What to do this weekend in Mat-Su (Jan. 22-25): Theater, Willow’s carnival and live music
What you need to know:
- After months of erratic winter conditions that canceled many events, forecasters are calling for a calm weekend, giving residents a chance to enjoy outdoor and community activities.
- Highlights include the first weekend of the Willow Winter Carnival, live acoustic music in Palmer, and two theatrical productions — Aladdin Jr. in Palmer and The Magician’s Nephew in Wasilla.
- The Knik 200 sled dog race kicks off Saturday, and the Palmer Arts Council will host its annual meeting with food, drinks and live entertainment.
- Short on time but need the local news scoop? Get free weekly news in your inbox for Mat-Su, from Mat-Su.
After weeks (OK, months) of wildly unpredictable weather, forecasters are calling for calm across the Mat-Su this weekend — which means the general hunkering that’s been in fashion this winter can be cast aside in favor of more active pursuits.
The timing couldn't be better. This weekend, there’s a beloved community carnival in the Susitna Valley, food and music for art lovers in Palmer, and a pair of theatrical productions that will bring enchantment to audiences at two Valley theaters. From the musical to the magical, here are our picks for what to do in the Mat-Su this weekend:
Winter fun in Willow
Opening weekend of the Willow Winter Carnival kicks off Friday with a concert by Wyoming “backcountry pop” singer-songwriter Jamie Hansen at 6 p.m. Hansen will also perform Saturday at 3 p.m., the highlight of a second day that includes bingo at 6 p.m. Or stop by the Willow Community Center on Sunday for a community potluck (and games) at 2 p.m., followed by a talent show at 6 p.m. More info is available on Facebook.
Palmer: Unplugged
The Palmer Alehouse Unplugged series continues Thursday with a free all-ages acoustic set from Alaska singer-songwriter Jerry Wessling at 6 p.m. Attendees under 21 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
All the Valley’s a stage
It’s the second weekend of a three-week run for Aladdin Jr. at the Glenn Massay Theater in Palmer, and the final weekend of performances for The Magician’s Nephew at Valley Performing Arts’ Machetanz Theatre in Wasilla.
Based on the classic Disney movie and presented by Triumvirate Theatre, Aladdin Jr. follows the title character on “an adventure that will test his will and his moral character.” Showtimes are 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday; tickets are $25.
Directed by David Meneses and based on a C.S. Lewis classic, The Magician’s Nephew follows a young boy on his magical adventures through enchanted lands. Tickets are $25 for adults and $22 for kids, seniors and military. Showtimes are 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday. Find more information.
Dog racing in Knik
The annual Knik 200 Joe Redington Sr. Memorial sled dog race kicks off on Knik Lake at 11 a.m. Saturday. Fifteen mushers are registered and the purse is $10,000, with cash prizes for the first through fifth finishers. The Knik 100 was canceled last month due to insufficient snow.
Arts and entertainment
The Palmer Arts Council annual meeting is Friday at 6 p.m. at Lekker Coffee (105 S. Valley Way). The event includes the meeting, plus dinner, drinks and entertainment by local artists Rogues and Wenches. Tickets are $50; visit palmerarts.org for more. Find more information on the Mat-Su Sentinel calendar.
Want your event included in an upcoming edition of "What to do this weekend in Mat-Su?" Email contact@matsusentinel.com.
-- Matt Tunseth is a freelance reporter from Southcentral Alaska. Reach him at matthew.tunseth@gmail.com