SUMMER SUMMER
SUMMER FUN SUMMER FUN
The Mower County Shopper is thrilled to introduce our 2026 Summer Fun Guide. This comprehensive guide offers information for Mower County and surrounding areas, covering June, July, and August. It includes a Calendar of Events featuring activities, sporting events, tours, fairs, festivals, and various fun opportunities suitable for all ages, families, and interests.
7:30pm - 9:30pm
Summer Events in Austin
The Great Pages Circus Packer Arena
6:00pm - 7:30pm
Sunday, June 21st
4th Annual Father’s Day Car Show
Lansing Corners Bar And Grill
11:00am - 3:00pm
Austin Blue Jays Home Baseball Game
Riverland e Baseball Fields
2:00pm - 4:00pm
Saturday, June 27th
The Whiskies Torges Live!
9:00pm - 12:00am
Gravity Storm
7:00pm - 9:00pm
Monday, July 13th
Trivia Night
Gravity Storm
7:00pm - 8:00pm
Friday, July 17th & Saturday, July 18th
Llamapalooza: Red, White, & You
Mower County Fairgrounds
AlbertLea
Wind Down Wednesday
Historic Downtown Albert Lea
June 10, July 8th & August 12 3:00 PM – 8:00 PM
A family-friendly downtown festival featuring live music, a magician, face painting, food vendors, and the Farmers Market.
Eddie Cochran Rod & Custom Festival
Downtown Albert Lea June 11–14
Four days of classic cars, motorcycles, live music, food, shopping, and entertainment celebrating Albert Lea native Eddie Cochran. Highlights include the Pro Street Showdown, Car Show, Motorcycle Fest, and Sunday Poker Run.
Albert Lea Citywide Garage Sales
June 11–14
Shop garage sales across the community during this annual citywide event. It's a great opportunity to find bargains, collectibles, and hidden treasures.
Juneteenth Celebration
Edgewater Bay Pavilion
June 19, 5:30 PM
A free community celebration honoring freedom and unity with speakers, performers, refreshments, educational opportunities, and family-friendly activities.
Albert Lea Pride Festival
Central Park
June 20, 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Celebrate diversity, inclusion, and community with food, activities, entertainment, and family-friendly fun. Rain date is June 21.
Thursdays on Fountain
Fountain Lake Park, Albert Lea
Every Thursday, 5:30 PM
Enjoy free outdoor concerts featuring a variety of musical acts throughout the summer. Bring a lawn chair and enjoy an evening of live entertainment by the lake.
4th of July Jamboree
Albert Lea (Various Locations)
July 3–6
Albert Lea's annual Independence Day celebration includes a parade, live music, food vendors, car show, boat parade, Bayside Ski Shows, street dance, and fireworks over Fountain and Albert Lea Lakes.
142nd Freeborn County Fair
Location: Freeborn County Fairgrounds
August 4–9
One of southern Minnesota's largest annual events, featuring carnival rides, livestock exhibits, agricultural displays, grandstand entertainment, food, and family activities.
Food Trucks Godfather's Abby's Concessions Mower County ADA Malt Stand
Blooming Prairie 4 of July th
GM PUBLIC LIBRARY
Quilt Raffle Tickets Available
During Business Hours
Book Sale - Ends Sunday At 2pm
MINI GOLF
Friday thru Sunday, June 26-28th
MEADO MEADO
CHERT QUARRY OPEN HOUSE
Saturday 9am-1pm
North of St. Finbarr Cemetery on 730 Ave th
Mower County Historical Society
ECUMENICAL SERVICE
Thursday (25 ) 10am-4pm GM School - Free Event GM Public Library
th MAGIC SHOW
Thursday (25 ) 6:30pm th GM Dome Gym
All Ages Welcome - Free Event GM Public Library
DAY OF PLAY
Friday: Noon-3pm Midwest Machinery Co.
John Deere Bouncy House & Corn Pit Play Area Complimentary Picnic lunch
THE DINER MEAL
Friday & Saturday 11am-5pm
Ribs, Baked Beans & Mac Salad
The Diner
Contact Jarrell 507-476-7991
BINGO
Friday: 6:30-8pm & Sunday 1:30-3pm
50 Cent Cards- 100% Payback
GM Community Center-GM Lions
PICKLEBALL DOUBLES TOURNEY
Saturday 7:45am Sign Up-No Fee
Play Starts At 8am-Ages 16 and Older
4 Team Minimum-Cash Prize for 1 Place At GM Dome Gym st Early Registration Appreciated Contact Ellen Olson 507-279-3209
PICKLEBALL FUN PLAY
Saturday 8am-10am All Ages
Welcome Open Play Dependent on Tourney Space
LIONS HOPE RUN TO ROAR 5K
Saturday 9am-GM School
FUN RUN
Saturday 10:15am-GM Track
Virtual Option Available
Contact Joclyn Benson 218-600-6897 www.runsignup.com
ANTIQUE TRACTOR SHOW
Saturday 10am-2pm
Business Center Parking Lot
Contact Jimmie Arnold 507-269-8872
MEADOWFEST CAR SHOW
Saturday 10am-2pm
Business Center Parking Lot Contact Travis Nord 507-696-2279
WINDSOR CHOP MEAL
Saturday 11am-1pm Fireman’s Beer Garden
Windsor Chop, Potatoes, Bun & Drink Cost $12 - Takeout Available First Farmers & Merchants State Bank
KIDS INFLATABLE TOYS
Saturday Noon-6pm Closed During Parade $10/armbands for Unlimited Play Veterans Memorial Park City of GM
CRAFT & VENDOR FAIR
Saturday Noon-6pm
Memorial Park
Contact Morgan Rask 608-792-1793
500 CARD TOURNEY
Saturday 3pm until Done
GM Community Center
Contact Theresa Wolff 507-251-8178
MONEY SAND PILE
Saturday 3:30pm - After the Parade
Veteran’s Memorial Park Grand Meadow Lions
First Farmers & Merchants State Bank
KIDS’ PEDAL PULL
Saturday 3:30 - After the Parade
Veteran’s Memorial Park
Ages 4-11 MN Sanctioned Pull
SGI AG Services & GM Lions
G.A.R HALL OPEN HOUSE
Saturday 10am-2pm & Sunday Noon-3pm
Located on South Main Street Mower County Historical Society
4th OF JULY FIREWORKS
Fireworks are back this year!! July 4 @ Dusk th Updated Safety Equipment Needed
Donations Welcome Contact Al Stier 507-754-5068
Sunday 10am
GM Memorial Park Pavilion
Please Bring a Lawn Chair
**In Case of Inclement Weather
**GM Lutheran Church
Offering to Benefit the GM Food
Shelf Local Church Groups- Shared Event
KIDS’ WATER FIGHTS
Sunday Noon-1pm
Fireman’s Beer Garden Prizes for Winning Teams
GM Fire Department
BEAN BAG BASH
Sunday 12:30- 1pm Sign Up
Play 1pm until Done
Firemen’s Beer Garden
Age 16 and Over
$40 Entry- 50% Payout
3 Flight Pooling - Double Elimination
GM Fire Department
KIDS’ KICKBALL TOURNEY
Sunday 3pm Grade 6 & Under FREE!! Memorial Park
Contact Greg Lamp 507-754-5908
GM Lions
KIDS’ CANDY BAR BINGO & HORSE RACES
Sunday 4pm
Firemen’s Beer Garden GM Lions
COMMUNITY AUCTION
Saturday 12-2pm & 3-6pm
Sunday 12-3pm
Silent Auction - GM Football Suites
Firemen’s Beer Garden
