Activities in the Region

 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.

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!

Library Story Time

  • Owatonna Public Library on Tuesdays for Preschool Story Time.  Beginning September 17, 2024 (most Tuesdays)
  • 9:30 a.m. - 10:00 a.m., 10:30 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
  • Owatonna Public Library, 105 North Elm Avenue, Owatonna, MN 55060
  • Visit www.owatonna.gov/library

Special Events at the Owatonna Library

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

2025 Education Event - Medicare 101

  • Thursday, February 27, 2025, 6:00 p.m.
  • Owatonna Public Library Gainey Room, 105 North Elm Avenue, Owatonna, MN 55060
  • Space is limited, so please RSVP! - Call (507)451.0539 or email at Service@HelpingYouInsure.com 
  • Learn detailed information about Medicare A & B, Advantage Plans (Part C), RX plans (Part D) and Supplements (Medigap)
  • Nothing is being sold.  No specific plan information is being presented.
  • Sarah Schmidt, a local independent insurance agent with over 20  years of experience helping people in Southern Minnesota, will present how Medicare works and what type of options you will have for health coverage when you are on Medicare.
  • This is a Family First Insurance Agency event. 

 

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.   

Artist Stephen McKinzie at the Owatonna Arts Center

  • January 2025 through February 23, 2025
  • Owatonna Arts Center, 435 Garden View Lane, Owatonna, MN 55060
  • The Arts Center is open Tuesday through Sunday and closed on Mondays.
  • Gallery hours are from 1:00 to 5:00 p.m.
  • Visit:  www.oacarts.org for more information

Adopt a Valentine Kitten Steele County Humane Society

  • Tuesday, February 4, 2025 through Friday, February 28, 2025, 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
  • Steele County Humane Society, 1065 24th Avenue SW, Suite 106, Owatonna, MN 55060
  • Contact the SCHS for a meet and greet!
  • For more information: Contact the Humane Society Office at (507)451-4512
  • All Valentine Kitten Adoptions are $25 off in February!

Ice Skating at Morehouse Park's Warsinski Ice Rinks and Chalet

  • Tuesday, February 11, 2025 through Friday, February 14, 2025, 3:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
  • Saturday, February 15, 2025, 11:00 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.
  • Sunday, February 16, 2025, 12:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
  • Monday, February 17, 2025, 3:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
  • 350 School Street, Owatonna, MN 55060
  • Phone:  (507) 451-7970
  • Morehouse Park boasts four lighted hockey rinks, and has long been the site of outdoor ice skating in the city.  The Straight River, adjacent the Warsinski Chalet, is also maintained for skating when weather permits.

LTO Presents "The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee"

  • Thursday, February 13, Friday, February 14, and Saturday, February 15 at 7:30 p.m.
  • Thursday, February 20, Friday, February 21, and Saturday, February 22 at 7:30 p.m.
  • Sunday, February 16 and Sunday February 23 at 2:00 p.m.
  • Little Theatre of Owatonna, 560A Dunnell Drive, Owatonna, MN 55060
  • An eclectic group of six mid-pubescents vie for the spelling championship of a lifetime.  While candidly disclosing hilarious and touching stories from their home lives, the tweens spell their way through a series of (potentially made-up) words, hoping never to hear the soul-crushing, pout-inducing, life un-affirming "ding" of the bell that signals a spelling mistake.  Six spellers enter; one speller leaves a champion!  At least the losers get a juice box.
  • A riotous ride, complete with audience participation, The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee is a delightful den of comedic genius.

Around the World in 80 Days - Faribault

  • February 14, 15, 21, and 22, 2025 - 7:30 p.m.
  • February 16 and 23, 2025 - 2:00 p.m.
  • Paradise Center for the Arts, 321 Central Avenue, Faribault, MN 55021
  • The play races its way around the globe, taking in continents, intrigue, love and even an elephant - all in the name of a bet.  The eccentric Phileas Fogg wagers his life's fortune that he can circumnavigate the globe in just eighty days with his traveling companion, Passepartout.  The complicating factor?  In Victorian England there are no planes.

Blood Drive Rainbowatonna LGBTQ Community 

  • Tuesday, February 18, 2025, 11:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
  • Associated Church, 800 Havana Road, Owatonna, MN 55060
  • Please call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or visit RedCrossBlood.org and enter:  Rainbowatonna to schedule an appointment.

Steele County Humane Society Chili Cook Off at the New Mineral Springs Brewery Location

  • Saturday, February 22, 2025, 4:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
  • Mineral Springs Brewery, 210 North Oak Avenue, Suite 1, Owatonna, MN 55060
  • Tickets include one adult beverage.  Tickets are $15 before the event and $17 at the door.
  • Tickets are $10 for ages 6-12

K-12 Student Art Exhibition at the Owatonna Arts Center

  • Wednesday, March 5, 2025 - This will run the month of March.
  • 1:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. (The Arts Center is closed on Mondays.)
  • Owatonna Arts Center, 435 Garden View Lane, Owatonna, MN 55060
  • Come enjoy the art from our K-12 Owatonna Public Schools Art Department.  
  • For more information, visit:  www.oacarts.org

2025 Annual Figure Skating Showcase at the Four Seasons Centre

  • Saturday, March 15, 2025, 2:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
  • Steele County Four Seasons Centre, 1525 South Elm Avenue, Owatonna, MN 55060
  • This showcase event will take place in the East Rink
  • Tickets are $10 and can be purchased at the door or online at owatonnafsc.org

2025 North American Farm & Power Show

  • Thursday, March 20, 2025, 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
  • Friday, March 21, 2025, 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
  • Saturday, March 22, 2025, 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
  • Four Season Centre, 1525 South Elm Avenue, Owatonna, MN 55060
  • FREE Admission and FREE Parking
  • Tradexpos, Inc. is committed to bringing the industry's leading innovators in agriculture technology, equipment, and science to the front step of America's farming heartland.

Spring Suncatcher Making at Fleet Farm in Owatonna

  • Saturday, March 22, 2025, 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
  • Fleet Farm, 2121 West Bridge Street, Owatonna, MN 55060
  • Come to Fleet Farm in Owatonna and create a Spring Suncatcher.
  • This is a FREE event and is open to all ages.

39th Annual Night of Knights Auction

  • Saturday, March 22, 2025, Doors open at 5:00 p.m.
  • St. Mary's School, 730 South Cedar Avenue, Owatonna, MN 55060
  • Our biggest fundraiser of the year benefiting St. Mary's School and students
  • 100% of proceeds go to St. Mary's School and students
  • Online and In Person Silent Auction
  • In Person Live Auction
  • Visit the website for the latest updates:  bidpal.net/smsnok

KOWZ & KRUE Home and Recreation Show at the Four Seasons Centre

  • Saturday, March 29, 2025, 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
  • Steele County Four Seasons Centre, 1525 South Elm Avenue, Owatonna, MN 55060
  • Stop by the Four Seasons for all of your home and recreation needs.
  • Website:  www.kowzfm.com

Dancing with our Steele County Stars - Healthy Seniors of Steele County

  • Saturday, April 5, 2025, 6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
  • Owatonna High School, 1455 SE 18th Street, Owatonna, MN 55060
  • Hold the date - more information to come.

Hops for Habitat

  • Saturday, April 5, 2025, 3:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
  • Four Season Centre, 1525 South Elm Avenue, Owatonna, MN 55060
  • Hops for Habitat is our annual beer sampling fundraiser.  Come taste craft beers and seltzers from breweries locally and across Minnesota.
  • Breweries are signing up now and tickets are on sale!
  • All funds raised will go to construction projects in Owatonna.
  • Two Rivers Habitat for Humanity serves Waseca, Steele, Dodge, Olmsted and Wabasha Counties of Minnesota
  • https://www.tworivershabitat.org/hops-for-habitat

Bowl for Kids Sake at Spare Time

  • Friday, April 25, 2025, 4:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.
  • Spare Time Entertainment, 333 SE 18th Street, Owatonna, MN 55060
  • Fundraiser for Big Brothers Big Sisters

Little Theatre of Owatonna Presents "Noises Off"

  • Friday, April 25 and Saturday, April 26, 2025 - 7:30 p.m.
  • Friday, May 2 and Saturday, May 3, 2025 - 7:30 p.m.
  • Sunday, April 27 and Sunday, May 4, 2025 - 2:00 p.m. Matinee
  • "Noises Off" is a play within a play.  It is about an ambitious director and his troupe of mediocre actors.  The cast and crew are putting together a silly sex comedy titled, "Nothing On" - a single-set farce in which lovers frolic, doors slam, clothes are tossed away,, and embarrassing hijinks ensue.

47th Annual Young Life Cake Auction at Trinity Lutheran Church

  • Saturday, April 26, 2025, 8:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
  • Trinity Lutheran Church, 609 Lincoln Avenue South, Owatonna, MN 55060
  • The online bidding for this event starts Thursday, April 26, 2025
  • For more cake auction information check out:  steelecounty.younglife.org

Corky's Early Bird Softball Classic at the Fairgrounds Ball Park

  • Friday, May 2 through Sunday, May 4, 2025
  • Fairgrounds Park Field #1, 475 SE 18th Street, Owatonna, MN 55060
  • This slow-pitch softball tournament is one of the largest and most competitive men's softball tournaments in the country.  Held at the Steele County Fairgrounds Softball Complex and various fields throughout Owatonna and Faribault.

Rustic Mama's Spring Craft Show at the Four Seasons Centre

  • Saturday, May 3, 2025
  • Steele County Four Seasons Centre, 1525 South Elm Avenue, Owatonna, MN 55060
  • Colorful and full of life, the Rustic Mama's spring market at Four Seasons Centre has vendors inside and out; with food, music and more!
  • Website:  View Facebook

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.

Cutting Horse Competitions at the Steele County Fairgrounds

  • Friday, May 16, 2025 - Sunday, May 18, 2025
  • Steele County Fairgrounds, 1525 South Cedar Avenue, Owatonna, MN 55060
  • Come and watch this modern equestrian competition where a horse and rider are required to separate a single cow from a herd of cattle.
  • This event takes place at the Steele County Fairgrounds arena.

The Memorial Day Parade is back in 2025

  • Monday, May 26, 2025, 9:30 a.m.
  • Program at the Four Seasons begins at 10:30 a.m.
  • Parade route starts at the corner of Elm & School Street, and end at the Four Seasons.

11 @ 7 Concert Series in Central Park

  • 7:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
  • Beginning May 29 and ending August 7, 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.

Smokin' In Steele BBQ & Blues Festival at the Beer Garden

  • Friday, May 30, 2025
  • Ye Olde Beer Garden at the Steele County Fairgrounds, 1525 South Cedar Avenue, Owatonna, MN 55060
  • A smokin' good time!  Kansas City Sanctioned BBQ Competition and live blues music at this one-of-a-kind event.
  • Website:  www.smokininsteele.com

Power of the Purse Fundraiser at the Owatonna Country Club

  • Tuesday, June 10, 2025, 5:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
  • Owatonna Country Club, 1991 Lemond Road, Owatonna, MN 55060
  • Tickets on sale now!
  • Our 12th annual fundraising event to raise funds to support early childhood learning initiatives:  Born Learning Trails, Bright by Text, and Dolly Parton's Imagination Library.
  • Dinner, desserts, and cocktails
  • Silent and Live Auction! Mystery Wine Pull! Lots of fun and purses!
  • Hosted by United Way of Steele County, Women United

Harry Wenger Marching Band Festival in Owatonna

  • Saturday, June 14, 2025, 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
  • The first band will step off at 11:00 a.m. on Lincoln Avenue, traveling down Main Street to end in Central Park.
  • This festival showcases competitive high school marching bands and pays homage to the vision and work of the founder of Wenger Co., Harry Wenger.
  • More information to come as the event gets closer.
  • Website:  www.owatonnabandfestival.com

Little Theatre of Owatonna Summer Show

  • Thursday, June 19 and Friday, June 20, 2025 - 7:30 p.m.
  • Thursday, June 26 and Friday, June 27, 2025 - 7:30 p.m.
  • Sunday, June 22 and Sunday, June 29, 2025 - 2:00 p.m. Matinee
  • Little Theatre of Owatonna, 560 Dunnell Drive #A, Owatonna, MN 55060
  • Little Theatre of Owatonna presents "Chitty Chitty Bang Bang"
  • Everyone's favorite flying car comes to live in the musical adaptation of the beloved family film.  
  • An eccentric inventor, Caractacus Potts, sets about restoring an old race car from a scrap heap with the help of his children, Jeremy and Jemima.  They soon discover the car has magical properties, including the ability to float and take flight.  Trouble occurs when the evil Baron Bomburst desires the magic car for himself.  The family joins forces with Truly Scrumptious and batty Grandpa Potts to outwit the dastardly Baron and Baroness and their villainous henchman, the Child Catcher. 
  • Join the adventure!

2025 4th of July Fireworks at the Steele County Fairgrounds

  • Friday, July 4, 2025
  • Steele County Fairgrounds, 1525 South Cedar Avenue, Owatonna, MN 55060
  • There's no better way to celebrate the 4th of July than Owatonna's incredible fireworks display.
  • Sponsored by the Owatonna Early Edition Rotary Club

Healthy Seniors of Steele County Classic Golf Event at the Owatonna Country Club

  • Tuesday, Jul 8, 2025, 11:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
  • Owatonna Country Club, 1991 Lemond Road, Owatonna, MN 55060
  • Hold the date - more information to come!

Pride in the Park in Owatonna's Central Park

  • Saturday, July 12, 2025
  • Central Park, 100 East Main Street, Owatonna, MN 55060
  • Pride in the Park features musical groups and vendors from our local community and Southern Minnesota.
  • The family-friendly event will also include lots of family friendly activities to include "make and take" art station, face painting, and free books.
  • This event includes food trucks and will highlight the band, "NO COAST" all in Central Park.
  • More information:  https://www.rainbowatonna.org

Extravaganza at the Village of Yesteryear

  • Sunday, July 13, 2025
  • Village of Yesteryear, 1448 Austin Road, Owatonna, MN 55060
  • Check out the Village of Yesteryear for an afternoon of family fun.  Come meet the Rendezvousers at their encampment.  There will be live music, demonstrations, crafts, tomahawk throwing, and horse-drawn wagon rides.
  • There will be food, vintage soda, and old-fashioned candy available for purchase.
  • Website: www.schsmn.org

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

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.

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 mus9ic, our food and drink, our attractions and our entertainment.
  • Website:  www.exploreminnesota.com

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

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/

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

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

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

  • Friday, November 21, 2025
  • Social Hour at 6:30 p.m., Comedy Show starts at 7:30 p.m.
  • Location:  To Be Determined
  • 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

2025 Holiday Lighted Parade on Cedar Avenue

  • Friday, December 5, 2025
  • Cedar Avenue and Central Park, in Owatonna, MN 55060
  • Hold the date!