundraising goals. The event runs from noon to 3 p.m. Find more information on HPAC’s Facebook page.
First responders hit the floor
Cheer on the good guys vs. … the good guys on Saturday at 1 p.m. at the Wasilla High gym, where local police will take on area firefighters and EMS in the YMCA of Alaska Mat-Su Shoots & Ladders basketball game. All proceeds from the event go toward Mat-Su before- and after-school programs as well as supporting the mission of building a full YMCA in the Mat-Su. Tickets are $10 general admission; kids 12 and under are free. For more information, visit the event flyer on Facebook.
Time to reflect
Walk off those winter cobwebs with a Weekend Ramble: Reflections Lake Hike on Sunday from 2 to 3:30 p.m. This community hike is hosted by Revel Treks and Tours and is free to first-time participants. The Reflections Lake hike is an easy, 1-mile hike along gravel trails and boardwalks alongside the Knik River. Join Revel guides as the group climbs a few steps to an observation tower with views of the Talkeetna and Chugach mountains. It is free to first-time participants and Revel Adventure Club members; all others pay $15. For more information or to register, visit the Mat-Su Sentinel events calendar.
-- Matt Tunseth is a freelance writer from Southcentral Alaska. Email him at matthew.tunseth@gmail.com.