This weekend: Bear Paw Festival, plus country star Sam Hunt in Anchorage and plenty of other musical options

Bear Paw Festival, Thursday-Sunday, Eagle River

The Chugiak-Eagle River Bear Paw Festival is one of the biggest of its kind in the state. With events throughout Chugiak and Eagle River, the festival features dozens of vendors, a carnival, a parade and plenty of musical options including Hope Social Club, Naked Eyes and Ken Peltier. There is free parking and a free shuttle available, and a 5K run as well.

Sam Hunt with Brett Kissel, 8 p.m. Friday-Saturday, Alaska Airlines Center, 3550 Providence Drive

Country singer-songwriter Sam Hunt hits Anchorage for a pair of shows starting Friday at Alaska Airlines Center. Hunt, a notable songwriter before striking out on his own, has penned hits for Kenny Chesney and Reba McEntire.

Brett Kissell opens the show. Tickets range in price from $69 to $149.

Pickers Retreat, Friday-Sunday, Spring Creek Farm, 6402 Lossing Road in Palmer

The Pickers Retreat is billed as a “family friendly weekend event with bands of bluegrass, old-timey, country, folk and Cajun varieties.” The weekend features many of the state’s top acoustic instrumentalists. Tickets are $50 and tent camping is preferred as room for trailers and campers is limited.

Salsa in the Park, 3:30 p.m. Saturday, Town Square Park, 544 W. Fifth Ave.

Anaya Latin Dance and the Anchorage Downtown Partnership host Latin dancing and music starting with dance classes at 3:30 p.m. with a social dance starting at 4:30 p.m. Suggested donation for dance classes is $10-$20 per person.

Jazz in the Park, 4 p.m. Saturday, Peratrovich Park, 500 W. Fourth Ave.

Every Saturday through late August, jazz fans can get their fix on Saturdays. This week’s featured group at Jazz in the Park is Tom Bargelski Quartet. Bargelski is known as Alaska’s jazz piano master.

Sweet Cheeks Cabaret, 8 p.m. Saturday, Broken Blender, 535 W. Third Ave.

Sassy Saturdays features the Sweet Cheeks Cabaret performers as part of a culinary cabaret at The Cheeky Room in the Broken Blender. Live burlesque plus small snacks and drink service available. Tickets start at $18.

Bryan McKenna, 7 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. Saturday, Koot’s, 2435 Spenard Road

New York City comedian Bryan McKenna was a finalist at both the Boston Comedy Festival in 2021 and the Carolines on Broadway March Madness Competition. Tickets are $20.