Holy summer solstice. With nearly 20 hours of daylight and the sun finally gracing us with its presence, lupine are blooming along the Spit road, veggies are growing in gardens all around the community, and locals and visitors alike are shedding their layers. Soak up the sunshine and take in all the local events and activities listed here in these Best Bets.

BEST CRAFTING NIGHT BET: SVT Health & Wellness hosts a Thriving Thursday craft night on June 22, 6-7:30 p.m. Bring a craft you’d like to work on or get to work on one supplied. For more information, 907-226-2228, 880 East End Road.

BEST MUSIC ON THE LAWN BET: KBBI’s Concert on the Lawn returns to the Karen Hornaday Park ballfields on Saturday, June 24, noon to 7 p.m. Tickets and schedule of musicians at kbbi.org. Tickets also available at the gate. For more information, 907-235-7721.

BEST REGATTA BET: The Homer Yacht Club Regatta takes place in the Homer Harbor on Saturday, June 24, with a 1:30 p.m. race start, followed by a post-race potluck at the P-16 float aboard the f/v ARCTICA. Races continue on Sunday, June 25, 1:30 p.m. with an awards banquet to follow at 6 p.m. at Lands End Quarterdeck. For more information and to RSVP for the banquet, 907-299-0232.

BEST COMMUNITY HIKE BET: All Things Recovery hosts a one-hour community hike at Eveline State Recreation Area on Sunday June 25, 3 p.m. All abilities welcome and food and drinks will be provided. Eveline trailhead, 13.8 miles out East End Road, turn left onto Alpine Meadow Drive, and 0.3 miles to the parking area.

BEST ADVENTURE TALK BET: Grace Ridge Brewing presents “The Granite Avatars of Patagonia,” a visual presentation by author/photographer Tom Reed on Tuesday, June 27, 6-7 p.m. For more information, graceridgebrewing.com. 870 Smokey Bay Way.

BEST KIDS MARKET VENDING BET: Know a youth aged 18 and under who loves to bake, make art or garden? Kids vending days return to the Homer Farmers Market this summer on Wednesday, June 28 and Wednesday, Aug. 16, 1:30 to 5 p.m. Providing an opportunity for youth to engage in agricultural and entrepreneurial activities and education while developing social and math skills, all produce/eggs/crafts sold must be produced/cared for/harvested by kid(s) selling it, with minimal adult assistance. For day of vending, space is first come, first served — check in at the information booth at 1:30 p.m. to be assigned a space and be set up no later than 2 p.m. For more information ahead of time, visit homerfarmersmarket.org or stop by the market Information Booth on Saturday, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. or Wednesday, 2-5 p.m.

BEST YOUTH MUSIC CAMP BET: Register your kids for Homer Council on the Arts’ Mary Epperson Summer Music Camp to be held July 17 to 21, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Youth ages 8 to 17 will explore piano, string instruments and song, learning to jam with a group and picking up new skills while having fun. Whether studying privately, learning from friends or YouTube, or completely new to music, this is an opportunity to play with others to make music come to life! Learn more and register at Homer Council on the Arts website, homerart.org/events/.

BEST SUMMER READING CHALLENGE BET: Friends of the Homer Library host “The Summer Reading Challenge” through July 29. Individuals and families are encouraged to sign up and starting earning prizes. After reading five books or for five hours, stop by the library for a prize, then again for another prize for completing the challenge of 10 books or for 10 hours. Keep reading beyond the challenge for additional opportunities to win prizes and enjoy the Summer Reading Program Party on July 29. The library has planned more than 30 events to inspire families to read and learn together. Some programs require registration, so visit the website for the full schedule. For more information and to sign up for the challenge, visit www.cityofhomer-ak.gov/library.

BEST PIER ONE PLAY BET: Pier One Theatre hosts “For Peter Pan on her 70th Birthday.” In her father’s hospital room during his final moments, Ann and her siblings contemplate their upbringing. A loving look at a family’s view of life, death, and the allure of never growing up. Performances are Thursday to Sunday, June 22 to 25, 7:30 p.m. Purchase tickets ahead of time online at pieronetheatre.org, 907-226-2287, 332 E Pioneer Avenue. Spit theatre, 3858 Homer Spit Road.

BEST HARBOR WALKING TOUR BET: Pratt Museum & Park host Historic Homer Harbor walking tours all summer long on Fridays and Saturdays, from 3-4:30 p.m., $10 per person. Meet at the wheelhouse in front of the Salty Dawg Saloon at 3 p.m. to join the guide and walk the harbor docks and learn about local history, a variety of boats, and characters who shaped Kachemak Bay’s maritime and fishing industries, For more information, 907-235-8635.

Visitors enjoy coffee and treats along a boardwalk on the Homer Spit on Wednesday, June 14, 2023 in Homer, Alaska. Photo by Christina Whiting

Lupine flowers are in bloom along the Homer Spit Road on Thursday, June 15, 2023 in Homer, Alaska. Photo by Christina Whiting

Grewingk Glacier and Lake is visible from the Glacier Lake Trail on Tuesday, June 13, 2023 in Homer, Alaska. Photo by Christina Whiting

Dave Allgood with Anchorage’s Channel 2 News spends time in Homer interviewing locals for his feature, “All Good News,” on Saturday, June 17, 2023 in Homer, Alaska. Photo by Christina Whiting