Fourth of July might not fall on a weekend, but that won’t stop Albert Lea from hosting the event in style.

Events kick off today with a summer wine festival from 3 to 7 p.m. hosted at Three Oaks Winery. Participants will be able to tour the establishment and take in the winery’s grounds while enjoying wine by the glass or bottle. There will be live entertainment as well, so guests are encouraged to bring a lawn chair.

The Albert Lea Lakers will play a number of games throughout the week, three of which are at its home field, Hayek Field. The Albert Lea Lakers is a new expansion team in the Pioneer League.

Fourth of July will kick off a day early with the annual Third of July Parade. Parade lineup will be at 5 p.m. Monday at the Freeborn County Fairgrounds. The parade will begin at 6 p.m. and proceed south on Bridge Avenue to Central Park.

The Fourth of July Car Show will begin at 2 p.m. Tuesday on Broadway Avenue. According to event organizer Dave Skogheim, the crowd keeps growing at the event. Participants will vie for the American Legion’s Choice, Mayor’s Choice and People’s Choice trophies. There are also door prizes, music, and burgers and brats at the event.

The Bayside Ski Team will host a special Fourth of July performance at 2 p.m. Tuesday. The show will be at Edgewater Park.

Those who would like to get out on the lake have the opportunity to do so with a Pelican Breeze cruise. The boat will depart from the Pelican Breeze II Landing at Frank Hall Park.

Patriotic music will  be played from 8 to 9 p.m. by the Albert Lea Community Band at Fountain Lake Park prior to the Fourth of July fireworks that will be set off at dusk over Fountain Lake.

Thursdays on Fountain will continue from 5:30 to 7 p.m. July 6 with Thomas and The Shakes providing live entertainment. The event is open to the public at no charge.

Schedule of events

Saturday

2-8 p.m.: Three Oaks Winery Summer Wine Festival

7 p.m.: Albert Lea Lakers game at Hayek Field

Monday

• 2 p.m. Albert Lea Lakers vs. Storm Lake Whitecaps at Hayek Field

• 5 p.m.: Parade floats will line up at the fairgrounds

• 6 p.m.: Third of July Parade starts

Tuesday

2-6 p.m.: Fourth of July Car Show on Broadway Avenue

2 p.m.: Bayside Ski Show at Edgewater Park

6-7:30 p.m.: Pelican Breeze cruise at Frank Hall Park

7 p.m.: Storm Lake Whitecaps vs. Albert Lea Lakers

8-9 p.m.: Community Band concert at Fountain Lake Park

Dusk: Fireworks over Fountain Lake

July 6

5:30-7 p.m.: Thursdays on Fountain

7 p.m.: Albert Lea Lakers vs. Carroll Merchants at Hayek Field

July 8

7 p.m.: Albert Lea Lakers vs. Storm Lake Whitecaps at Hayek Field