Events

Special Events

Check our calendar for specific dates!

Albert Lea Civic Music albertleacivicmusic.blogspot.com/

April Sorensen Memorial Half Marathon
82017 Cty. Rd. 46, Hayward, MN
507-377-2568 www.livelaughloverun.com

Art Shows
Albert Lea Art Center, MN
507-373-5665
Each month, the Center features a different and uniquely special exhibit in the Gallery. Free and open to the public.

Battle of the Bands

Big Freeze
Edgewater Park, Albert Lea, MN
www.bigfreeze.org

Big Island BBQ
Freeborn County Fairgrounds, Albert Lea, MN
Taste the Best Barbeque from the Midwest’s Best Cooks! Stage entertainment, door prizes, admission free to the public. Voted one of the Top 100 Festivals in North America by the American Bus Association for 2011.
www.bigislandfestivalandbbq.org pvining@smig.net

Downtown Wednesdays on Broadway (June-August)

Downtown Strawberry Days (June)

Eddie Cochran Weekend/Low Bucks Car Show
Freeborn County Museum, Albert Lea, MN
507-373-2316

Celebrate the 1950s and Albert Lea’s very own rock ‘n roll legend Eddie Cochran. Low Bucks car show, rally, swap meet, dancing, picnic, cruise.

Fall Festival (September)

Freeborn County Fair
Freeborn County Fairgrounds
(Bridge Ave. & Cty Rd. 22), Albert Lea, MN
www.freeborncountyfair.com
“Six Best Days of Summer!” Late July – Early August features nationally known musical talent, antique tractor show, 4-H displays, 4-H, FFA, and open class livestock shows, fabulous foods, and much more! Scheduled entertainment includes major national acts.

Ice Fishing Contest & Augur Race (January)

4th of July Fireworks
Fountain Lake, Downtown Albert Lea
This annual fireworks display is one of the largest in Southern Minnesota and Iowa. Watch from your car, boat or shoreline.

Land Between the Lakes Triathlon
Starting line at Edgewater Park, Albert Lea, MN
507-373-2461

The race begins with a .25 mile swim, then a 19.8 mile bike ride through the Albert Lea countryside, finishing with a 4.2 mile run.

Midwest Regional Ski Show

3rd of July Parade
Downtown, Albert Lea, MN • 507-373-2316
July 3. The largest parade in Southern Minnesota with over 100 colorful units and thousands of visitors.

25th Annual Big Island Rendezvous & Festival
www.bigislandfestivalandbbq.org pvining@smig.net
Exit 157 off I-90, follow signs.
Free shuttle at Freeborn County Fairgrounds. Albert Lea, MN Sat. & Sun., First weekend in October.
Minnesota’s largest award-winning fur trade and early America re-enactment, with over 1,000 participants. Ethnic foods, live cannon, voyageur camp, crafts and entertainment. Voted one of the Top 100 Festivals in North American by the American Bus Association for 2011.

Arts

Albert Lea Art Center
224 S. Broadway, Albert Lea, MN,
P.O. Box 313
507-373-5665
Historic downtown building with a charming gallery featuring local and regional artists. Gift shop, classes, and workshops too!

CEC Mall 7
Northbridge Mall, Albert Lea, MN 507-373-7039 cectheatres.com
The very best in first-run movie entertainment. Convenient mall setting, seven screens, 3D auditorium, family friendly environment. Come see a movie!

Marion Ross Performing Arts Center
147 N. Broadway Ave., Albert Lea, MN 507-377-4370
www.cityofalbertlea.org Newly restored historic downtown theater dedicated to Albert Lea native Marion Ross of “Happy Days” fame. Check our website for a detailed list of performances.

College

Riverland Community College
1900 8th Avenue NW., Austin, MN
800-247-5039
www.riverland.edu
Enjoy the visual and performing arts at Riverland, including an art gallery and music and theater productions.

Museums, Galleries and Learning Centers

Albert Lea Public Library
211 E. Clark St., Albert Lea, MN
507-377-4350
www.alplonline.org
Free WiFi in the library and lobby. Internet access computers available. Computer Classes.

Freeborn County Museum
1031 Bridge Ave., Albert Lea, MN
507-373-8003
http://fchm.smig.net
An exceptional history complex! Exhibits include Marion Ross and Eddie Cochran memorabilia, with early settler displays. Historical village and resource library.

Freeborn County Museum, Library & Village
1031 Bridge Ave., Albert Lea, MN
507-373-8003
http://fchm.smig.net
Step back in time! Visit our historic church, log cabin, schoolhouse, general store and farm machinery. Museum, tours and resource library. See website for hours.

Greibrok’s Mini History Farm & County Fair
5 miles S. of Oakland on Cty. Rd. 34
507-433-4880 (Call for appointment)

Hollandale Heritage Huis
Hollandale, MN
507-889-4491
Dutch heritage, Hollandale memorabilia.

Parks

Albert Lea Parks & Recreation
701 Lake Chapeau Dr., Albert Lea, MN
507-377-4370
Our community has abundant natural and historic areas that have been developed into over 300 acres of quality parks, recreation areas, and open space. All of the parks are open to the public, free of charge.

Unique Attractions

Albert Lea Farmer’s Market Downtown, Albert Lea – (Marion Ross Performing Arts Center Parking Lot), Wed. and Sat. May-Oct. Fabulous produce, flowers, crafts and entertainment.

Bayside Skiers
Fountain Lake, Albert Lea, MN
507-377-1082
Every Thursday at 6:30 p.m., June-August.

Crescendo
118 S. Broadway Ave., Albert Lea, MN
507-377-2425
www.CrescendoDining.com
Located in the historic downtown district, Crescendo features exquisite food, a relaxing atmosphere, an extensive wine list and live piano music.

Garden Diva Design Studio
80920 Cty. Rd. 46, Hayward, MN
507-377-2579
www.gardendivadesignstudio.com
Unique displays of plant material, garden accents and home decor. Professional landscape design from the classic, formal garden to the modern contemporary oasis.

Pelican Breeze II
Frank Hall Park boat dock, Albert Lea, MN
507-383-2630
www.pelicanbreeze.org
Take a historic guided-cruise on lovely Albert Lea Lake! 60’ river boat, handicapped accessible, on-board bathrooms. May-Oct.

Nightlife

Crescendo
118 S. Broadway Ave., Albert Lea, MN
507-377-2425
www.CrescendoDining.com
A memorable dinner before a show, or an event itself, Crescendo features exquisite food, fine wines and live piano entertainment.

Eagles Club Arie 2258
205 W. William St., Albert Lea, MN
507-373-1162
Live Entertainment weekends.

Geneva Bar and Grill
101 West Main St., Geneva, MN
507-256-7276
genevabandj@hotmail.com
Discover why folks drive to Geneva for great food and friendly service! Daily specials, home of the word-famous hash brown omelette on Saturday nights.

Casino

Diamond Jo Casino
777 Diamond Jo Lane, Northwood, IA
877-323-5566
www.diamondjo.com
Open 24 hours. 965 slots & video poker machines; Blackjack, Craps, Roulette, plus 7 table Poker Room featuring Texas Hold’Em. Woodfire Grille & The Kitchen Buffet. Live Entertainment.

Facilities

Albert Lea City Arena
701 Lake Chapeau Dr., Albert Lea, MN
507-377-4374
Home of Waldorf College Hockey. Meeting rooms and arena are available for rent.

Albert Lea Vitality Center
211 S. Broadway Avenue, Albert Lea, MN
507-377-4315
Coordinating Center for continuing and new vitality initiatives, research, sales, meetings and vitality project merchandise. A showplace for historic renovation!