Austin Festivals & Events
Call Austin CVB For specific
Dates & Information: 1-800-444-5713
STORIES FROM THE HEARTLAND
Storytelling Festival
Late February
Location: Albert Lea and Austin
Michael Cotter hosts nationally recognized storytellers in three public performances, a workshop and a moving Sunday performance highlighting sacred stories.
AUSTIN FARMER'S MARKET
May thru October
Mondays and Thursdays 3-6 p.m.
Location: Mower County Human Services
Parking Lot - 903 Main St. N.
Homegrown vegetables, fruits and crafts.
MISS MINNESOTA PAGEANT
Mid-June
Location: Austin High School,
Richard L. Knowlton Auditorium
Four days of excitement and pageantry. Minnesota's official preliminary to the Miss America Pageant has been held in Austin for 31 years. Young women representing communities from all over the state compete for the title of Miss Minnesota. Three nights of preliminary and final competitions conclude with a ball and awards ceremony after the pageant finals. (507) 437-3224
SPAMTOWN USA FESTIVAL
July 4th Weekend
Location: Various locations throughout Austin
Join us in celebrating the 4th of July. Activities include drum and bugle corps performance, milk carton boat races, concerts in the park, grand parade and entertainment. At dusk, don't miss the fabulous fireworks display!
SPAM JAM
Saturday of July 4th Weekend
Planning a 4th of July picnic? Spice up your weekend and join us at SPAM JAM, a fun-filled event full of food, games, contests and entertainment. We start Saturday, July 5, at 7:00 a.m. and go through the day wrapping it up at 6 p.m.
Start your day with a SPAM luncheon meat breakfast, then get a little exercise when you enter the SPAM 3-mile Fun Walk for Health or the SPAM 5-mile Hog Jog. If you are more interested in group events, the day is also full of games and contests for the family.
Take a break from the activities and browse the SPAM merchandise or relax with the help of various entertainers. Don't pass up the SPAM Paddle Boat Sprint, water ski show, SPAM Fishing Contest of the SPAM Bike Race.
Plan to sell, shop, eat and browse with thousands of others the entire day and enjoy a fun-filled festival. Bring your group and come celebrate the holiday with us.
CRAZY DAZE - OAKPARK MALL
Mid-July
Location: Oak Park Mall
Bargains galore in every store.
FUR TRADERS WEEKEND
Late July
Location: Beaver Trails Campground
Come and enjoy black powder shooting, fur traders
encampment, specialty foods, artists and craftpersons.
DOWNTOWN AUSTIN CRAZY DAZE
Late July
Location: Downtown Austin
A shoppers dream when retailers throughout Austin
offer "crazy" deals on merchandise.
NATIONAL BARROW SHOW
Early September
Location: Mower County Fairgrounds
The world's premier barrow show attracts people from around the world to see the exhibition, judging and sale of eight major breeds of swine and the latest in swine production equipment on display.
PIONEER DAY
Late September
Location: Jay C. Hormel Nature Center
Come to the Jay C. Hormel Nature Center and see the artists and cfartspeople and their displays and demonstrations from the past. Also, good music, conversation, food and refreshments. A day for the whole family.
HALLOWEEN WARM-UP
Mid-October
Location: Jay C. Hormel Nature Center
Jay C. Hormel Nature Center, in cooperation with Matchbox Children's Theatre, presents a Halloween warm-up a few days before Halloween featuring costumes, storytelling, a walk in the woods, apple cider and popcorn. Children of all ages welcome. Tickets available at Nemitz's.
CHRISTMAS IN THE CITY
Late November - Early December
Location: Throughout Austin
Enjoy the sights and sounds of an old-fashioned, family Christmas. A grand lighting ceremony and orchestra of church bells herald the arrival of Santa Claus to hundreds of children. Enjoy snow sculpturing, sleigh rides, carolers, and musical performances. Tour Austin - the city of lights.
MOWER COUNTY FAIR
Second week in August
Location: Mower County Fairgrounds
Plenty of exhibits, entertainment, displays, 4-H, FFA, fine arts and home activity demonstrations, a children's farm yard, thrilling carnival, demolition derbies, tractor pull and lots of good food. Nationally known grandstand attractions. Mower County Fairgrounds is located on 12th St. SW between 4th and 6th Avenues.
CHRISTMAS AT THE HORMEL HOUSE
Mid-November
Location: Hormel Historic Home
Please join us for the 9th Annual "Christmas at the Hormel Home." Enjoy all the beautiful rooms which are decorated by local merchants. After the tour, be sure to stay for refreshments, music and demonstrations. A must see during the holidays.