Best Bets

■ An opening reception for “Hot Crossed Squares,” an exhibition of quilt work by Maria Shell, is today from 4:30-6 p.m. at the Gary Freeburg Gallery at Kenai Peninsula College. Maria will give a gallery talk about her work during the reception. The exhibit runs through Oct. 16.

Events and Exhibitions

■ The Peninsula Art Guild’s 2015 Harvest Art Auction Fundraiser is Sept. 26 at the Kenai Fine Arts Center, 816 Cook Ave., Old Town Kenai across from the Oilers Bingo Hall. A limited number of $30 event tickets available at the art center, noon-5 p.m., Wednesday-Saturday. Call 283-7040 for information. All proceeds will benefit the art center as it showcases local art. Auction Art is on display at the art center now.

■ Marion Nelson’s 22 encaustic (also known as hot wax) and cold wax paintings are now on display at Veronica’s Café & Coffee House in Old Town Kenai and will be shown through Sept. 30.

■ Join the Kenai Watershed Forum for an inspiring free presentation from local adventurers Sept. 24, at 6 p.m. at the Kenai River Center on Funny River Road in Soldotna. Bike, float and hike Alaska’s Lost Coast with local adventurers while they share inspiring photography, videography and stories of their epic journey. Visit www.kenaiwatershed.org for more information.

■ The Pratt Museum’s 30th Anniversary Ritz, with the theme “Havana Nights! Ritz at the CopaCabana,” is Nov. 7 at Wasabi’s in Homer. Celebrating the 1940s and 50s that was Cuba in its heyday, this year’s Ritz will include Cuban food, music, dancing, diamonds, pearls, bright lights, rum, and cigars (to take outdoors). The event will feature a live and silent auction, featuring artwork and other items donated by artists, businesses and individuals throughout Alaska. All funds raised at the Ritz will help the Pratt Museum continue to increase the diversity and quality of its exhibits and programs. Call Michele Miller at 435-3343 for more information.

Auditions

■ Auditions for the Kenai Performers’ production of “The Music Man” will be on Friday from 6-8:30 p.m. and on Saturday from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. They will be held at the Kenai Performers building (44045 Kalifornsky Beach Road behind Subway). Come prepared to sing and dance. Auditions are open to ages 9 and up. Performance dates will be Feb. 26-28 and March 4-6, 2016.

Entertainment

■ Veronica’s in Old town Kenai has open mic from 6-9 p.m. Thursday, and live music with Derek Poppin from 7-9 p.m. Friday, and Delena Duncan from 7-9 p.m. Saturday.

■ Stop by Soldotna Creek Park every Wednesday at 6 p.m. for a new Music in the Park series. This free “Live after Five” series will also include extended hours for the Wednesday Market so you won’t miss out on local food, vendors, craft beer and some fantastic local musicians. Bring a blanket and enjoy our new park with the entire family. For a full schedule visit www.visitsoldotna.com.

■ The Alaska Roadhouse Bar and Grill hosts a blind draw Horseshoe Tournament every Thursday at 6:30 p.m. Blind draw, double elimination, food, fun and cash prizes. Call 907-262-9887 for more information.

■ Beginning square dance classes will be held on Tuesday nights at 6:30 p.m. at the Sterling Senior Center. Classes are open to participants of all ages. For more information, call Theresa Lusby at 360-790-1757, or the Sterling Senior Center at 907-262-6808.

■ Beginning square dance classes will be held on Thursdays at 4 p.m. at the Kenai Senior Center. Classes are open to participants ages 10 and up. For more information, call Theresa Lusby at 360-790-1757, or the Kenai Senior Center at 907-283-8211.

■ The Corner Cafe in the Blazy Mall in Soldotna has open mic night for all writers, storytellers and poets on the third Wednesday of each month from 7-9 p.m.

■ A bluegrass jam takes place on the first Sunday of the month at from 1-4 p.m. at the Mount Redoubt Baptist Church on South Lovers Loop in Nikiski.

■ The Flats Bistro on Kalifornsky Beach Road has live music with Garrett Mayer on Tuesdays from 6:30-8:30 p.m. and Raymond Machen-Gray on Mondays from 6:30-8:30 p.m.

■ An all acoustic jam takes place every Thursday. The jam is at Christ Lutheran Church in Soldotna on the first Thursday of the month, and at the Kenai Senior Center during the rest of the month. Jam starts at 6:30 p.m.

■ AMVETS Post 4 is open to all military veterans and their families for support and camaraderie. Join us for Friday night tacos, or Saturday night steaks with Karaoke. Sunday afternoon it’s super hamburgers. Not a member? Stop by and we can show you how to become a part of this special veteran’s organization. AMVETS is located in the Red Diamond Center next door to IDEA Schools.

■ Sharpen your dart skills with a fun tournament every Sunday during the season at the AmVets in the Red Diamond Center. The number of players will determine the game. Sign up begins at 1 p.m. For more information call 907-262-3540.

■ Odie’s Deli in Soldotna has live music Friday from 6-8 p.m. and Pub Quiz night every Wednesday from 6-8 p.m.

■ The Bow bar in Kenai has karaoke at 9 p.m. Thursdays and live music Fridays, Saturdays at 10 p.m.

■ Hooligans Saloon in Soldotna has poker Tuesdays and Thursdays starting at 5:30 p.m. and live music Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights.

■ The Duck Inn on Kalifornsky Beach Road has karaoke at 9 p.m. Thursdays and Fridays, and DJ Arisen on Saturdays.

■ Mykel’s in Soldotna has live music Fridays and Saturdays from 6:30-9:30 p.m. with Bob Ramponi and Dave Unruh.

■ The Pinochle Club, formerly from Kasilof, plays at Hooligans Bar & Restaurant in Soldotna Saturdays at 12:30 p.m. Questions? Call Jay Vienup at 907-252-6397.

■ The Soldotna library hosts a board game night on Tuesdays from 5-7:45 p.m. in the conference rooms, 235 N. Binkley Street. It’s time to get your game on! Have you ever wanted to try something other than another round of Monopoly, or to break out of that old Scrabble routine? Come ready to meet new people, engage your imagination, and have a great time.

Films

■ Call Orca Theaters at 262-7003 for listings and times.

■ Call Kambe Cinemas at 283-4554 for listings and times.

Down the Road

■ The Pratt Museum in Homer is open Tuesday-Sunday from noon to 5 p.m. For more information and a schedule of events, visit www.prattmuseum.org.

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