What’s Happening

Best Bets

■ Kenai Peninsula Orchestra is pleased to present “An Evening of Christmas” on Friday at 7 p.m. at Renee C. Henderson Auditorium, Kenai Central High School. This program of holiday music features solos, ensembles, Central Peninsula Community Orchestra directed by Mellisa Nill, Redoubt Chamber Orchestra directed by Tammy Vollom-Matturro, introducing Kenai Peninsula Singers under the direction of Simon Nissen, and our always popular sing-alongs! Admittance is $10 for adults, $5 for children under 12 and $25 for families at the door.

Events and Exhibits

■ There are two December exhibits at the Kenai Fine Arts Center, 816 Cook Avenue in Old Town Kenai. “Dreams are Real,” a solo exhibit of works by Pati Deuter, and the “Annual Kids Art Exhibit” will both feature some exceptional local art. Art center hours are Wednesday-Saturday, noon-5 p.m. The Kenai Fine Arts Center will be open through Dec. 23 only to view these two great exhibits. Call 283-7040 for more information.

■ A exhibition of work by students Sue Covich, Jessica Isenman-Bookey, Alisah Kress, Chelsea Springer and Sandra Sterling is on display in the Gary Freeburg Gallery at Kenai Peninsula College through Jan. 1. The gallery is open from 8:30 a.m.-7:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday and from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. on Friday.

■ The Triumvirate Theatre on the Kenai Spur Highway just north of Kenai presents two live shows during the holiday season. “A Charlie Brown Christmas” shows at 7 p.m. on Dec. 26, and 3 p.m. on Dec. Dec. 27. “A Christmas Carol” dinner theater presentation is at 6 p.m. Dec. 19-20. (These shows include a delicious holiday dinner). A show-only presentation of “A Christmas Carol” is at 7 p.m. Dec. 18. For tickets visit www.triumviratetheatre.org.

Entertainment

■ A community choir, The Kenai Peninsula Singers, is open to everyone who wants to be there, whether it is their first time singing or they sang at The Met. The choir will rehearse every Tuesday night from 6:30 to 8 p.m. in the Kenai Central High School choir room. Call or email for more details: 907-283-2125 or simjnissen@gmail.com.

■ Musicians and listeners are invited to attend a Blue Grass Jam at the Kenai United Methodist Church on Dec. 21 from 1:00-4:00 p.m. Participants are asked to enter through the church’s side door. For more information contact Jim Evenson at 776-8060.

■ A Clam Gulch Community Christmas Day Potluck will take place at 4 p.m. Dec. 25 at the Que’ana Bar, mile 122.5 Sterling Highway. Call 907-567-3454.

■ 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.

■ Veronica’s Cafe in old town Kenai has open mic from 6:30-9 p.m. Friday, and live music with The Charmers Daughters Saturday at 6:30 p.m.

■ Join Steve and Fern Holloway for karaoke every Saturday night at the Kenai Moose Lodge. Singing starts at 9 p.m. and everyone is welcome.

■ 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 its 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 1:00 p.m. For more information call 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 Thursdays from 6-9 p.m. with Robb Justice, and Fridays and Saturdays from 6:30-9:30 p.m. with Bob Ramponi and Dave Unruh.

■ The Duck Inn will have live music from 7 to 10 p.m. every Wednesday with Robb Justice and Trio.

■ 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.

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.

 

Submissions may be emailed to news@peninsulaclarion.com. The deadline is 5 p.m. Mondays.

More in Life

File
Minister’s Message: Love born to endure

I spend time with people in the final chapters of their lives.… Continue reading

In his 1903 report to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Prof. Charles Christian Georgeson included this photograph of efforts to break recently cleared ground at Kenai’s agricultural experiment station. The man behind the bull was either station superintendent Hans P. Nielsen or his assistant Pontus H. Ross.
The experiment: Kenai becomes an agricultural test site — Part 4

AUTHOR’S NOTE: A presidential executive order in January 1899 had set aside… Continue reading

This recipe makes a boatload of soft and delicious cookies, perfect for sharing at Christmastime. Photo by Tressa Dale/Peninsula Clarion
Christmas cookies for a shared tradition

These cookies are so soft and delicious, it’s no wonder they’re part of a family Christmas tradition.

Daniel Craig (right), returning as Benoit Blanc, and Josh O'Connor are seen in this still from "Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery," released on Netflix on Dec. 12, 2025. (Promotional photo courtesy Netflix)
On the Screen: ‘Knives Out 3’ truly a film for our times

I often feel the need to watch a film twice. The first… Continue reading

Orange zest and extract bring this literary-inspired treat to life. Photo by Tressa Dale/Peninsula Clarion
Whimsy and magic

This literary-inspired treat is perfect for Christmastime festivities.

File
Minister’s Message: Traditions should be things that support us

Regardless of how you find yourself this season, know that you’re not alone.

Photo from the Alaska State Library historical collection
In Kenai, circa 1903, this trio was photographed on a well-used trail. Pictured are George S. Mearns, future Kenai postmaster; Kate R. Gompertz, Kenai resident; Hans P. Nielsen, superintendent of Kenai’s agricultural experiment station.
The experiment: Kenai becomes an agricultural test site — Part 3

AUTHOR’S NOTE: Presidential Executive Order #148, in January 1899, had set aside… Continue reading

Snow-covered trees and peaks are pictured from a frozen pond near the Herbert Glacier trail in Juneau<ins>, Alaska,</ins> on Thursday, Dec. 11<ins>, 2025</ins>. (Chloe Anderson/Peninsula Clarion)
Out of the Office: Breaking the winter cycle

There’s a learning curve to every new season and every new sport.

File
Minister’s Message: Good grief

Grief doesn’t take a holiday, but it can offer you something the holidays can’t.

This 1903 photograph of mostly Kenai residents shows (back, far left) Hans Peter Nielsen, first superintendent of Kenai’s agricultural experiment station. Nielsen began work at the station in 1899 and resigned at the end of the 1903 season. (Photo from the Alaska State Library historical collection)
The experiment: Kenai becomes an agricultural test site — Part 2

AUTHOR’S NOTE: Presidential Executive Order #148, in January 1899, had set aside… Continue reading

Served together on a bed of greens, these pickled eggs and beets make a light but cheerful lunch. Photo by Tressa Dale/Peninsula Clarion
A wealth of eggs for good health

Pickled along with roasted beets and dill, these eggs have a cheerful hue and bright aroma.

File
Minister’s Message: Lifelong learning is a worthwhile goal

Lifelong learning. That’s a worthwhile goal. Schools have been in session for… Continue reading