The opera is coming to Albert Lea this weekend. First, residents can informally gather Friday from 12:15 to 12:45 p.m. at Prairie Wind Coffee to learn more about the story and stars of Saturday’s opera event.

The main event is Saturday at the Marion Ross Performing Arts Center. A gala celebration starts at 11 a.m. with refreshments in the Green Room. The the live simulcast of the New York Met Opera’s “L’Elisir d’Amore” begins at noon.

 

Friday

• Grace Lutheran Church hosts its 36th annual salad luncheon from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. There will be hot barbecue sandwiches and a large selection of salads. Cost is $7.

• Meet the Met, a gathering for opera fans, will be from 12:15 to 12:45 p.m. at Prairie Wind Coffee. The event will precede Saturday’s simulcast of the Met Opera.

• The LakeView Lions hosts a basket night fundraiser from 5 to 8 p.m. at the Albert Lea Legion. Dinner will be fries with chicken strips, hamburger or pulled pork sandwiches for $8.

• ACT presents “Dixie Swim Club” at 7:30 p.m. at the Marion Ross Performing Arts Center. Tickets are $15 for adults and $10 for students.

• “My Fair Lady” will be featured at 7:30 p.m. at Austin’s Paramount Theatre. Tickets are $12 in advance and $15 at the door.

 

Saturday

• KATE Radio hosts a 5k run at 8 a.m. as part of its 75th anniversary celebration. The event will be at Northbridge Mall.

• Lunder Lutheran Church will host a salad luncheon, with sloppy joes and a bake sale, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Cost is $6 for adults, $3 for children, and free for children under age 5.

• A live high-definition viewing of “L’Elisir d’Amour” from New York’s Met Opera will be at noon at the Marion Ross Performing Arts Center. Tickets are $20 for general admission, $18 for Met Opera members and $12 for students.

• The Freeborn County Humane Society hosts a Heroes for Ferals event starting at 1 p.m. The walk-a-thon event starts at the Brookside boat landing on Fountain Lake and will take place rain or shine. Participants are asked to collect pledge money which will go to the stray cat initiative at the shelter. Call 377-8501 for more information.

• A benefit will be held at the Albert Lea Moose Lodge for Barb Haeska from 3 to 7 p.m. There will be a silent auction, live auction and bake sale. A basket meal will be available for $7.

• “My Fair Lady” will be featured at 2 and 7:30 p.m. at Austin’s Paramount Theatre. Tickets are $12 in advance and $15 at the door.

• The Eagles Club will host a Dolly Parton and friends tribute at 7 p.m. A dinner will be at 5 p.m. Cost is $20 for the evening, and tickets are available only in advance.

• ACT presents “Dixie Swim Club” at 7:30 p.m. at the Marion Ross Performing Arts Center. Tickets are $15 for adults and $10 for students.

• Albert Lea’s Knights of Columbus will host an Oktoberfest celebration from 6 to 10 p.m. Music will be by the Alley Katz band, and the public is invited to enjoy German food, beer and old-time waltzes and polka music.

 

Sunday

• Zion Lutheran Church will host a German family-style dinner for Oktoberfest from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. Menu includes brats, meatballs, sauerkraut, side dishes and more. Cost is $12 for adults, $3 for children ages 3 to 10 and free for those under age 3.

• “My Fair Lady” will be featured at 2 p.m. at Austin’s Paramount Theatre. Tickets are $12 in advance and $15 at the door.

• The Southeastern Minnesota Chamber Orchestra will have a pops concert at 7 p.m. at the Albert Lea High School auditorium. Tickets are $8 for adults and $6 for seniors in advance (available at First Lutheran Church and the Lighthouse Event Center) or $10 at the door. Students get in at no cost.