Bluegrass Ball
Check out some of Alaska's best bluegrass at the sixth Bluegrass Ball in Girdwood. High Lonesome Sound and Todd Grebe and Cold Country play Friday night. The lineup Saturday includes Danny Booth and Amanda Kerr, Rank Strangers and Good Time Guardians. 10 p.m.-2 a.m. at The Sitzmark. Free. 21 and over. (alyeskaresort.com)
36 Crazyfists
Alaska's most renowned metal outfit, 36 Crazyfists, is back at Koot's to play a benefit show. The lineup will also include Shifter, Flyin Lion, Transitions and Shy Bones. Starts at 8 p.m. Saturday. Tickets $25 (21 and over).
Winter Family Celebration
Create holiday crafts and enjoy performances from local musicians and singers at the Anchorage Museum, including the Anchorage Concert Chorus, Children's Choir and Mandolin Orchestra. Free general admission all day, thanks to Wells Fargo. 1 p.m.-4 p.m. Sunday, Anchorage Museum, 625 C St. Free. (907-929-9200, anchoragemuseum.org)
Solstice Tree Tour
Tour beautifully decorated trees on the popular Mize Loop by skis or by foot with the family. There will be hot chocolate, coffee and snacks along the way, and you can vote for the best tree decorated by local businesses. One day only, 4 p.m.-7 p.m. Sunday, Kincaid Park, Mize Loop, 9401 Raspberry Road, lower parking lot. Free. (907-276-7609, anchoragenordicski.com)
Cabin Fever: On Film
If you've lived through a dark Alaska winter, you're perhaps familiar with the concept of cabin fever. Want to check out some artists' takes on it? The Anchorage Museum is presenting four experimental films and one sound recording that stretch the boundaries of cinema and poetry to explore the concept of cabin fever, with expressions ranging from melancholy to amusement. Noon-6 p.m. Sunday, Anchorage Museum, 625 C Street. $7-$15. (907-929-9200, anchoragemuseum.org)
Annual Solstice Celebration
The Eagle River Nature Center invites you to participate in the annual celebration of the winter solstice, the shortest day of the year. Bring your own lantern or borrow one of theirs. Dress for the outdoors and follow the lantern-lit path to the big bonfire anytime between 6 and 8 p.m. Saturday. Free; $5 parking for nonmembers at 32750 Eagle River Road. (907-694-2108, info@ernc.org, ernc.org)
Snowball 2016: A Sterling Sky
Head to Mad Myrna's for an evening of festivities, including performances, a live auction and the chance to celebrate the holidays with the LGBT community. 9 p.m. Saturday. Advance tickets $10; $12 at the door. (21 and over)
A very reggae Christmas
Put some sunshine in your winter season with Alaska reggae band H3 at Williwaw. No cover charge and ono grinds (great food). 9:30 p.m. Friday.