Events in Owatonna, MN

Explore your family history in a welcoming club designed for both newcomers and experienced researchers. Each meeting features a fresh topic along with hands-on genealogy support. Admission is free for SCHS members, and the fee for non-members is $5 per meeting. The program meets twice a month.

This friendly gathering invites knitters, crocheters, and other needlecrafters to work on personal projects in the 3rd Floor Makerspace. The group meets on the first and third Fridays. Bring a project to work on and enjoy crafting alongside neighbors. Everyone is welcome.

This concert spotlights a tribute to ABBA by a group billed as Minnesota’s top ABBA tribute act, featuring a standout roster of musicians from Minneapolis, St. Paul, and Britain. Formed a few summers back, the band has notched sellouts across the state at venues ranging from theaters and clubs to park settings. Tickets are $26.50 for members, $31.50 for non-members, and $21.50 for students, and each price includes a $1.50 processing fee.

At Central Park in Faribault, the Light of Hope Cancer Foundation hosts an annual community gathering centered on hope, courage, remembrance, and support. The celebration features heartfelt survivor stories, a luminary walk in tribute to loved ones and cancer warriors, family-friendly games and activities, a variety of food trucks, raffle baskets, a silent auction, and health education booths. Official Light of Hope merchandise will be available, and music adds to a welcoming atmosphere for all ages. Luminaries and bench banners can be purchased online or in person at the State Bank of Faribault, Allina Cancer Institute, Mayo Clinic Northfield, or through committee members. Whether honoring someone special, celebrating survivorship, or offering support to those affected by cancer, this event brings people together for a meaningful shared experience.

This P.E.O. fundraiser movie night features The Post (2018), a newsroom drama that follows publisher Katharine Graham and editor Ben Bradlee as they navigate a pivotal First Amendment battle to publish government secrets while striving to keep pace with The New York Times. The evening includes a social hour followed by the screening. Tickets are $21.50 and include a $1.50 processing fee. Proceeds benefit P.E.O. Chapter AR, supporting its long-standing tradition of awarding scholarships to Faribault’s female graduates pursuing post-secondary education. P.E.O. is a sisterhood dedicated to celebrating, supporting and motivating women through education.

The event features a half marathon, 10K, and 5K set amid peak fall colors in Big Woods State Park. The half marathon and 10K start and finish at St. John’s United Church of Christ just south of Nerstrand Big Woods State Park. The 5K begins in the middle of the park, with buses transporting runners from the church to the start line. The course combines roads and cross country trails, offering views of the southern Minnesota countryside. After the finish, participants can enjoy homemade cooking with fresh cookies and soup. A Kids Fun Run is also offered. All funds raised support the church’s mission work, including disaster relief and local charity programs such as women’s shelters and food shelves. Online registration is available, and walk up registration will be offered at the church on race morning prior to the start.

Chandler's Conceal & Carry is hosting a MN/WI/FL Permit to Carry course at the New Richland Sportsman's Club in New Richland. The class is designed for applicants and renewals of the Minnesota Permit to Carry, which is recognized in 36 states, and also offers the option to apply for or renew a Florida nonresident permit. No hunter safety certification or prior firearms training is required, so first-time participants are welcome. The day includes classroom instruction and a short live fire exercise. All materials are provided, including required paperwork and applications, eye and ear protection, a target, and the use of a handgun with ammunition at no extra cost. The fee is $95 and includes the range charge for the day. For more information, call 612-787-2264.

This drop-in lab, led by Library Technician Bob Latchaw in the 3rd Floor Makerspace, offers a welcoming introduction to 3D printing and to preparing digital models for successful prints. Participants can ask questions, get guidance from a specialist, and connect with other creators. All ages and experience levels are welcome.

Auditions are being held for Sherlock Holmes and the 1st Baker Street Irregular, a Marquee Children’s Theatre educational production written by Brian Guehring and directed by Kathy Rush. This marks the first fall educational production for the company. Casting is open to actors ages 12 to 16 representing all ethnicities, genders, and abilities. The story follows Wiggins, a young pickpocket who crosses paths with Sherlock Holmes in disguise and rallies a group of street kids to help unravel classic Conan Doyle mysteries. Students selected for the cast are assessed a $100 tuition fee, with scholarships available upon request. Rehearsals are planned in advance of scheduled performances. Season support comes from The Bahl Foundation and Southern Heights Dental Group, and the activity is supported by the Minnesota State Arts Board through the arts and cultural heritage fund.

The Brothers Allmanac honors the legacy of the Allman Brothers with a faithful, high-energy tribute that channels Southern rock at its finest. Expect tight twin-guitar harmonies, soulful vocals, and expansive improvisation as they bring both beloved hits and deeper cuts to life. Celebrated for standout appearances on notable stages, the group captures the feel of the original band while keeping the music vibrant and dynamic. Tickets are $23.50 for members, $28.50 for non-members, and $18.50 for students, with a $1.50 processing fee included in each price.

South Alexander Park hosts the fifth annual charity car show featuring a classic slingshot Hemi dragster start up, custom trophies by Lazarus Garage, multiple food trucks, and an exhaust competition. Special guest judges include Simon Havican from Simon Says Garage, Jason Lee from Midwest Car Life, and Jeremy Weckman from Power Nation TV’s Carcus and XOR. Admission is $15 and there is no pre-registration. Entry fees are split between Patriot Assistance Dogs and Operation 23 to 0.

The third annual Purses 4 Paws fundraiser is on the horizon, with additional details to be shared soon. Donations are being accepted for both live and silent auction items. For donation inquiries, contact Carol at 507-456-7459.

A members Halloween game day features a costume class. Those interested in joining can check it out to learn more. A meeting will follow later in the day.

This community blood drive supports local hospitals and patients in critical need. First-time and returning donors are welcome, and every donation can help save lives. Appointments are available.

Championships are on the line as MNRC Round 6 arrives at Southern Minnesota RC Raceway. Practice leads into a weekend of racing that will settle the final points. The slate includes Sportsman, 40+ electric truck and 40+ electric buggy, 1/8-scale nitro buggy, 1/8-scale electric truck, a 40+ nitro class for buggy or truck, 1/8-scale electric buggy, and 1/8-scale nitro truggy. Entry fees are $35 for nitro, $30 for electric, and $25 for Sportsman. Drivers of all skill levels are welcome.

Chandler's Conceal & Carry offers a MN, WI, and FL permit to carry course at Ahlman's Gun Range in Morristown, MN. This one day training welcomes beginners and experienced shooters, and no hunter safety certification or prior firearms experience is required. Participants receive classroom instruction followed by a brief live fire exercise. The course prepares attendees to apply for or renew a Minnesota Permit to Carry, which is recognized in 36 states. Tuition is $95 and includes the range fee. All essentials are provided, including required forms and applications, eye and ear protection, a target, and the use of a handgun with ammunition at no extra cost.

Paint a peaceful Northwoods lakeside scene with instructor Peggy Paulson in a guided class for ages 14 and up. Working step by step, you will create a rustic log cabin nestled among tall pines on a quiet point, mirrored in the calm surface of a classic Minnesota lake. Experience is not required, and the painting is completed in about three to four hours. Along the way, learn techniques for glowing skies, reflective water, rich evergreen textures, and warm natural light on the cabin. All materials are provided, including paints, brushes, and canvas, so you only need to bring creativity. Everyone leaves with a finished 11x14 painting and a printed handout that outlines the full process, plus added confidence in color mixing, composition, and brushwork. The class suits beginners and hobbyists, works well for date nights and team outings, and appeals to anyone who loves Minnesota’s lake country. Tuition is $62 for members and $70 for non-members, and the supply fee is included. Seating is limited.

Next Stop Comedy brings a live stand-up showcase to Timber Lodge Steakhouse with a rotating roster of comedians. Each show features a fresh mix of performers, including comics with television appearances and popular podcast credits. Look forward to a new lineup every time.

Mark the milestone 20th year of this Halloween Hook-in with a three day, two night rug hooking gathering at Baymont Inn & Suites Owatonna in Owatonna, MN. Expect a welcoming mix of good food and treats, door prizes, a sale table, a rug show, open shopping, and a variety of wool vendors. Discounted lodging is available at the hotel to make the stay easier. Pre-registration is recommended to secure a spot, and the registration form can be found on the Straight River Rug Hooking website. An entry fee covers the full three days and two nights and should be paid in advance. The event offers plenty of laughter and a friendly atmosphere to connect with fellow rug hookers, meet new people, and catch up with familiar faces.

Chandler’s Conceal & Carry presents a permit to carry course for Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Florida at New Richland Sportsman’s Club. The class enables participants to apply for or renew a Minnesota Permit to Carry, which is recognized in 36 states, and it also supports applications or renewals for a Florida nonresident permit. No hunter education or prior firearms training is required, and newcomers are welcome. The classroom portion is followed by a brief live fire session. Tuition is $95 and includes range use for the day. All essentials are provided, including required forms and applications, eye and ear protection, a target, and the use of a handgun with ammunition at no extra cost. For more information, call 612-787-2264.

Friday night jams are on at Indian Island Winery - Janesville.

The third annual Fari "BOO" Bar Crawl brings a festive, costume-focused night to historic downtown Faribault, raising funds for the Paradise Center for the Arts. Registration takes place at the Paradise with a $12 entry fee per person, which includes a $1.50 processing fee. To compete in the costume contest, participants visit all of the participating bars for judging, and winners are announced in the Paradise auditorium. Participants must be 21 or older. The event is presented in collaboration with the Historic Downtown Faribault Committee.

Joseph Hall, a finalist on NBC's America's Got Talent, presents Reflections of the King, an Elvis tribute that celebrates the music and legacy of the King of Rock and Roll. This upbeat show invites sing-alongs to beloved hits and offers a sincere salute to Elvis Presley. Elvis Presley Enterprises recognizes Hall as one of today’s leading Elvis tribute performers. Some audience members may even go home with a teddy bear or a scarf. The experience is designed for all ages. Tickets are Member $28.50, Non-Member $33.50, and Students $23.50, with a $1.50 processing fee included. Sponsored by Fette Electronics.

Chandler's Conceal & Carry is offering a MN/WI/FL permit to carry course at Ahlman's Gun Range. This one day class provides everything needed to apply for or renew a Minnesota permit to carry, with reciprocity in 36 states. No prior firearms experience or hunter safety certification is required, and all experience levels are welcome. Instruction wraps up with a brief live fire session. The fee is $95 and includes the range fee. All materials and equipment are supplied, including required forms and applications, eye and ear protection, a target, and the use of a handgun with ammunition at no extra cost.

A casino-themed fundraising evening at Owatonna Eagles 1791 features live entertainment, appetizers, and authentic tables staffed by professional dealers. In addition to the gaming, attendees can browse a silent auction, enter a raffle, and take part in a beverage pull. The event supports programs focused on a healthy community, youth opportunity, financial security, and community resiliency, offering a night out with friends that also contributes to meaningful impact.

Chandler's Conceal & Carry is offering a multi-state permit to carry class at New Richland Sportsman's Club with emphasis on Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Florida. No Hunter Safety course or prior firearms experience is required, and all are welcome. The training provides the instruction and paperwork needed to apply for or renew a Minnesota Permit to Carry, which allows carry in 36 states, and it also enables participants to apply for or renew a Florida non-resident permit. The fee is $95 and includes the range fee. A brief live fire exercise is part of the course. All essentials are provided at no additional cost, including required forms and applications, eye and ear protection, a target, and the use of a handgun with ammunition. For more information, call Chandler's Conceal & Carry at 612-787-2264.