What to do this weekend in Mat-Su (March 27-29): Icebreaker concert, young entrepreneurs, open mic

Days are longer, breakup is on its way, and things are feeling very spring-like across the Mat-Su if you can ignore the still-frigid temperatures in the morning.

In recognition of the season of renewal, here are five fresh community events sure to get you in the swing of the season this weekend:

Mat-Su Sentinel benefit

Join the Mat-Su Sentinel and help support our mission of providing nonpartisan, nonprofit community journalism while rocking out to one of Alaska’s coolest bands Saturday from 7 to 10 p.m. during our first Mat-Su Sentinel Icebreaker: A Benefit Party at the rink at the MTA Events Center in Palmer. 

Ice skate or dance to music by the Super Saturated Sugar Strings, or just enjoy some ice cream or refreshments at this unique benefit event, which will also include food and beer for purchase. Tickets are $25 each and include concert entry, open ice skate, skate rentals, and drinks while supplies last with special prices for kids.  Tickets are available in advance or at the door.  For more information, visit the event page. 

Open mic night

Share your talent with the world during Black Birch Books’ open mic night on Friday from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Wasilla bookstore. Singing, poetry, comedy, stories and musical instruments are all encouraged at this free monthly community event that’s open to all ages. For more information, visit the Mat-Su Sentinel calendar.

Musical theater

Watch community members transform the Glenn Massay Theater into a fantastical chocolate factory for a production of Roald Dahl’s “Willy Wonka: The Musical” Friday through Sunday in Palmer. Based on the 1971 Gene Wilder film, the production features a cast of more than 50, including a large group of Oompa Loompas. Don’t miss this musical adventure, which runs March 27-29 and April 2-5. Showtimes are 7 p.m. Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays and 2 p.m. Sundays, with an additional 2 p.m. show Friday, March 27. Tickets are $30, or $27 for military, seniors and students. For more information, visit the Mat-Su Sentinel calendar.

Entrepreneur expo for the young folks

Connect with some of the Valley’s brightest young people during the Young Entrepreneur Expo on Saturday from noon to 4 p.m. at the Mat-Su Resort, 1850 E. Bogard Road, in Wasilla. Shop from young entrepreneurs selling a variety of goods and crafts during this show, which is free to attend. For more information, visit the Mat-Su Sentinel calendar.

Chamber auction

Help raise funds for new directional road signs leading to Palmer during the Palmer Chamber of Commerce 2026 Annual Auction on Saturday from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Alaska State Fairgrounds Event Center. Tickets include a silent and live auction, dinner and live music, plus recognition of outstanding chamber members. This year’s fundraising focus is raising money for new signs leading visitors to Palmer. Tickets are $80 for an individual or $600 for a table of eight. For more information, visit palmerchamber.org.

-- Matt Tunseth is a freelance writer from Southcentral Alaska. Email him at matthew.tunseth@gmail.com.