Permaculture enthusiasts from all over the Midwest will descend on Harmony Park Music Garden this weekend for a permaculture convergence known as Gathering of the Guilds.

Gates open at noon on Friday at the park, 79503 298th St., near Geneva. Cost is $55 in advance or $65 at the door. Cost includes three nights of camping along with eight prepared meals. Limited RV sites are also available for $25.

The gathering is expected to offer local permaculturists, farmers, gardeners, activists andothers a chance to spend a weekend in sharing skills and making connections. Some of the skills taught include natural building, sheet mulching, composting, backyard beekeeping and seed saving, among others. There will also be a seed and plant swap.

Permaculture is a philosophy of working with, rather than against, nature. The philosophy aims to create a societal system that is synergetic with the earth’s natural ecosystems. It focuses on producing an ecologically-sound and regenerative system that can support itself and life indefinitely — whether it be plants, animals or people.

The event runs through Monday.

Next weekend, Harmony Park Music Garden will present one of its biggest events of the year known as the Shangri-La music festival by Wookiefoot.

 

Friday

The “These are a Few of My Favorite Things” art show continues from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Albert Lea Art Center, 226 W. Clark St. The show includes both original works of art and other objects or family heirlooms.

“Asia Speaks,” an exhibit showcasing the work of Dee Teller, an internationally acclaimed, Minnesota-based Sumi-e brush painter will be open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Freeborn County Arts Initiative, 224 S. Broadway.

The Pelican Breeze II pizza cruise leaves at 6 p.m. from Frank Hall Park. Cost is $20. Ten reservations are needed for the boat to leave. Call 507-383-7273 to reserve your spot.

 

Saturday

Gathering of the Guilds continues all day at Harmony Park Music Garden.

The Albert Lea Farmers Market is open from 9 a.m. to noon in the Northbridge Mall parking lot.

Homemade breads, baked goods, honey and more will be available for purchase.

“Asia Speaks,” an exhibit showcasing the work of Dee Teller, an internationally acclaimed, Minnesota-based Sumi-e brush painter will be open from 1 to 4 p.m. at the Freeborn County Arts Initiative, 224 S. Broadway.

The “These are a Few of My Favorite Things” art show will conclude from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Albert Lea Art Center, 226 W. Clark St. The show includes both original works of art and other objects or family heirlooms.

The Albert Lea High School class of 1942 will have a reunion at 11 a.m. at the Big Island Grill.

National Theatre Live presents “A View from the Bridge” at 7 p.m. at the Marion Ross Performing Arts Center.

 

Sunday

• Gathering of the Guilds continues all day at Harmony Park Music Garden.

• The Golden K-1 Kiwanis Club will host a Dad’s Belgian waffle breakfast from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Fairlane Building at the Freeborn County Fairgrounds. Cost is $7 for adults, $5 for children ages 6 to 18, and children 5 and under eat free.

 

Labor Day

• The Bayside Ski Team will perform its Labor Day show at 2 p.m. at Edgewater Park.

• Gathering of the Guilds continues all day at Harmony Park Music Garden.

 

Movie listings:

Friday, Saturday and Sunday: “American Ultra,” “Jurassic,” “Sinister 2,” “The Gift,” “Hitman: Agent 47,” “No Escape,” “Straight Outta Compton.”