Tailgating is a fitting way to kick off this weekend, with high school football on Friday, NFL football on Sunday, and even football during church. No kidding. Of course, where there is football, there is plenty of food and fun. Don’t forget pigskin, and plenty of it, still alive and breathing at the Mower County Fairgrounds.

1. Home-opener hopes

Friday, Sept. 6, 5 p.m. through kickoff, Art Hass Stadium, 1300 W Oakland Ave., Austin.

The Austin Packers are ready for kickoff at their home opener against Mankato West Friday night. But the fun starts earlier during a tailgate party from 5 to 6:30 p.m. at the field.

2. Hey, what about hockey?

Saturday, Sept. 7, 10 a.m. YMCA of Austin, 704 First Drive NW.

We didn’t forget about you, hockey. The air is cooling, but the Austin Bruins are heating up for their season. Meet them during the Bruins Kickoff Bash from 10 a.m. to noon this Saturday and show support for another season around the corner.

3. Music and miracles: A cancer benefit

Saturday, Sept. 7, starting after 2 p.m., Eagles Club, 107 11th St. NE, Austin.

Tony Dooley needs some help, and Austin is going to give it. The “Miracle of Music” cancer benefit will be held for Dooley with a talent show and cash prizes from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m. at the Eagles Club. Then there will be tons of live music, from 5 p.m. to close. There will also be a silent auction.

4. Double the fun, and faith

Sunday, Sept. 8, 10:30 a.m., Cornerstone Church: 1403 First Ave. SW, Austin; and 8 a.m. St. Olaf Lutheran Church, 301 First St. NW, Austin.

Church won’t be so routine this Sunday in Austin. Cornerstone Church is holding its 13th annual FunFest with games for both children and adults, and perhaps a first ever for church: football! Yes, that will finally happen. Over at St. Olaf Lutheran, members will take part in the ELCA’s 25th anniversary of Rally Sunday. There will also be games for young and old, music and a hog roast.

5. Barrows of fun

Sunday, Sept. 8, 8 a.m. through Wednesday, Sept. 11, Mower County Fairgrounds, 700 12th St. SW, Austin.

The 67th annual National Barrow Show is once again in Austin, the nation’s hub for swine events. The critter begin ruttin’ around Sunday while the public can enjoy a windsor chop dinner for $8 starting at 11:30. The event runs through Wednesday with showmanship by all ages and a sale at the end.

Other events

Come on, Austin. This town loves pancakes, and the Austin Masons are serving them up from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, 303 N Main St. for $5 a plate. “Batter” up. Then, walk off those carbs on Sunday at the Humane Society’s walk for the animals, 2 p.m. at Mill Pond. Show up early for registration.

Look to Reporter Matt Peterson’s column every Friday for more about upcoming events in Austin. For even more, check out the calendar on Page 4 every day in the print edition and the AustinDailyHerald.com homepage.