What to do this weekend in Mat-Su (Nov. 21-23)
From music at the Glenn Massay to fundraisers for baseball, a food drive, and a charity hockey game, there's plenty to do in Mat-Su this weekend.
What you need to know:
- Live shows take center stage Friday night, including the 11th annual Parlor in the Round musical improv at the Glenn Massay Theater and a stand-up comedy set by Bo Johnson at the Mat-Su Resort.
- Community-focused events offer ways to give back, with a Friendsgiving food drive and potluck at Black Birch Books on Friday and the Guns N’ Hoses charity hockey game between police and firefighters Saturday night.
- Shopping and fundraising round out the weekend, including the Mat-Su Miners Fall Fundraiser Saturday in Palmer and a two-day holiday market at the Alaska Museum with local vendors, food trucks, and a visit from Santa.
- Short on time but need the local news scoop? Get free weekly news in your inbox for Mat-Su, from Mat-Su.
It’s shaping up to be a bad weekend for people who like to stay bored.
From fierce but friendly rivalries to a literary “Friendsgiving” – with plenty of jokes, shopping, and songs thrown in – there’s a busy slate of events set across the Mat-Su this weekend for all to enjoy. The only problem facing entertainment fans may be choosing between events.
Here’s our picks for the best ways to get out and about this weekend in the Valley. Want even more event options? The Mat-Su Sentinel’s free community calendar features a wide variety of community events, with new activities added daily.
Parlor in the Round
Hosted by the Valley’s own Kevin Worrell, this improv musical event, now in its 11th year, will feature Braden Rollins of Blackwater Railroad Company, The Robotz (Palmer trio Brian Daniels, Anthony Hastings and Katie Heller) and Toronto’s Barbra Lica on Friday, Nov. 21 at the Glenn Massay Theater.
According to organizers, Parlor in the Round “Feels like dinner theater. Sounds like a house concert. Looks like improv comedy.” Artists will take turns playing songs, sharing stories and “riffing with each other” through six rounds of musical challenges. There’s even audience participation! Doors open at 6:30 p.m.; the show starts at 7 p.m. Tickets are $25 in advance or $30 at the door.
Comedy at the Mat-Su Resort
Seattle comedian Bo Johnson brings his act north to the Mat-Su Resort (1850 Bogard Road) in Wasilla for a comedy show Friday, Nov. 21 at 7:30 p.m. Johnson has been featured on Netflix is a Joke Radio, Kevin Hart Presents: Hart of the City and numerous comedy festivals in the U.S. and Canada. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Ages 18 and older. Tickets are $28.
Friendsgiving food drive
Black Birch Books in Palmer is hosting a free “Friendsgiving” potluck and food drive on Friday, Nov. 21 from 5 to 6:30 p.m. Participants are invited to bring a favorite dish to share as well as nonperishable and canned goods to help local families in need. This is a free event open to all.
Guns N’ Hoses hockey
This 4th annual Guns N’ Hoses charity hockey game at the Menard Center in Wasilla on Saturday, Nov. 22 will feature teams of police officers facing off against their rivals in local fire departments.
Festivities will include a chuck-a-puck, raffle, split-the-pot, “turkey bowling,” a beer and wine garden and between-period entertainment. Doors open at 5 p.m.; puck drops at 7:15 p.m. Tickets are $12 in advance or $15 at the door, but kids 12 and under get in free.
Mat-Su Miners fall fundraiser
It’s the depths of winter, but the local boys of summer will be looking for some support at the annual Mat-Su Miners Fall Fundraiser at 5 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 22 at the Palmer Depot in downtown Palmer. The event for the local Alaska Baseball League team will include an auction, split-the-pot, food and drinks, and more. Tickets are $65 each or $45 for a designated driver ticket. For more information, call the team at (907) 745-6401 or email generalmgrminers@gmail.com
Holiday Market at the museum
Finally, what would a pre-holiday weekend be without plenty of shopping? The Alaska Museum (formerly the Alaska Museum of Transportation and Industry), located at 3800 W. Museum Drive in Wasilla, will host its annual holiday market Saturday and Sunday, Nov. 22-23 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day. With more than 20 vendors – as well as food trucks, hot chocolate and a visit from Santa – the event promises to offer plenty of holiday gift ideas and winter cheer. Admission is $5, with kids 10 and under admitted for free.
Matt Tunseth is a freelance writer from Southcentral Alaska. Write to him at matthew.tunseth@gmail.com