It’s time for Page Two: News that might not make the front page for Thursday April 9, 2026.
Let’s take a look into the crystal ball of things to do in the Mat-Su this weekend.
Shaun Paccaro plays the Palmer Alehouse Unplugged tonight. Paccaro mixes the warmth of Hawaiian Island melodies with the soul of Alaska. This free all ages show has limited seating. Attendees under 21 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. More info is on the Palmer Alehouse Facebook page.
Don’t forget the Nerdvana Trivia Night at the Silver Fox Inn tonight. Nerdvana Trivia features two fast-paced rounds of questions covering everything from pop culture to history. The contest runs from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. More info is on the Silver Fox Inn Facebook page.
Friday night is special for one of our favorite local humans. Ken Peltier’s birthday bash is taking over the Palmer Depot for a night of music, dancing, and good company. The party features a live set from the Ken Peltier Band and tasty treats from Pizza Ria Delphi. Doors open at 6 p.m. The party starts at 7 p.m. Tickets are available at eventbright.com. Let’s all wish Ken a happy birthday.
Tim Easton is playing two shows at the Hatcher Pass Lodge this weekend. Both the Friday and Saturday shows start at 4 p.m. and run until 7 p.m. The Hatcher Pass Lodge Facebook page has the details.
Saturday brings robots! The Mat-Su College Robotics Club is hosting the Mat-Su College Sumo Robotics Competition starting at 10 a.m. in the Glenn Massay Theater. The competition follows International Sumo Robotics rules. The rounds will last up to three minutes. A round ends when one robot pushes the other robot out of the sumo ring. Sounds like fun to see and cheer our local robot wrestlers.
The Mat-Su Animal Shelter is hosting a teddy bear check-up clinic on Saturday. Bring your favorite stuffed animal to the shelter for a free check‑up with a real veterinarian! This is a low‑pressure way to inspire the next generation of animal lovers and responsible pet guardians. The check-ups run from 1 to 3 p.m.
Saturday afternoon yields a book and beer lovers event. The third Annual Boozy Book Fair is hosted by Fireside Books and held at the Bleeding Heart Brewery on Saturday from 2 to 6 p.m. It celebrates our favorite genres: fiction, fantasy, sci-fi, and horror. Local authors Tamsin Ley, Sean Schubert, and W.B. Clark will be there to sign copies of their books. Don Rearden will stop by. Bleeding Heart Brewery is located on South Denali Street in Palmer.
Curious about riding a motorcycle but not sure where to start? Join Denali Harley-Davidson on Sunday from noon to 4 p.m. for an introduction to riding! This event is perfect for anyone who has thought about motorcycle riding and wants to learn in a relaxed, welcoming environment. There will be food, fun, and prizes, so bring a friend and make an afternoon of it! Denali Harley-Davidson is located on Hyer Road, just off the Parks Highway.
For the foot-powered enthusiast there is a Weekend Ramble Hike on Sunday at 2 p.m. at Reflections Lake hosted by Revel Treks and Tours. Reflections Lake Trail is an easy, level, 1-mile gravel and boardwalk loop just off the Glenn Highway next to the Knik River. It’s free for Revel Adventure Club members and first-timers to a Revel event; all others $15. Details and registration information available at reveltreksandtours.com
This was just a toe dipped into the many, many fun and informative events happening this weekend. Get out and shake the winter off. Go have some fun.
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This Page Two article was reported by Keith Peticolas and produced by yours truly, Lee Henrikson. If you have an idea for a Page 2 topic, please email us at page2@radiofreepalmer.org.
That’s it for today and the news on Page Two on Thursday April 9, 2026.