Art

Fine arts entertainment includes the finest community theatre around by Albert Lea Community Theatre.

The Civic Music Association and the Robert L. Myers Series provide excellent concert performances from around the glove.  An active High School Show Choir, Art Center and numerous special events complete the well-rounded offerings in the arts.


Sports

Athletics are an integral part of life in Freeborn County. Residents enjoy a full range of organized sports year-round for all ages, as well as infrastructure to pursue your personal passion. 

The Albert Lea Family Y offers children's programming as well as a weight room, pool and aerobics for adults. Albert Lea Parks & Recreation offers organized volleyball, softball and other leagues for play. Kids enjoy t-ball, soccer, flag football, swimming and many other activities. 

A second ice arena was added to the City Arena in 1999 which hosts skating events, dog shows and hockey tournaments. The City of Albert Lea also expanded the Aquatic Center with a giant waterslide and pool toys in 1998. 

Join a golf league, play tennis on one of the many courts around town, play soccer on the many fields spread throughout the community or take a leisurely bike ride along the Blazing Star Trail. In the winter, enjoy cross country skiing at Myre Big Island State Park or snowmobile on the more than 250 miles of groomed trails throughout the county. Health clubs in town help you keep fit year-round.


Community Education

An unbelievable range of activities are available through Community Education. Learn how to create hardanger lace; speak a foreign language; swing dance to the big bands; plan for your financial future; tour a foreign company; or familiarize yourself with the latest software programs. Community Education also has numerous programs for children including preschool classes.

Spend time in the Public Library where you have access to numerous volumes on the shelf, or order books, tapes and videos from other libraries in the Southeast Region. Jump on the internet and discover endless resources for your imagination. Take your children to a puppet show or story hour in the Children's Library.


Festivals and Special Events

Sprinkled throughout the year are festivals celebrating the various heritages, history and community spirit including the following:
Cinco de Mayo
Eddie Cochran Festival
Festival of Bands
July 3rd Parade
4th of July Fireworks Display
Freeborn Days, Emmons Days, Hayward Days, Hartland Days
Big Island Rendezvous
Doc Evans Jazz Festival