Michael Franti

Summer solstice is less than a week away, so this week’s issue of Play is full of events and suggestions on how to spend the long daylight hours. Of course, there’s the annual summer solstice concert at Moose’s Tooth, and this year’s performer is Michael Franti and Spearhead. Daily News contributor Lindsay Kucera wrote a feature about the Franti the musician and Franti the activist that’s on the cover of this week’s issue.

The solstice theme carries over to this week’s dining story as well, where David Harper ranks his favorite outdoor dining spots in town (or just outdoor drinking spots). Weigh with your own choices.

We'll have more info on solstice events next week, like the Downtown Solstice Festival. In the meantime, below are this week’s Hot Picks, which naturally include another solstice event. And be sure to check Mike Dunham’s art picks.

History walk
A summer tradition, the 18th annual John Bagoy Solstice Tour visits 10 grave sites of prominent figures in Alaska’s history. Presented by Bruce and Audrey Kelly, the tour honors and continues John Bagoy’s efforts to share the history of early Anchorage. 7 p.m. Thursday, Memorial Park Cemetery, free. Call 274-7122 for info.

Sand Castle Beach Party
Join the crowds at Goose Lake Friday for the family-friendly Sand Castle Beach Party. Enjoy music, participate in the sand castle building contest or just lounge on a beach towel. And be sure to remember your Super Soaker. 1-3 p.m., Goose Lake Park, free. Visit muni.org/parks for info.

There she is
The Miss Alaska Scholarship Foundation will crown a new Miss Alaska and Miss Alaska Outstanding teen on Saturday. The pageant includes interviews, talent shows, swimsuit competition and more. The winners will go on to compete nationally, with the newly crowned Miss Alaska competing in this year’s Miss America pageant in Las Vegas. 6-9 p.m., Wendy Williamson Auditorium, $40, $30 for seniors, students and military. Visit missalaskapageant.com for info.

Keep truckin’
Hailing from Portland, Ore., Truckstop Darlin’ just released a new album of twangy, Southern-style rock, and the group is currently crisscrossing Alaska, with a free show at Humpy’s, 9 p.m. Wednesday. The band swings back through Anchorage Friday, June 27, and plays Tap Root, 9 p.m., $5. Visit truckstopdarlin.com for info.

Thuggish ruggish
Formed in Cleveland in the early '90s, Bone Thugs-n-Harmony rose to prominence with hits like “Tha Crossroads” and “1st of tha Month,” which mixed gangsta rap with rapid-fire, half-sung verses. Catch them at the Anchor Pub Friday, 8 p.m., $23 (21 and older). Visit kfat929.com for tickets.