Happy Fourth of July, folks! There’s plenty of ways to celebrate — the Homer parade is happening Friday at 3 p.m. on Pioneer Avenue. Anchor Point is also hosting a parade tomorrow at noon, and the Homer American Legion Post 16 Auxiliary is hosting their 40th annual Children’s Carnival and Barbecue from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Families are invited to come out and enjoy all the festivities. For details on other happenings coming up soon, check out these Best Bets.

BEST ALASKA CONCERT BET: Join Pier One Theatre on the Spit for a live show highlighting the untamed beauty in and around Homer through music, images and storytelling! Johnny B.’s “Rhythm of the North,” featuring the artist’s own original music, videography by Daniel Zarz and Bjorn Olsen, photography by Chris Kincaid and Christina Whiting and numerous other pieces by local artists, will take place on Saturday, July 5 at 7:30 p.m. This immersive performance blends breathtaking videos of Alaska’s wild landscapes, captivating stories of its wildlife, and the resilient spirit of those who call it home. Let the music transport you to towering glaciers, dense forests and rugged coastlines, where bears roam, eagles soar and the northern lights dance across the sky. Through stunning visuals and heartfelt narratives, you’ll witness the wild living that defines Alaska — its challenges, beauty and its unbreakable connection to nature. Whether you’re a lover of music, adventure or the great outdoors, Johnny B.’s “Rhythm of the North” promises to stir your soul and ignite your imagination. General admission is $20; tickets are available at pieronetheatre.org/tickets. 3858 Homer Spit Road.

BEST NATURE RESERVE TOURS BET: Inspiration Ridge Preserve is offering guided hikes through the summer! Traverse rolling trails and summer wildflower meadows during guided hikes on the preserve. This secluded corner of Alaska is more than just a place to recreate — it’s a sanctuary for wildlife, a living classroom for conservation and a place of peace for those seeking to escape the crowds. Take in the sweeping views of Kachemak Bay and the Kenai Mountains, explore miles of trails and discover the wildlife who call this vast landscape home. On a guided hike, you’re not only embarking on an unforgettable adventure, you’re also supporting vital conservation efforts that help protect these critical ecosystems for future generations. Cost ranges from $20-35 depending on the length of your excursion. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit akcoastalstudies.org/tours-listings/inspiration-ridge-preserve-guided-tours.

BEST CALL FOR ART BET: Are you a fiber artist looking to display your work? Homer Council on the Arts invites all local artists working with fiber, textiles, yarn, felt and fabric to the 2025 Fiber Arts Showcase! This call for art is open to all ages and abilities with no prompts or themes required. Submission deadline is Aug. 30. Learn more and submit art at homerart.org/event/call-for-art/. 355 W. Pioneer Ave.

BEST GARDEN TOURS BET: Weekly garden tours at the Pratt Museum have begun and will run through the end of August. Join the museum’s garden crew every Thursday and Saturday at 11 a.m. for free guided tours of the Pratt’s living exhibits, the Botanical and Homestead Gardens, to learn about the broader ecology of the Kachemak Bay region. 3779 Bartlett St.