The green of summer is finally turning and tourist traffic is beginning to trickle in! If you’re looking for things to do while out and about enjoying the lovely weather we’ve been having, look no further than these Best Bets!

BEST AUTHOR TALK BET: Alaska author and storyteller Aurora Hardy will present a talk on her historical fiction novel, “The Ghost of the Kenai” on Thursday, May 22, at 6 p.m. at the Homer Public Library. Stop in to meet Hardy and hear her read from her book, set in the late 1700s on the Kenai River, where characters are trying to uncover the mystery of a ghost while Alaska Native and Russian culture ultimately come into conflict. A book signing will follow the author talk and reading. Copies of the book will be available for purchase through the Homer Bookstore. For more information, visit www.cityofhomer-ak.gov/library/ghost-kenai-author-talk-aurora-hardy. 500 Hazel Ave.

BEST PLANT AND YARD SALE BET: May is Alaska Native Plant month! Stop by the Pratt Museum on Saturday, May 24, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. for their annual plant sale and yard sale fundraisers. The museum garden crew will be present while you shop native plants and other lovely perennials to answer any and all questions about how to care for your chosen plants. Proceeds from the plant sale will benefit the Pratt’s botanical garden improvements and programming. If you’d like to donate an item to the yard sale, contact co-executive director Whitney Harness at wharness@prattmuseum.org. Museum staff will also have crafts set up for kids! Find something special at these community sales and support the Pratt Museum’s mission. For more information, visit www.prattmuseum.org/. 3779 Bartlett St.

BEST FREE FILM SCREENING BET: Join the Homer Public Library for a special film screening of “Free For All: The Public Library” on Thursday, May 29, at 6 p.m.! This event is free to the public and held in partnership with Alaska Public Media. “Free For All: The Public Library” tells the story of the quiet revolutionaries who made a simple idea happen, from the pioneering women behind the Free Library Movement to today’s librarians who continue to serve communities in a time of closures and book bans. Celebrating public libraries as one of the most democratic institutions in America, the film highlights their vital role in ensuring that knowledge remains free and accessible to all. The runtime for this unrated film is 60 minutes. For more information, visit www.cityofhomer-ak.gov/library/film-screening-free-all-public-library. 500 Hazel Ave.

BEST OPEN MIC NIGHT BET: Pier One Theatre and Homer Council on the Arts invite to take the stage for an open mic night and potluck, celebrating Mary Epperson Day on May 30 from 6-8 p.m. Come share your talents! All ages are welcome. Learn more and RSVP online at homerart.org/event/mary-epperson-2025/. 3858 Homer Spit Road.

BEST DONATIONS BET: Pier One Theatre is accepting donations through May 31 for their yard sale fundraiser, scheduled for June 7. Bring clean, working kitchen items, clothes, gadgets, small furniture, jewels, art and more to the trailer outside the Spit Theater and pick up a form for your records. For questions about donation delivery, call Cathy at 907-435-7768. 3858 Homer Spit Road.