With the school year ending and children looking for something to do, the Austin Area Commission for the Arts is offering a full schedule of activities throughout the summer that the entire family can enjoy.

We will be partner with Rochester’s Riverside Concerts to bring the renowned musicians in their World Music Series to the Historic Paramount Theatre for free one hour performances on select Wednesdays throughout the summer. The shows will be both entertaining and informative. Trace Bundy will also perform at the Paramount on June 24, with discounted tickets available for students.

The Austin ArtWorks Center will be bustling with classes for both kids and adults. Thanks to the generous support of Ruth Wunderlich, we will be offering two low cost kids’ art camps for the first time on July 26-29 and Aug. 23-26.

Children can sign up for the entire week or single classes throughout the week. The Summer Traveling Creative Studio returns to Mower County through support from SELCO, bringing free kids art classes to the public libraries throughout the county, as well as libraries in Zumbrota, Lake City, and Wabasha.

To wrap up the summer fun, we will have a plethora of free family activities at the Austin ArtWorks Festival held at the Historic Downtown Power Plant on Saturday, Aug. 27, and Sunday, Aug. 28. Last year we had about 450 kids attend the festival, and this year we are hoping for even more.

The night of Saturday, Aug. 27, the Dick Schindler Celebration Concert will be held at the Historic Paramount Theatre. The show is sponsored by Mayo Clinic Health Systems Albert Lea Austin and will feature Malamanya and Sonny Knight and the Lakers with the Peter Jacobs Combo playing in the Paramount Plaza.

All of this amazing programming would not be possible without support from our generous donors. Please consider sponsoring a program, becoming a member, or simply giving a financial gift.

Your generosity will help us provide opportunities for family and friends to gather together to create positive memories, ultimately making our community a more welcoming, fun place to be. Gifts can be made in person at the Austin ArtWorks Center, or online at austinareaarts.org.