1. Wander the Water

The inaugural Wander the Water half marathon launches this weekend. Packet pickup is from noon to 8 p.m. Friday at 112 on Broadway in downtown Albert Lea. On Saturday, registration and number pickup is from 5:30 to 8:15 a.m. at the Freeborn County Fairgrounds, with the race starting at 8:30 a.m. There will be an awards ceremony at 1 p.m. Registration is $50 for one person, $70 for a relay team of two or $80 for a relay team of four, and can be done through Friday. Go to wanderthewatermn.com for the route or more race info.

 

2. Dine United/Fall Fest

Dine United at 112 on Broadway’s Fall Fest will also have its inaugural event this weekend, hoping to bring more people downtown after the Wander the Water half marathon. The United Way of Freeborn County will host a community get-together Saturday at 112 on Broadway with a street dance downtown as well. Barbecue pulled pork, chili and rice and Jake’s pizza will be for sale and The Outlet will host food vendors as well, all with a portion of the proceeds going toward the local United Way. Bands Anders and the Incident as well as Drivestation will provide entertainment starting at 6 p.m. The Albert Lea Art Center will have window mural painting from 5 to 7 p.m. There will also be a beer mile, with signup at the United Way of Freeborn County. Children’s activities will also be available.

 

3. Six-Legged 5k

The sixth annual Six-Legged 5k will return this weekend. The event will continue its tradition of donating all proceeds to the Humane Society of Freeborn County. Registration can be done ahead of time at The Pet Authority locations in Albert Lea or Austin, and same-day registration will start at 8 a.m. Saturday at the Albert Lea location. Registration is $25 for one person or $80 for a team of four ahead of time, or same-day is $30 for one or $100 for a team of four. The fun run/walk starts at 9 a.m. Saturday from The Pet Authority, in which dogs are welcome. From 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. there will be pony rides, a petting zoo, bounce house and children’s crafts, and there will be lunch available from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Vendors will be inside the store with pet food samples, and there will be drawings as well.

 

4. Alpaca Days

Alpacas of Oak Knoll Farms will host National Alpaca Farm Days from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. both Saturday and Sunday. There will be activities, including meeting the alpacas up close, as well as refreshments at the farm, 1650 Hammer Road in Albert Lea. The farm store, which has alpaca products such as sweaters, hats and blankets for sale, will be open as well.

 

5. Music from the Gilded Age

On the outside, the outbuilding on Kevin Lukes’ property looks like a place one might store machinery. The first thing that makes it look otherwise is the chandelier. That, and the period carpeting, gold ceiling, wood bar and perimeter of 1900s self-playing musical instruments. He uses his music hall for occasional fundraisers, including the one it will host for The Albert Lea Art Center’s capital campaign from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Friday at Lukes’ music hall, 14144 890th Ave. in Glenville. Tickets are $40 and can be purchased at the Art Center in downtown Albert Lea.