5 things to do this weekend

#1

Mighty Monster ‘Boo’Fest

Saturday, 6 p.m. to 10 p.m., Alaska State Fairgrounds, $35

Halloween weekend is upon us with no shortage of things going on in the Mat-Su Valley.

No doubt heading the list of events is the annual Mighty Monster ‘Boo’Fest at the Alaska State Fairgrounds in Palmer.

All the big names in Alaska brewing will be on hand including Palmer’s own Arkose, Bleeding Heart, Bearpaw, Resolution, Denali, Quake!, Alaskan, The Last Frontier, Kassik’s, Kenai, Baranof, King Street and Glacier.

Doors to the Raven Center open at 6 p.m. and the evening’s entertainment, Agents of Karma, who describe their sound on Facebook as “Churning, tight grooves, three and four-part harmonies,original and cover material mashing unexpected classic and current rock cuts, strong vocalists, ripping lead guitar work...and a sly sense of humor all conspire to make AoK stand out from the many accomplished acts on the thriving Alaskan music scene,” go on at 7.

Tickets are now available on the Fair website, as well as at Vagabond Blues, Three Bears, and Purple Moose Espresso. Each $35 ticket includes your choice of 20 3-ounce beer samples. Designated driver tickets are also available for $10, including a non-alcoholic beverage. Convenience fees apply.

All this leads up to the costume contest at night’s end.

#2

Denali Destroyer Dolls season opener

Saturday: 7 p.m., MTA Events Center, Palmer, $10

The Valley’s original roller derby team kicks off its 2016-17 season Saturday night, hosting the Ghouls at 7 p.m. at the MTA Events Center in Palmer.

Doors open at 6 with tacos and margaritas on the ready, and a costume contest for those most in the Halloween spirit.

#3

Little Women, the musical

Tonight, 7:30 p.m., Saturday 2 p.m., 7:30 p.m.

Glenn Massay Theater, $19, student: $12.

If you didn’t know there was a musical version of the Louisa May Alcott classic “Little Women”, now you do.

Tonight is opening night for the Glenn Massay Theater’s first production of the season, set to start at 7:30.

If you can’t catch it opening weekend, there’s plenty more opportunities with evening shows set for Nov. 4-5, and 10-12, with matinees Nov. 5 and 12.

Tickets are $19 and $12 for students. For more information, call (907) 746-9300.

#4

2016 Vixens and Villains Ball Presented by NewCity Entertainment

Saturday: 8 p.m. to 1 a.m. , 21+

Menard Sports Center, Wasilla, $40-75

NewCity Entertainment Presents The Hottest Halloween Costume Party In the Mat-Su Valley

Multiple DJ's Mixing Up the hottest jams from the 80s to today. This is a 21 and over event and ID is required.

Outside, there will be a red carpet photos opportunity allowing everyone to show off their costumes. Contest categories include hottest male, hottest female and best group.

Inside, the event allows the crowd to tweet song requests and post instant selfies to large screens.

#5

Jackie Ivie book signing

Saturday: 11 a.m.

Fireside Books, Palmer, free

Award-winning local romance author Jackie Ivie will be in the store signing copies of the first in her new Portals of Time series, "Penetrate". Ivie’s previous series went by the titles of

Set in Scotland in 1803, and at the same time in present day, “Penetrate” is the Anchorage resident’s 10^th novel.

Ivie, who describes her style as ‘paranormal romance’ says she’ll be signing books in a vampire costume. Not to be missed.