Family events in Northfield, MN

An informal reading buddies program pairs elementary-aged children with middle or high school students for one-on-one reading. TAB members serve as the older reading partners, and families bring their elementary readers. No registration is required, and participation can be as brief or as long as you like. Younger readers may read aloud to an older buddy, listen as a teen reads to them, or take turns sharing a book together. The focus is on building a love of reading in a relaxed setting, not on tutoring. Participants can choose books from the library’s collection or bring favorite titles from home. For questions, call the library at 507-334-2089 and ask for Ms. Deni.

Celebrate the arts in Central Park with a free gathering built around Mixed Precipitation’s Pick-up Opera Volume 6, Tales of Hoffmann. No tickets or registration are required. The experience starts with hands-on creativity for all ages, including drawing guided by Kate Langlais and a wool felting activity led by Char Johnson. After the art-making, enjoy a live performance from Mixed Precipitation. Marking 18 years of inventive outdoor work, the company presents a bold, futuristic take on Jacques Offenbach’s The Tales of Hoffmann. The poet Hoffmann searches for love and inspiration in a technology-dominated world, encountering ghosts, robots, magicians, and shape-shifting demons along the way. The music blends classical opera with the sounds of 1990s grunge and R&B, presented in the Pickup Truck Opera format, and welcomes audiences of all ages with plenty of surprises. This event is presented in collaboration with the Community Action Center and the City of Faribault, with support from the Charitable Gambling Advisory Board. Guests are encouraged to bring a canned food item to support the Community Action Center.

New author and illustrator Barbara Linert of Eagan, Minnesota will take part in the Sons of Norway Norsota Lodge’s Nordic Cultural Skills event at Heritage Lutheran Church. She will share her children’s book, Tales of a Dog Named Kitty, a collection of real-life adventures told from the perspective of a dog with an unexpected name. Attendees can meet the creator, have books signed, and pick up free coloring pages for kids. The program offers a welcoming, family-friendly setting and includes time for Barbara to talk about her Norwegian heritage. It is a fitting outing for young children, families, animal lovers, and anyone who enjoys a good story.

The Food Truck Train makes a stop in Lakeville at Lakeville Fleet Farm, featuring Eggroll Queen serving its signature dishes. It offers a relaxed, food-filled outing for families and friends.