With Memorial Day weekend behind us and cruise ships, sandhill crane colts, and summer solstice on the horizon, we are officially in summer season mode. Have family and friends coming to visit? Looking for some fun, interesting, and educational activities to enjoy? Check out all the Homer happenings with these Best Bets!

BEST THRIVING THURSDAY BET: SVT continues their Thursday events. On Thursday June 1, 6 to 7:30 p.m., it’s Meal Planning for the Summer Months. Jenifer Dickson, Health & Wellness Coach will discuss simple meal planning, meal prep, and ideas for healthy eating when you’re away from home camping, fishing, and traveling. For more information, call 907-226-2228. SVT, 880 East End Road.

BEST GALLERY ART OPENING BET: Local galleries welcome everyone to their First Friday monthly art openings on Friday, June 2 from 5-7 p.m. Check the Arts section for specific details on which artists the galleries are hosting.

BEST WINERY MUSIC FESTIVAL BET: Bear Creek Winery hosts their annual Music Festival on Saturday, June 3, 1-5 p.m., a fundraiser to benefit the Nikki Geragotelis (Fry) Memorial Scholarship. The fun includes Homer’s Atz Lee Kilcher and Silas Jones, Alaska’s Black Water Railroad, and California Blues Rocker Shane Dwight, refreshments, door prizes, and a live and silent auction. Children welcome at this over-21 event, accompanied by a parent or guardian. Please park at the Down East Saloon and walk to the event, leave your pets at home, and pay at the gate. For more information, call 907-318-2470 or stop by the winery. Down East Saloon, 3125 East End Road. Bear Creek Winery, 60203 Bear Creek Drive.

BEST HALIBUT DERBY KICKOFF BET: The Homer Chamber of Commerce Halibut Derby has returned as a one-month event this June and kicks off with the Big ‘But Ball on Saturday, June 3, 6-10 p.m. at the Elks Lodge. Dance your cheeks off at this inaugural ball that honors the halibut industry and will feature guest DJ Blaque, fish and chips dinner, door prizes, and more. Space is limited. Pre-sale tickets are available online at homeralaska.org, and at the door as available. For more information on the ball and the Halibut Derby, call 907-235-7740, stop by 201 Sterling Highway, and online at homeralaska.org. Elks Lodge, 215 Jenny Way.

BEST NATURE JOURNALING BET: The Pratt Museum & Park hosts Homer artist Kim McNett and her beginner-friendly field sketching and recording techniques that will strengthen your observation and appreciation of the natural world. Journaling for kids takes place on Thursdays, 4-6 p.m. on June 1, 8 and 15, $10/class. Journaling for adults takes place Fridays, 4-6 p.m., June 2 and 16, $25/class. Workshops include a blank journal and use of all needed supplies. Space is limited and need-based scholarships are available at education@prattmuseum.org.

Registration information is available at prattmuseum.org. For more information, call 907-235-8635 or stop by 3779 Bartlett Street.

BEST GOOD DEATH BOOK CLUB BET: Hospice of Homer hosts this month’s book club selection, “The Art of Dying Well.” Meet at the Hospice office on Saturday, June 3, 11 a.m. For more information, call 907-235-6899. Hospice of Homer, 265 E Pioneer Avenue.

BEST MARY EPPERSON DAY BET: Homer Council on the Arts celebrates beloved Homer arts advocate, the late Mary Epperson on Sunday, June 4, 1-4 p.m. Stop by for live music by David Webster at 1 p.m., Pushki Pickers at 2 p.m., and Shamwari Marimba at 3 p.m., as well as crafts and treats. For more information, call 907-235-4288. HCOA, 355 W Pioneer Avenue.

BEST BROOKS RANGE PRESENTATION BET: For the past 10 years, Homer author, photographer, and adventurer Taz Tally has been exploring Alaska’s Brooks Range, the farthest north mountain range and one of the most remote and undisturbed wilderness areas in North America. Stop by Grace Ridge Brewing on Tuesday, June 6 at 6 p.m. for an hour of storytelling and photographs from his fall and winter wanderings. For more information, call 907-435-0601. Grace Ridge Brewing, 870 Smoky Bay Way.

BEST REPORT THOSE BABY CRANES BET: Sandhill crane pairs will soon be seen with their colts. Kachemak Crane Watch tracks nesting success and is looking for community member observations. Report sandhill crane colt sightings and please include date of hatching, time, location, number of colts, mortalities, and your contact information. Report and for more information, reports@cranewatch.org or call 907-235-6262.

BEST SUMMER READING BET: Summer@HPL Reading and Learning Program kicks off June 1 and runs through July 31 at the Homer Public Library. The national theme this year is Find Your Voice!, and the library has planned more than 30 free events to inspire families to read and learn together. The kick-off event with Cinda Nofziger, Youth Services Librarian will be on June 3 at 11:30 a.m. with crafts, games and story time. Other summer activities will include comic drawing, outdoor adventures and stories, Youth Chess Club, Midsummer Magic, Youth Book Clubs, ASL for Kids, Youth Writers Club, Leap into Science, Family Karaoke, stories on the Story Walk Trail, and more. All activities are free. Some programs require pre-registration. More details and registration at www.cityofhomer-ak.gov/library or call or stop by the Homer Public Library, 907-235-3180, 500 Hazel Avenue.

Christina Castellanos of Snowshoe Hollow Farm vends at the Homer Farmers Market on opening day, Saturday, May 27, 2023 in Homer, Alaska. Photo by Christina Whiting

Pratt Museum Botanical Curator Yarrow Hinnant discusses plants with community members during the museum’s annual plant sale on Saturday, May 27, 2023 in Homer, Alaska. Photo by Christina Whiting