History Partners Memory Café

• Steele County Historical Society - Steele County History Center - 1700 Austin Road, Owatonna
• 2nd and 4th Tuesday of each month, 10:00-11:15 a.m.
• Memory Café serves to provide education, area services, and community resources in a safe environment for persons living with mild to moderate dementia and their caregivers.
• This is an in-person program focused on awareness of dementia and connecting family, friends, and neighbors to supportive services in the community through meaningful social activities such as storytelling, music, games, and SCHS museum collections.
• To RSVP or for more information, CALL: MaryAnne Higgins at 507-451-1420

Mill City Senior Living - Memory Loss Caregiver Support Group

• 3rd Monday of very month from 3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
• Mill City Senior Living, 1520 17th St. N.W., Faribault, MN 55021
• Admission:   FREE
• Contacts: Jennifer Wignall 507-497-2014, Brenda Wells 507-497-2025
• Our support group is for those who are in need of emotional, education and social support for their role as a caregiver.  There will also be learning opportunities for developing methods and skills to solve problems that arise when caring for someone with dementia.  It is a safe and confidential environment.

St. Vincent's Table

• Tuesdays from 5:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m. (except for holidays)
• St. Joseph's Parish, 512 South Elm Avenue, Owatonna, MN 55060
• A free warm meal and fellowship is provided for those in need.

Bethel Community Supper

• Wednesdays from 5:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. (except for holidays)
• Bethel Church, 1611 Hemlock Avenue, Owatonna, MN 55060
• A free warm meal and fellowship is provided for those in need.

Heritage Quilt Guild at St. Joseph Catholic Church

• 2nd Thursday of every month at 7:00 p.m.
• St. Joseph Catholic Church, 512 South Elm Avenue, Owatonna, MN 55060
• Use entrance by parking in the lot on the west side.
• Visitors are welcome and all skill levels welcome.
• Please bring quilting projects for show and tell.
• Our mission is to promote the art of quilting.
• https://www.facebook.com/heritageqcowatonna
• Email: heritageQCOwatonna@gmail.com
• Any questions, call Bonnie Cole (507)456-2520

Tea Social at the History Center

• Held the third Thursday of the month at 1:30 p.m.
• History Center, 1700 Austin Road, Owatonna, MN 55060
• Free for SCHS Members and $2 for Non-Members

Open Arms Suicide Monthly Meeting

• First Monday of each month, 6:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
• Veterans of Foreign Wars, 135 Oakdale Street, Owatonna, MN 55060
• Created to prevent and raise awareness for suicide.  ASK FOR HELP, YOU ARE WORTH IT!

Hardanger Work Sessions

• Third Tuesday of the Month, 2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
• Steele County Historical Society, 1700 Austin Road, Owatonna, MN 55060
• Work Sessions are FREE and Open to All
• SCHS is partnering with a local Hardanger Group to help preserve this precious Norwegian folk craft.
• This group of ladies meet monthly to work on their projects and want to share their knowledge with you.
• If you are completely new to the craft, come meet the ladies and see if this could be your newest hobby.
• You don't have to be Norwegian to enjoy learning about Hardanger!

Special Events at the Owatonna Library

• Weekly on Thursday beginning Thursday, April 10, 2025
• Owatonna Public Library, 105 North Elm Avenue, Owatonna, MN 55060 

 

Table For All at Trinity Lutheran Church

• 5:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m. (Table For All is held every Thursday except for holidays.)
• Trinity Lutheran Church, 609 Lincoln Avenue South, Owatonna, MN 55060
• Trinity Lutheran Church offers a free warm meal and fellowship for those in need.
• Do you need a ride to Table For All?  Trinity has a bus that will pick you up!
• Call the Trinity Church Office at 507-451-4520 before noon on Wednesday each week to request a ride.    

Farmers Market in Central Park

• Saturday, May 10 through Saturday, October 25, 2025 (weather permitting)
• Stop by Central Park every Saturday during the summer to pick up fresh vegetables, flowers and fun hand-crafted items from more than 80 vendors.

2025 Downtown Faribault Car Cruise Night

• 6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
• July 18 - Self-Titled
• August 15 - Saint Suburbia
• September 20 - Fender Bender
• All are welcome!  No registration required.
• Enjoy delicious food, connect with fellow enthusiasts, and create lasting memories.
• A perfect evening for all ages, with a lively and welcoming atmosphere!
• The September event is a partnership with Faribault Harley-Davidson, combining classic cars with spectacular motorcycles.  

11 @ 7 Concert Series in Central Park

• 7:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
• July 3-10-17-24-31, and Sept. 4, 2025
• Central Park, 100 East Main Street, Owatonna, MN 55060
• Stay tuned for the listings of the bands that will be playing throughout the summer.

Rec on the Go

• July 19, 2025, 5:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. River Springs Water Park
• August 1, 2025, 5:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. Manthey Park
• August 23, 2025, 5:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. Mineral Springs Park
• The Rec on the Go program provides free, accessible and fun activities in convenient locations including ladder golf, soccer, pickleball, disc golf, preschool games, ziplines and so much more!  
• Stop by any or all of these dates and places where the Rec on the Go trailer will be located to join in the fun.
• This program is being offered in Owatonna due to a generous donation from Gopher Sport.
• For additional information, watch the City Spotlight video online, visit owatonna.gov/recgo or follow the Owatonna Parks & Recreation Facebook page. 

Our Neighborhood Supper at Our Savior's Lutheran Church

• Monday, July 14, 2025 - This event is weekly on Monday evenings.
• 5:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m., Our Savior's Lutheran Church, 1909 St. Paul Road, Owatonna, MN 55060

Owatonna Public Library Book Club

• Monday, July 14, 2025 (Meetings will be the second Monday of the month.)
• 6:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m., Owatonna Public Library, 105 North Elm Avenue, Owatonna, MN 55060
• NEW in 2025!
• Visit:  owatonna.gov/library for more information

Stuff The Bus

• Now through Sunday, August 10, 2025
• K-12 School Supply Drive
• Drop Off Locations: Blooming Prairie Public Library, First State Bank of Red Wing-Medford, Keen Bank-Ellendale, Keen Bank-Owatonna, Target, and United Way
• 3-ring, 1 inch binders, backpacks, colored pencils, washable Crayola crayons, erasers, facial tissues, folders, glue sticks, highlighters, kids scissors, washable markers, composition and/or spiral notebooks, college ruled notebooks, wide rules notebooks, Paper Mate black/blue/red pens, pencils, pencil boxes and/or bags, pencil erasers, sanitizer wipes, and water color paints

Art of the Month at the Owatonna Arts Center

• July 6, 2025 - 1:00 p.m. through July 27, 2025 - 5:00 p.m.
• Owatonna Arts Center, 435 Garden View Lane, Owatonna, MN 55060
• The Gallery Exhibition will feature painting by Artist Russ Docken
• The Arts Center is closed on Mondays.

Thursday Night Farmers Market in Central Park

• Thursday, July 17, 2025, 5:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
• Central Park, 100 East Main Street, Owatonna, MN 55060
• Come check out the Thursday night Farmers Market!

Jam on Pearl

• Friday, July 18, 2025 at 7:00 p.m.
• Zamboni Event Center, 301 North Cedar Avenue, Owatonna, MN 55060
• This outdoor music event will be packed with great vibes, great bands, and a great atmosphere.
• Music from Split Identity, Gravel and Strange Daze.
• Food and drinks from Grapeful.
• Tickets online or at the door.

Secret Garden Tour

• Sunday, July 20, 2025, 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
• Owatonna Arts Center, 435 Garden View Lane, Owatonna, MN 55060
• Explore a secret selection of beautiful and unique local gardens,
• Tickets online, or at the Owatonna Arts Center and Kottke Jewelers

Model T Ford Club International Tour in Owatonna

• Monday, July 21, 2025 - Friday, July 25, 2025
• Owatonna, MN 55060
• Hold the date for the Model T Ford Club.  They will have lots of different activities during the week.  This will be a very fun new-to-Owatonna event.

Bonus Downtown Thursday Event & Car Show in Owatonna

• Thursday, July 24, 2025, 5:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
• Central Park and Cedar Avenue, Owatonna, MN 55060
• A bonus Downtown Thursday Event in connection with the Model T Ford Club.  Watch of more information as the event gets closer.

Comedy to the Rescue

• Friday, July 25, 2025, Show at 7:00 p.m.
• Owatonna VFW, 135 Oakdale Street, Owatonna, MN 55060
• A stand-up benefit for homeless pets featuring nationally touring comedian, CLAY FOLEY
• Tickets:  $30 
• Proceeds to benefit Steele County Humane Society
• Contact the Steele County Human Society at 507-451-4512 for tickets

2025 Litomysl Annual Summer Festival

• Sunday, July 27, 2025
• Litomysl is located 8 miles south of Owatonna on County Road 45, then 2 miles east on County Road 4 (SE 98th Street) to 9946 24th Avenue SE
• A tractor pulling a tram will help people get to the Festival more quickly when they park their cars on the road  surrounding Litomysl.
• Polka Mass - 10:15 a.m.
• Outdoor activities:  11:00 a.m.
• There will be pony rides, pull tabs, wagon rides, games, and face painting.
• Silent Auction, used-a-bit sale, and  a country store with garden produce will be by the church.
• Annual "Big Ticket" raffle has many prizes (with a value of over $6,000), the first three prizes being $500.  The drawing will be held at 4:00 p.m. north of the church.
• The ladies of the parish will make many dozen prune, poppyseed, and apricot biscuits. These biscuits are a Czech tradition called Buchty.

Thursday Night Farmers Market in Central Park

• Thursday, August 2, 2025, 5:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
• Central Park, 100 East Main Street, Owatonna, MN 55060
• Come check out the Thursday night Farmers Market!

Art of the Month at the Owatonna Arts Center

• August 3, 2025, 1:00 p.m. - August 31, 2025, 5:00 p.m.
• Owatonna Arts Center, 435 Garden View Lane, Owatonna, MN 55060
• The Gallery Exhibition will feature artist Tim James Sculpture.
• The Arts Center is closed on Mondays.

Wonder Junction Vacation Bible School at Redemption Church

• Monday, August 4, 2025 at 6:00 p.m. through Friday, August 8, 2025, 8:30 p.m.
• Redemption Church, 123 East Main Street, Owatonna, MN 55060
• Come join Redemption Church for Vacation Bible School!
• Ages 4 years old through 6th grade

2025 Owatonna Gem Days

• Thursday, August 7, 2025 through Saturday, August 9, 2025
• Owatonna, MN 55060
• Owatonna refuses to be defined by just one thing.  So, we have created GEM DAYS to celebrate all that we are.  We celebrate our natural features, our beautiful buildings, our history and our legends.  We celebrate our art and music, our food and drink, our attractions and our entertainment.
• Website:  www.exploreminnesota.com

LIVE MUSIC with Jeff Reinartz

• Friday, August 8, 2025, 6:30 - 8:30 p.m.
• Grapeful Wine Bar, 306 North Cedar Avenue, Suite 2, Owatonna, MN 55060
• Wrap up your summer with a special performance by Jeff Reinartz, bringing his unique acoustic style.  Known for heartfelt originals and clever covers, Jeff's storytelling through song is the perfect backdrop for a relaxing night of wine and good company.

Artist Scott Roberts at the Owatonna Arts Center

• Saturday, August 9, 2025, 1:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
• Owatonna Arts Center, 435 Garden View Lane, Owatonna, MN 55060
• Scott Roberts' sculpture will be featured.
• The Arts Center is closed on Mondays.

2025 Steele County Free Fair

• Tuesday, August 12, 2025 - Sunday, August 17, 2025
• Steele County Free Fair, 1525 South Cedar Avenue, Owatonna, MN 55060
• Don't miss Owatonna's signature event - the largest county fair in the state of Minnesota!
• The fair offers a wide variety of events and attractions, and admission is FREE!
• Website:  www.scff.org

2025 Steele County E-Waste & Appliance Event at the Fairgrounds

• Saturday, September 6, 2025, 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
• 1525 South Cedar Avenue, Owatonna, MN 55060
• Retrofit Environmental and SCFF are teaming up to offer a community E-Waste and Appliance Recycling event again in 2025. More details to come here and on our Event Calendar in the near future! https://retrofitcompanies.com/about-us.../event-calendar/
• Items being accepted:  Monitors, TV's, PC's, Laptops, Tablets, Telephones, Cell Phones, Circuit Boards, Hard Drives, UPS Systems, E-scrap, Mice, Keyboards, and Cables
• Pricing:  TBD

Art of the Month at the Owatonna Arts Center

• Sunday, September 7, 2025 at 1:00 p.m.- Thursday, September 25, 2025
• Owatonna Arts Center, 435 Garden View Lane, Owatonna, MN 55060
• The Gallery Exhibition will feature THE SWEET BROTHERS.
• The Arts Center is closed on Mondays.

Innovators & Business Owners Connect-Up

• Thursday, September 11, 2025, 8:00 a.m. - 9:00 a.m.
• Torey's Restaurant & Bar, 208 North Cedar Avenue, Owatonna, MN 55060
• Our community brings together people excited about starting and growing businesses so that we can make Owatonna an even better place to live and work!
• FREE to attend! RSVP to info@owatonna.biz for a free continental breakfast
• 2nd Thursday of every month starting at 8:00 a.m.
• Contact:  Sean Williams, Owatonna Area Business Development Center; info@owatonna.biz  https://owatonna.biz

2025 5th Annual Fundraising Event for the Hunter Alexander Frank Memorial Foundation

• September 13, 2025
• We are hosting a memorial ride, car & bike show, silent auction, live entertainment, family activities, and more, all in one day!
• Donated funds in 2025 will be going to Operation 23-0 and Ride for Heroes, both local organizations focusing on helping our veterans, right here at home.
• Visit our website:  www.hafmemorial.org
• Please consider donating your time, talents, and a monetary donation, if possible.

Rustic Mama's Fall Market At the Four Seasons Centre

• Saturday, September 13, 2025
• Steele County Four Seasons Centre, 1525 South Elm Avenue, Owatonna, MN 55060
• Comfy, cozy, spicy, pretty, yummy . . . all things fall/winter can be found inside.  There will be food trucks and, of course, hand-picked talent from area vendors.  Grab that flannel, your crew and come say hey!
• Website:  facebook.com/therusticmamas

State School Orphanage Museum's Fall Celebration

• Saturday, September 13, 2025, 3:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
• Minnesota State Public School Orphanage Museum, 540 West Hills Circle, Owatonna, MN 55060
• Honor the legacy of the 10,635 children who called the Minnesota State Public School for Dependent and Neglected Children home between 1886 and 1945.  This annual event lends the opportunity to learn about the history of the school.  Explore the Museum, historic Cottage 11, the Children's Cemetery, and interactive campus to get a glimpse of what life was like for the children who called the orphanage their home.
• Website:  http://orphanagemuseum.com/

2025 Taste of Faribault

• Thursday, September 18, 2025, 5:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
• Faribo West Mall, 200 Western Avenue NW, Faribault, MN 55021
• Admission:  $20 - Advanced tickets
• Delight in an array of mouthwatering samples from the area's finest restaurants, caterers, and food vendors.
• Savor local specialties and discover new favorites while enjoying a selection of craft beers, exquisite wines, and premium spirits.
• Don't miss out on this premier tasting event - your taste buds will thank you!

Art of the Month at the Owatonna Arts Center

• October 5, 2025, 1:00 p.m. - November 16, 2025, 5:00 p.m.
• Owatonna Arts Center, 435 Garden View Lane, Owatonna, MN 55060
• The Gallery Exhibition artist is Scott Markell.
• The Arts Center is closed on Mondays.

Hotdish Hootenanny

• Saturday, October 11, 2025
• Owatonna Eagles Club, 141 East Rose Street, Owatonna, MN 55060
• Sponsored by the Noon Rotary Club of Owatonna
• Save the Date - More information to follow

Thursday Night Farmers Market in Central Park

• Thursday, October 16, 2025, 5:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
• Central Park, 100 East Main Street, Owatonna, MN 55060
• Come check out the Thursday night Farmers Market!

2025 Taste of Faribault

• Thursday, September 18, 2025, 5:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
• Faribo West Mall, 200 Western Avenue, Faribault, MN 55021
• Admission:  $20
• Join us for an unforgettable evening at the Taste of Faribault!  Delight in an array of mouthwatering samples from the area's finest restaurants, caterers, and food vendors.
• Savor local specialties and discover new favorites while enjoying a selection of craft beers, exquisite wines, and premium spirits.
• Don't miss out - your taste buds will thank you!

Spooktacular Halloween Downtown Trick or Treating in Owatonna

• Saturday, October 25, 2025, 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
• Downtown Owatonna, Owatonna, MN 55060
• Owatonna goes big for Halloween with the biggest trick or treat street in town!  Check out this fun family event in Downtown Owatonna.  Dressing in costume is not just for the kids!
• Website:  visitowatonna.org

Hospital Holiday Bazaar at St. John Lutheran Church

• Friday, October 31, 2025 - Saturday, November 1, 2025
• St.  John Lutheran Church ELCA, 1301 Lincoln Avenue South, Owatonna, MN 55060
• Hold the date for the hospital bazaar.  More information will come as the event gets closer.

All in for Steele County at the Owatonna VFW

• Saturday, November 1, 2025, 4:30 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.
• Veterans of Foreign Wars, 135 Oakdale Street, Owatonna, MN 55060
• Save the Date!
• This exciting event is designed to bring our community together for a night of casino-themed entertainment while supporting a great cause.  Stay tuned to our newsletter and be sure to follow us on social media @uwsteelecounty for more details.

Pastimes Art and Fine Craft Sale at the Owatonna Arts Center

• November 6-8, 2025
• Owatonna Arts Center, 435 Garden View Lane, Owatonna, MN 55060
• Hold the dates for this fall Craft sale event.  More information to come!

Wine Tasting at the Owatonna Arts Center

• Thursday, November 13, 2025, 6:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
• Owatonna Arts Center, 435 Garden View Lane, Owatonna, MN 55060
• Hold the date - more information to come!
• Tickets are required for this event.

7th Annual Let's Smile, Giggle & Laugh Comedy Night Fundraiser

• Saturday, November 22, 2025, 6:30 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.
• Social Hour at 6:30 p.m., Comedy Show starts at 7:30 p.m.
• Mineral Springs Brewery, 210 North Oak Avenue, Suite 1, Owatonna, MN 55060
• A night of hilarious comedians, tasty appetizers, and fantastic raffle baskets - all while supporting Let's Smile's Dental Programs.
• Contact:  Holly Jorgensen, letssmile@outlook.com
• Let's Smile, Inc., a local nonprofit organization providing not cost dental care for children and teens in our community.

Cocoa with Santa at the Owatonna Arts Center

• Saturday, November 22, 2025, 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
• Owatonna Arts Center, 435 Garden View Lane, Owatonna, MN 55060
• This event is FREE and open to the public.
• Come enjoy cocoa with Santa to start off the holiday season!

Faribault, Minnesota 2025 WinterFest

• Thursday, December 4 through Saturday, December 6, 2025
• 300 Central Avenue, Faribault, MN 55021, Historic Downtown
• Admission:  FREE
• Thursday - Carriage Rides, Meet Mr. and Mrs. Claus, enjoy the bounce house and making winter crafts
• Friday - Meet the Grinch, carriage rides, tree & park lighting, and ice carving
• Saturday - Christmas market, holiday bazaar, fireworks display, parade of lights, and winter street dance

 

2025 Holiday Lighted Parade on Cedar Avenue

• Friday, December 5, 2025, 6;00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
• Cedar Avenue and Central Park, in Owatonna, MN 55060
• Hold the date!