Memorial weekend is just around the corner and while these cooler temperatures might suggest otherwise, right behind it is spring and then, summer! If you need evidence of the seasonal transition, look no further than the shops, stores, restaurants, food trucks and campgrounds already open on the Spit. Get out there and enjoy it while it’s still quiet and then take in the other happenings in and around town. Check out these Best Bets for all the entertainment, education, and inspiration you need while we wait for the sun and seasonal fun to come!

BEST AFRICA PRESENTATION BET: Join locals Melisse Reichman and Dave Eckwert for stories, photos and videos from their recent trip to Kenya and Zimbabwe. Learn about the beauty of the lands through their travels with young leaders from bush cultures in each country who are striving to uplift their communities and discover how they have joined these efforts. They will also share about the many creatures they encountered while volunteering at animal rescue and recovery sanctuaries. Friday, May 19, at Grace Ridge Brewing, 5 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. for authentic African food and 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. for the presentation. Grace Ridge Brewing, 870 Smoky Bay Way.

BEST ARTS BY AIR BET: Bunnell Street Arts Center presents Arts by Air with Homer musician John Cottingham in concert on Friday, May 19. Live broadcast on KBBI AM890 at 7 p.m. and Live Studio Audience concert at Bunnell, must be seated by 6:45 p.m. Originally from the UK, John has been creating and performing music since his teenage years, came to Alaska in the summer of 1995 with a guitar and a banjo in hand, fell in love with the community, and has been here ever since. During this concert, he will perform a solo show which will feature original songs and compositions from past to present. Sliding fee scale at the door. For more information, call 907-235-2662 or visit bunnellarts.org. Bunnell Street Arts Center, 106 W Bunnell Avenue.

BEST SPRING FLING BET: The Center for Alaskan Coastal Studies hosts their annual spring fundraiser, Spring Fling with this year’s theme, Under the Sea, on Saturday, May 20, 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Alice’s Champagne Palace. Enjoy appetizers, desserts, and music. Thematic attire is encouraged. Tickets and information at akcoastalstudies.org, 907-235-6746 or info@akcoastalstudies.org.

BEST ALL ABOUT PEONIES BET: Homer Garden Club presents All About Peonies, including how to source roots, plant them, soils, nutrient needs, harvesting for best vase life, and when and how to divide. Beth Van Sandt of Scenic Place Peonies will discuss peony events happening on and off their farm. Potted peonies and dahlias as well as dahlia tubers will be available for purchase. Pop by and learn all things peony, Sunday, May 21, 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the Aspen Hotel. For more information, contact the Homer Garden Club, homergardenclub.org. Aspen Hotel is located at 91 Sterling Highway.

BEST SOBER CYCLE BET: All Things Recovery Coalition and the new local nonprofit Kachemak Bay Recovery Connection host Sober Cycle. Meet at the Water Trail Pavilion by Pier One Theatre on Monday, May 22 at 5 p.m. No bike? Walk or jog the trail or beach. And then/or join them at 6 p.m. after the ride for a campfire, s’mores, and grilled hotdogs. In case of weather, there is a covered pavilion. For more information, call Jaclyn, 907-756-3530.

BEST RECOVERY MEETING BET: All Things Recovery Coalition hosts their quarterly meeting at Kachemak Bay Campus on Wednesday, May 24, noon to 1:30 p.m., and via Zoom with Meeting ID: 868 9508 2010. Serving all communities on the Southern Kenai Peninsula, All Things Recovery hosts monthly Sober events to normalize sobriety and support individuals in their recovery journey. With a belief that there is no single road to recovery that works for everyone, but many different paths that can lead there, they are committed to connecting those seeking addiction treatment and recovery services to local options and providing education, resources, and hope for recovery. For more information, visit allthingsrecovery.org.

BEST CONCERT ON THE LAWN BET: KBBI’s presents Concert on the Lawn on Saturday, June 24, noon to 7 p.m. at Karen Hornaday Park. Join in for a day of music and fun to celebrate summer and your local public radio station. KBBI is currently seeking vendors, food vendors, and volunteers. More information and application form and tickets online at kbbi.org. Questions? Contact Josh at 907-235-7721 or email josh@kbbi.org.

BEST FOOD HUB BET: The Alaska Food Hub online marketplace is open for customers. Local producers list their products for sale and customers place orders Fridays at noon through Mondays at 10 p.m., with confirmed orders are ready for pick up on Wednesdays at the Homer United Methodist Church. Available now is poultry, micro greens, fermented veggies, sourdough bread, eggs, smoked salmon, sweets, and more. Order online at alaskafoodhub.org, click the button “Shop the Market!”

BEST SENIOR ACTIVITIES BET: Homer Senior Center hosts numerous weekly activities: Strong Seniors Fitness Classes Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays, 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Join in for weekly slow-motion weight lifting and stretching classes that promote strength and mobility training. Stop by Tuesdays, 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. for Zumba Gold classes. Participants must complete the consent form and physician authorization form, available at homerseniors.com or in person at the office. Call 907-235-4555 or email bonny@homerseniors.com to register. Also at the senior center, stop by for board games every 1st and 3rd Thursday, 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. and card games on Mondays, 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. Homer Senior Center, 3935 Svedlund Street.