Bets Bets
Published 9:30 pm Wednesday, January 14, 2026
It’s cold outside, but things are heating up around here — the legislative season is about to start, the school district is gearing up for a new round of public meetings about the budget, and plenty of local organizations have events and activities planned. For details, check out these Best Bets.
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 FILM SCREENING AND ARTIST TALK BET: Are you interested in fiber arts and natural fibers? Join the Porcupine Theater Friday, Jan. 30 for an evening to honor nettle and all it makes possible with an artist talk with Carla Cope and screening of the beautiful documentary “The Nettle Dress.” Doors open at 5 p.m., Carla Cope discusses working with nettle fibers at 5:30 p.m., and the movie begins at 5:45 p.m. Textile artist Allan Brown spends seven years making a dress by hand from foraged stinging nettles, all picked on the South Downs near Brighton. This is “hedgerow couture,” the greenest of slow fashion. It’s also his medicine, the way he survives the death of his wife that left him and his four children bereft. This event is free for Porcupine members. Buy your tickets at porcupinetheater.com/movies/the-nettle-dress/.
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 PUBLIC INPUT ON SCHOOLS BET: The Kenai Peninsula Borough School District will hold a series of community meetings across the borough in February. District staff, parents and community members are invited to attend and provide input during these districtwide KPBSD budget meetings scheduled at the following times: Homer community — Tuesday, Feb. 10 at 6 p.m. in the Homer High School library; Central Peninsula community — Tuesday, Feb. 17 at 6 p.m. in the Kenai Central High School library; Seward community — Wednesday, Feb. 18 at 6 p.m. in the Seward High School library. A Zoom link will be provided for each individual meeting. Additional information and the number to call in with questions will be posted on the Events Calendar on the KPBSD website. As new budget information becomes available, it will also be posted on the Finance page. If you have questions, please call Natalie Bates at 907-714-8888.
