Best Bets
Published 9:30 pm Wednesday, December 31, 2025
Happy New Year, Homer! The Betster is grateful to have made it through another year, and looks forward to positivity and opportunities to come in this new one. Whatever 2026 may bring, let’s meet it together as a community. For details on what’s coming up in the next couple of weeks activity-wise, just check out these Best Bets.
BEST SKI AND SNOWSHOE BET: The Friends of Kachemak Bay State Parks will host their first ski and snowshoe session of the new year at the Eveline State Recreation Site on Jan. 1 from noon to 4 p.m. Enjoy a casual get-together with guided tours, hot drinks, snacks off the grill and a warming fire. Donations welcome. If you are interested in helping out with the event, let the Friends know by emailing kbsptrails@gmail.com. Alpine Meadows Drive, Fritz Creek.
BEST ICE LANTERN WALK BET: The Alaska Maritime National Wildlife Refuge will hold their annual Beluga Slough Trail Walk on Saturday, Jan. 10, 5-7:30 p.m. Bring your ice cleats and enjoy the Beluga Slough Trail at night with candle-lit ice lanterns. Free. Dress for the weather. Stop at the AMNWR Visitor Center patio for a warming fire and s’mores or stop inside for hot chocolate and a craft. Supported by Alaska Geographic and Friends of Alaska National Wildlife Refuges. In case of inclement weather check the Refuge Facebook page for updates. 95 Sterling Highway.
BEST EARLY RELEASE DAY COLLAB BET: The kids will get out of school early on Friday, Jan. 16 — the perfect opportunity for them to learn about Homer’s homestead history! Join the Pratt Museum and Homer Public Library for a collaborative learning experience from 1:30-2:30 p.m. at the museum. This event is intended for elementary-aged kids and is free, though registration is required. For more information, check out either the Pratt or HPL websites. 3779 Bartlett St.
BEST TRAILS INFORMATION NIGHT BET: Are you interested in learning more about the process to create an accessible, multi-use trail system on this side of Kachemak Bay? Stop by Grace Ridge Brewing on Jan. 17 from 5-7 p.m. for an Eastland Trails Info Night, cohosted by the Friends of Kachemak Bay State Parks and the Homer Cycling Club. Ask questions, get information about volunteering, learn more about fundraising efforts and enjoy an evening with the crew behind the Eastland Trails project! 870 Smoky Bay Way.
BEST WINTER CALL FOR ART BET: Homer Council on the Arts invites all active members to submit artwork to their 2026 Members Show. Open to all mediums and sizes for any work made in the last two years that has not been previously shown in Homer. Please contact HCOA if your work is over 4-feet-by-4-feet. The submission form will be open Jan. 5-31. All work must be turned in to the HCOA office by 5 p.m. on Jan. 31. Work will be on display in the HCOA gallery during the month of February. 355 W. Pioneer Ave.
BEST INDOOR WALKING BET: SPARC Walks, sponsored by South Peninsula Hospital, continue every Monday from 11:45 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. until May. All are welcome to these open walks: strollers, elders, walking sticks, wheelchairs, etc. No sign-up is required! SPH will also be offering health education opportunities such as flu shots, blood pressure checks, surveys and more on some Mondays. 600 Sterling Highway.
