It’s officially spooky season! Whether you like to be thrilled or maybe not so much, the southern peninsula has a veritable cornucopia of fun fall-related activities and events for all ages coming up over the next few weeks. Here’s a tip: check out what the Homer Chamber of Commerce is planning, it’s going to be a lot of fun! For other happenings around town, set your eyes on these Best Bets.

BEST DISCOVERY LAB BET: Take part in the Alaska Maritime National Wildlife Refuge’s Marine Mammal Osteology Discovery Lab on Saturday, Oct. 5 from noon to 4 p.m., and become a bone detective as you explore what skeletons can tell us about Alaska’s amazing marine mammals! This free event is hosted at AMNWR by the Kachemak Bay Environmental Education Alliance. All ages are welcome. For more information, contact Ranger Kendra and kendra_bush@fws.gove. 95 Sterling Highway.

BEST ANNUAL FUNDRAISER BET: Ninilchik’s Saturday Lunch Program will host their annual fundraiser on Saturday, Oct. 5 from 5-7 p.m. at the Ninilchik Community Center. The cost for a meal — BBQ pork sliders and delicious sides — is $10. A vegan option is also available. There will also be a silent auction and live auction, including desserts, during the event. Donated items for the auctions are appreciated! Funds raised during this event will provide weekend snack bags for all elementary students and optional teen take-and-make meals. For questions, contact Linda Hawkins at 907-240-5212. 15763 Kingsley Rd.

BEST CIVIL AIR PATROL BET: Parents and kids ages 12 and up are invited to a Civil Air Patrol Open House on Monday, Oct. 7. Drop in anytime from 5-8 p.m. for a fun and informative event with activities for kids! At Civil Air Patrol, kids will participate in year-round meetings in Homer and take part in search and rescue practices and fitness activities. Cadets will learn to lead a team, access aviation curricula and get hands-on flight experiences and explore various careers. 3586 FAA Road.

BEST BRAKE FOR BREAKFAST BET: October is breast cancer awareness month, and South Peninsula Hospital is excited to bring back “Brake for Breakfast” for its second year! On Tuesday, Oct. 8 from 7:30-10 a.m., all are welcome to stop by the convenient drive-through location at the Alaska Maritime National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center for a bag of breakfast goodies and life-saving health education materials. 95 Sterling Highway.

BEST HOCKEY 101 BET: The Homer Hockey Association hosts Hockey 101, a learn-to-skate program for adults. No experience necessary. Cost is $175 for nine evenings of coached on-ice skating — learn at your own pace in a relaxed, supportive and fun environment. Gear fitting ends Oct. 6; gear is provided while supplies lasts. The Hockey 101 program runs Oct. 8-27. Sign up online at www.kevinbellarena.org/, or for more information, contact Ingrid Harrald at ieharrald@alaska.edu. 3150 Homer Spit Road.