It’s not exactly fun in the sun with the continuing days of fog and rain here in this fair hamlet by the sea — but that doesn’t mean the summer activities are off yet. Community organizations are still holding strong before the onset of fall, with local film showings, wellness exercises, foraging and gardening education opportunities, and upcoming music and arts — just check out these Best Bets.

BEST LOCAL FOOD DOCUMENTARY BET: “Nourishing the Kenai” is a documentary about local food in the Central Kenai Peninsula featuring farmers, gathering and food professionals, directed and produced by Emrys Eller. Kachemak Bay Campus is hosting a free showing of the film on Thursday, Aug. 17 at 6:30 p.m., followed by a panel discussion. Bring a potluck dish to share. For more information, call 907-252-2314. 533 E. Pioneer Ave.

BEST WELLNESS EXERCISE BET: Have you been interested in Tai Chi and its health benefits? Join SVT in the Wellness Wing for an evening with health coach and certified Tai Chi instructor Jen Dickson to learn some basics on Thursday, Aug. 17 from 6-7:30 p.m. Tai Chi is wonderful for joint mobility, stress reduction and overall wellness. These exercises can be done in a chair or standing, and can be learned and modified for anyone to participate. For more information, call 907-226-2228 or visit svt.org/events/thrive. 880 East End Road.

BEST CHINESE BRUSH PAINTING BET: Homer Council on the Arts hosts artist and art teacher Sharlene Cline teaching how to paint fireweed in the traditional style of Chinese brush painting, Friday, Aug. 18, 5:30-8:30 p.m. For more information and to register, visit homerart.org, call 907-235-4288 or stop by 355 W Pioneer Avenue.

BEST ARTS BY AIR BET: Bunnell Street Arts Center and KBBI present Bunnell Arts by Air, an on-air broadcast and live concert with Michael Walsh on Friday, Aug. 18. Homer-based blues guitarist Michael Walsh will play originals, covers and a few spirituals on his six-string resonator. He will invite a few special guests from Homer to accompany him. Walsh plays his slide guitar in the spirit of Fred McDowell, Buffalo Nichols and Ry Cooder. He is a founding member of the Goat Family, a San Francisco-based jug band since 2003. In-person audience must be seated by 6:45 p.m.; otherwise, tune in to AM 890 KBBI or 88.1FM in Seward when the show goes live at 7 p.m. Tickets are sliding scale $15 discount, $20 regular, $30 pay-it-forward and can be purchased at bunnellarts.org. For more information, call 907-235-2662 or stop by 106 W Bunnell Avenue.

BEST CITIZEN SCIENTIST CRANE SIGHTING BET: Kachemak Crane Watch is looking to Citizen Scientists for help in a special sandhill crane population survey with three count days, the first on Saturday, Aug. 19 followed up by two more Saturdays on Aug. 26 and Sept. 2. Please report the number of adults, colts, or banded cranes seen by location, time, and day, and your name and contact information for the final count day to reports@cranewatch.org or by calling 907-235-6262. Craniacs will also gather for Count Day Fly-ins at Beluga Slough from 6 p.m. till sundown at the picnic table. For more information, call 907-235-6262.

BEST VIRTUAL AUTHOR TALK BET: Join the Homer Public Library on Wednesday, Aug. 23 at 4 p.m. for an exciting conversation online with Cassandra Clare, bestselling author of the Mortal Instruments series, about her newest and final book in The Last Hours series, “Chain of Thorns.” To learn more and register for this virtual event, visit libraryc.org/homerlibrary/23306.

BEST FORAGING AND COOKING BET: Join Kachemak Heritage Land Trust for a guided foraging and cooking experience on Saturday, Aug. 26. Meet at KHLT’s main office to carpool for foraging on a KHLT-protected property in Homer from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. After a midday break, meet at The Classic Cook for a three-course, interactive cooking class led by Chef Teri Robl featuring the morning’s harvest, local salmon and wine pairing suggestions. Just want to forage? Only want to cook? No problem! You can purchase a ticket for foraging, or cooking, or both! This event is limited to 12 attendees per activity. For more information, visit www.kachemaklandtrust.org/events.html. 315 Klondike Ave.

BEST GARDENING WITH ORCHIDS BET: Pratt Museum & Park Gardeners Yarrow and Shawn are hosting a Gardening with Wild Orchids class on Saturday, Aug. 26, 1-3 p.m., $30/person. For more information and to register, prattmuseum.org, call 907-235-8635 or stop by 3779 Bartlett Street.

BEST KIDS SUMMER LUNCHBAG BET: The Anchor Point Food Pantry is providing a Kid’s Summer Lunchbag Program Wednesdays, noon to 2 p.m. through August, available to all children 18 years old and younger. 34361 Old Sterling Highway.

BEST WORLD ARTS FESTIVAL BET: Mark your calendars for the Alaska World Arts Festival coming Sept. 7-21. Enjoy free and ticketed music, dance, theater, film, visual arts, storytelling, literature and comedy events and activities by local, national and international artists. Opening Gala at the Homer Chamber of Commerce on Thursday, Sept. 7. For more information, tickets and the full Festival schedule, visit alaskaworldarts.org.

Seastars cling to pilings on the Homer Spit during a -5.2 tide on Wednesday, Aug. 2, 2023 in Homer, Alaska. Photo by Christina Whiting

Homer turns out for Barbie at the Homer Theatre on Sunday, Aug. 13, 2023. The theater sold out all four nights of the evening showing of the film. (Emilie Springer/Homer News)

A group of high school students gets their pink on at the 7:15 p.m. evening showing of “Barbie” on Sunday, Aug. 13, 2023 at the Homer Theatre in Homer, Alaska. (Emilie Springer/Homer News)