Halloween events will kick off this weekend in Albert Lea and continue next weekend.

The Lighthouse Theatre and Event Center will present a Halloween Comedy Dinner Theatre at 7 p.m. Friday.

The event includes Chris Anderson & Friends, Gordy Handeland, Al Blumenshein, Kristi White and Brian Mattson.

The evening will be one of fun, laughs and great food in a small, intimate atmosphere with stand-up comedy and improv, according to the event flier.

A catered meal of roasted chicken breast, smoked pork loin or vegetable stir fry over rice, along with twice baked potato, vegetable medley, dinner roll, salad appetizer and cheesecake by Piggy Blues BBQ will be served. Tickets are $25 per person. Reservations are needed.

The Lighthouse Theatre and Event Center is at 621 Marshall St. in Albert Lea. It can be reached at 373-3144.

The following is a roundup of other events taking place in the area this weekend:

 

Friday

Naeve Hospital Auxiliary’s Gift Shop Holiday Boutique will be open from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The boutique includes holiday decor, jewelry, clothing and much more.

A presentation on inclusion and diversity will be from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Riverland Community College lecture hall. There are two sessions. The first is from 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. titled “Understanding Diversity and Inclusion.” The second is from 2 to 4 p.m. and is titled “Perspectives” business diversity training.

Bring a bag lunch or purchase a boxed lunch there.

A Little Pumpkins Party will be from 5 to 7 p.m. at The Marketing Plant, 137 S. Broadway. Children can wear their Halloween costumes, paint pumpkins and enjoy spooky snacks.

RSVP at rsvp@integoinsures.com or 507-874-3419. Event is limited to 50 painters. Registration is required to be guaranteed a pumpkin.

 

Saturday

The Albert Lea Farmers Market will be open from 9 a.m. to noon at Northbridge Mall, 2510 Bridge Ave.

A Little Pumpkins Party will be from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. at Carlson Gym in Alden, 215 N. Broadway. Children can wear their Halloween costumes, paint pumpkins and enjoy spooky snacks.

RSVP at rsvp@integoinsures.com or 507-874-3419. Event is limited to 75 painters. Registration is required to be guaranteed a pumpkin.

• Trader Jacks Sports Cards Show will be from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Northbridge Mall.

• A Chili Battle to Battle Cancer Cook-off will be from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Hy-Vee parking lot. All proceeds benefit Freeborn County Relay for Life.

There will be $1,000 in prizes given away, including $500 for first-place chili, $300 for second place, $100 for third place and $100 for people’s choice. There is a $10 entry fee for chili.

Purchase a $5 voter bag to sample and pick your favorite chili.

Outside there will also be a ring toss, bounce house and fishing game for children.

• The Albert Lea Art Center fundraiser, “Tribute to Coco Chanel” will be at noon at the Marion Ross Performing Arts Center. Event includes lunch, speaker and a style show. Tickets are $20 each. Call the Art Center at 373-5665 for reservations.

Gabrielle Bonheur “Coco” Chanel was a pioneering French fashion designer credited with redefining style for women in the era following World War I and is the founder of the famous fashion, fragrance and makeup brand, Chanel.

• Bring children to Hy-Vee from 1 to 4 p.m. in their Halloween costumes for pumpkin and cookie decorating. A goodie bag will be given to each child.

• National Theater Live presents “Hamlet” at 7 p.m. at the Marion Ross Performing Arts Center.

 

Sunday

• The Kiester Firefighters Breakfast will be from 7 a.m. to noon at the Kiester Fire Hall. Menu includes blueberry pancakes, pancakes, french toast, scrambled eggs and sausage. Donations will be accepted. Proceeds go to support equipment purchases.

• Albert Lea American Legion Post 56 will host a breakfast from 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Menu includes pancakes, sausage, fruit cup, potatoes and scrambled eggs with or without diced ham, juice and coffee. Cost is $7.50.

• The R.A.D. Zoo will be at the Albert Lea Public Library at 2 p.m.