1. Experience the state park by candlelight

Experience a winter evening by candlelight on Saturday at Myre-Big Island State Park.

Participants are invited to bring their snow boots, snowshoes or skis and make their way through the woods on a candlelit path. The event, co-sponsored by the state park and Albert Lea Parks and Recreation Department, runs from 6 to 9 p.m. and includes refreshments and a warm, cozy fire.

Participants should park at the picnic grounds.

 

2. Spread the love with live music

NUG is spreading the love with a Valentine’s Day show at Bend in the Road in Manchester. The event begins at 8 p.m. Friday. NUG is a psychedelic reggae jam group from southern Minnesota. The group’s sound is similar to that of bands like Slightly Stoopid, The Dirty Heads and Sublime.

 

3. For the love of theater

Albert Lea Community Theatre will perform “Irena’s Vow” at 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday at Marion Ross Performing Arts Center.

This intense drama is based on the true story of Polish housekeeper Irena Gut Opdyke, who, at the risk of her own life, helped shelter and save the lives of 12 Jewish people until the end of the German occupation during World War II.

Tickets are $15 for adults and $10 for students. Tickets may be purchased over the phone by calling 1-877-730-3144, online at actonbroadway.com or at the box office, which opens weekdays at 9 a.m. Tickets are also available at the Albert Lea Convention and Visitors Bureau.

The play continues next weekend.

 

4. Valentine’s Day dance

Dance the night away with your valentine this Friday at the Golden Bubble Valentine’s Day dance. The southern Minnesota wedding and event venue will host a Valentine’s Day dance beginning at 7 p.m. Country music band Red Dirt Road will perform at 8 p.m. Red Dirt Road is recognized for their signature light show experience. The rocking country music band performs hundreds of shows each year and provided music the night the most beer was served at Boxcar Bar in Waseca.

 

5. A taste of art variety

A three-week pop-up group exhibition called “Artist Soup” will be open at the Freeborn County Arts Initiative Friday and Saturday. The exhibition, which is the first for the arts organization in 2020, is expected to bring all styles and types of work together by local artists.

The Arts Initiative gallery is open from 4 to 7 p.m. Friday and 1 to 4 p.m. Saturday at 224 S. Broadway in downtown Albert Lea.