What to do this weekend in Mat-Su (Feb. 26: Newsies, stargazing, ice fishing and free music
What you need to know:
- The weekend includes both free community events and ticketed performances, offering activities for families, music lovers and outdoor enthusiasts across the Mat-Su.
- Colony Drama’s “Newsies” continues at the Glenn Massay Theater in Palmer, Black Birch Books hosts a free Fourth Friday Open Mic in Wasilla, and Hope Social Club performs a free show at Hatcher Pass Lodge.
- Astronomy Night at Independence Mine offers a free stargazing session with a NASA Solar System Ambassador, while Family Ice Fishing Day on Lake Lucille features skating, fishing and winter activities.
- Short on time but need the local news scoop? Get free weekly news in your inbox for Mat-Su, from Mat-Su.
It’s a star-studded weekend in the Mat-Su, with events ranging from a free astronomy class in the thin air of the Talkeetna Mountains to ice fishing on the thick ice of Lake Lucille. There’s also plenty for music lovers, with a local production of a Broadway favorite in Palmer and a visit from one of Alaska’s top touring bands to Hatcher Pass.
From the dramatic to deep space, here are a few things to see and do this weekend in the Mat-Su:
It’s showtime
Extra! Extra! Colony Drama’s “Newsies” is in its penultimate week at the Glenn Massay Theater in Palmer. Based on the 1992 film, the musical is set in turn-of-the-20th-century New York and follows Jack Kelly, leader of a band of teen newsboys – “the newsies” – who fight for better working conditions. The local adaptation of the Broadway production is under the vocal direction of Kelly Rentz and musical direction of Jamin Burton, with choreography by Pam Burlingame, Hannah Brooke and Lily Foster.
The show runs Thursday through Saturday, Feb. 26-28, and wraps March 5-7. All performances begin at 7 p.m. Tickets are $25 for adults and $20 for students, children, seniors and active-duty military members. For tickets or more information, visit glennmassaytheater.com.
Find the star inside
Got talent? Or maybe just something to say? Black Birch Books on Bogard Road in Wasilla will host its monthly Fourth Friday Open Mic from 5 to 7 p.m. Friday.
February’s event will be held in memory of Mick Adams, a friend of the store who died in early 2025. Singing, spoken-word poetry, music and comedy are encouraged at this free, accessible event. For more information, visit Mat-Su Sentinel's calendar.
Search the stars above
Gaze at the stars and learn about the night sky during Astronomy Night at the Mine at 7 p.m. Friday at Independence Mine State Historical Park in Hatcher Pass. Participants will join NASA Solar System Ambassador Tom Mangelsdorf for an interactive outdoor astronomy lesson and a chance to look through a telescope. The free event is presented by the Mat-Su Trails and Parks Foundation. Although the event is free, participants must preregister at reveltreksandtours.com. Find more information here.
Ice, ice baby …
Spend Saturday chilling on Lake Lucille during Family Ice Fishing Day at Stillwater Cottages, (400 S. Lake St.) presented by Stillwater Cottages and Adventures by True North AK. Free activities will run from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on the lake, including ice skating (bring your own skates), ice fishing, fire pits, outdoor games and saunas to warm up, plus food trucks and s’mores for purchase. See more info on the Mat-Su Sentinel calendar.
Join the club
One of Alaska’s favorite touring bands, Hope Social Club, will drop by Hatcher Pass Lodge from 4 to 7 p.m. Saturday for a free show. Space is limited at the lodge, located near Independence Mine State Historical Park atop Palmer Fishhook Road in Hatcher Pass.
-- Matt Tunseth is a freelance writer from Southcentral Alaska. Write to him at matthew.tunseth@gmail.com