What to do this weekend in Mat-Su (Dec. 4-7): Winterfest, fancy trees, and a veteran fair
The weekend is packed with fun events from Talkeetna to Palmer and beyond.
What you need to know:
- Events across the Mat-Su this weekend include outdoor adventures, cozy indoor gatherings, holiday celebrations, live entertainment and community-focused activities.
- The region’s headline event is Talkeetna Winterfest, featuring a sold-out Bachelor Auction and Ball, a tree lighting, holiday parade, live music and the popular Wilderness Woman competition.
- Additional events include a stand-up comedy show in Wasilla, a community crafting session in Palmer, the Wasilla Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony, the Holiday Tree Tour at Government Peak and a Veterans Resource Fair at the Menard Center.
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There are ways to get out and about or stay in and be cozy this weekend in the Mat-Su, with big events planned areawide. The big event of the weekend is the Talkeetna Winterfest and its annual bachelor auction and ball, which always sells out and is a signature event of the northern Mat-Su.
But there’s also comedy in Wasilla, a cozy crafting event in Palmer, a resource event just for veterans, and a community tree-lighting ceremony in Wasilla that’s sure to get the kids dreaming of presents underneath.
Want more events? The Mat-Su Sentinel’s free community calendar features a wide variety of community events, with new activities added daily.
Here’s a few ideas for community events to check out this weekend in the Valley.
Love is in the Winter Air
Few wintertime events are as anticipated as the Talkeetna Winterfest, a weekend of fun and frivolity that’s become a Susitna Valley staple. While the festival’s popular bachelor auction is already sold out, there’s plenty of other events to keep folks warm.
The event kicks off with a tree-lighting at Talkeetna Village Park on Friday at 6 p.m., followed by a “Love Boat” themed holiday parade of lights. Mr. and Mrs Claus will stop by Denali Brew Pub with gifts for the kids, and there’s a show by the Jerry Wessling Band at 9 p.m. at the Fairview Inn.
Women take over the town Saturday afternoon, with the annual Wilderness Woman competition starting at noon on Main Street. Events include a water haul, “sandwich delivery,” and other tests designed to “show these bachelors what women are made of!” Single women age 21 and up can sign up at talkeetnabachelors.com and spots may be available the day of the event.The bachelor auction is Saturday night, but that’s not all – there’s music from Nothing But Trouble starting at 10 p.m. at the Fairview, with a “late night breakfast” scheduled to cap things off at 11 p.m. at The Roadhouse.
Get Creative
Looking to finish up those last-minute Christmas stockings? Got a knack for knitting? The Knik Tribe will host its monthly Community Open Crafting event Thursday from 1 to 3 p.m. at the tribal building at 1744 N. Prospect Drive in Palmer. Crafters of all kinds are invited to bring their own supplies and use the space to work on their projects “amongst family and friends!” This event is free and open to all.
Want to buy crafts? The Knik Tribe's Holiday Craft Fair is scheduled for Saturday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.at 2501 E Bogard Rd in Wasilla with handmade gifts and free entry.
He’s a Kick!
Netflix fans know him as Karate Kid Daniel LaRusso’s cousin in the Netflix hit “Cobra Kai,” but to comedy fans he’s simply Bret Ernst, an “honest, edgy” stand-up comic with more than 25 years in comedy and several television roles to his credit. Ernst will perform Friday at 7:30 p.m. at the Mat-Su Resort, located at 1850 Bogard Road in Wasilla. Tickets are $30.
Light up the Night
Wasilla will welcome the Christmas season with its annual Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony on Saturday at 5 p.m. at Iditapark (594 W. Nelson Ave.) in downtown Wasilla. The event will feature seasonal music and plenty of holiday festivities as Mayor Glenda Ledford leads the lighting of the city’s Christmas tree.
Residents looking for a more active tree-viewing event can head to Government Peak Recreation Area on Saturday between 4 and 7 p.m. for the Mat-Su Ski Club’s annual Holiday Tree Tour. Attendees can walk, ski, snowshoe, or fat bike past a series of decorated trees along the ski area’s Pioneer Loop, with warming fires, hot drinks, and plenty of holiday cheer along the way.
Veterans Invited
The Menard Center in Wasilla will host a free Veterans Resource Fair Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The event is designed to connect those who have served in the armed forces with resources available in the community. There will also be coffee and plenty of opportunities to chat and share stories with fellow vets.
For more event listings in the Mat-Su Valley, visit the Sentinel’s online calendar at matsusentinel.com/mat-su-community-calendar