Break out the dice, dust off your gaming figurines and build your customizable card game decks because Austi-Con is returning to the Austin National Guard Armory this weekend.

Founded and hosted by local gaming enthusiast Michael Jordal, Austi-Con is now in its third year. Last year’s event drew over 200 people.

Austi-Con III will run from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Friday and Saturday and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sunday at the Austin National Guard Armory. Admission is $15 for the entire weekend; however, a special rate of $10 for a family of four will be available on Sunday. Jordal hopes the special rate will attract more families.

“It’s just a lot of fun,” Jordal said. “There are a lot of people there passionate about the hobby and if you’re not familiar with some of the games, you can learn.”

Jordal said there will be a large variety of table top games for open gaming, from board games to customizable card games, as well as some vendors. Gamers ready to start a game will have “looking for players” signs so visitors will know they are welcome to join the game.

There will also be several opportunities to help raise money for causes. A silent auction and a “Magic: The Gathering” drafting tournament will be held to raise money for Hormel Historic Home autism programs. Over $3,700 has been raised for the programs over the past two years.

Just for Kix Dance Studio will run a concession stand all weekend to help raise money for a trip.

Austi-Con III will run from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Friday and Saturday and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sunday at the Austin National Guard Armory. Admission is $15 for the entire weekend; however, a special rate of $10 for a family of four will be available on Sunday. Jordal hopes the special rate will attract more families.

“There are games kids can play with adults,” he said. “It’s a good hobby for everyone.”

“If you’re an experienced gamer, you’ll have a lot of fun,” he added. “If not, you can meet a lot of people and maybe find a game you enjoy.”

For more information or to register, visit https://tabletop.events/conventions/austi-con-2018 or email jormiboced@gmail.com.

‘Close to You: A Carpenters Tribute’

The Austin Area Commission for the Arts will give you an opportunity to go back to the 1970s this weekend with “Close to You: A Carpenter’s Tribute.”

Featuring playwright and lead singer Lisa Rock with her six-piece band and back-up singers, the show will feature such hits as “We’ve Only Just Begun” and “Rainy Days and Mondays.”

The show is sponsored by Greg Meyer State Farm Insurance, The Joseph Company, Schammel Electric, Turtle Creek Construction and Jackel Construction.

“Close to You” will be performed at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, May 5, at the Historic Paramount Theatre. Tickets are $25 in advance and $30 on the day of the show.

For more information or to purchase advance tickets, visit www.austinareaarts.org or call 507-434-0934.

Schedule of Events

Friday

• 2018 Minnesota Junior Spring Cattle Show, Mower County Fairgrounds. An educational not-for-profit organization that encourages youth from around Minnesota, and surrounding states to participate in a junior livestock show each year.  For more information, go to www.mnjrspringclassic.com. For questions, contact Noah Carroll at carro481@umn.edu or call 507-440-0502.

Saturday

• City-wide Rummage Sale, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at various locations around Austin. Annual rummage sale featuring all kinds of shopping bargains and opportunities at numerous locations around town.

• Austin Jaycee’s Pitch, Hit and Run, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Todd Park. Free event for boys and girls ages 7-14 (birth certificate required) — no experience necessary.  Bring your kids out to Todd Park South Complex to compete in three areas of baseball/softball — pitching, hitting, and running. Hosted by JCI Austin – Austin Jaycees.  For more information, go to https://www.facebook.com/events/2002236800093210/

• Kids’ Studio – Cinco de Mayo Puppets, 10:30 a.m. to noon. With Gabriella Alva and Alondra Vasquez. For kids ages 4 to 14; cost $5 per child. For more information or register, call 507-434-0934 or go to www.austinareaarts.org.

• Dexter Variety Show, 2 p.m. at the Dexter United Methodist Church. Featuring talents including the St. Andrew’s Sisters and the Forte Milers. Admission is $5; proceeds go to the church. For more information, call Vandy Newman at 507-438-2237.

• 2018 Minnesota Junior Spring Cattle Show, Mower County Fairgrounds. An educational not-for-profit organization that encourages youth from around Minnesota, and surrounding states to participate in a junior livestock show each year.  For more information, go to www.mnjrspringclassic.com. For questions, contact Noah Carroll at carro481@umn.edu or call 507-440-0502.

Sunday

• Fireman’s Breakfast, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Brownsdale Fire Department. Serving French toast, pancakes, biscuit and gravy, scrambled eggs, sausage, coffee and milk. Free will donation; funds raised will be used to fund a purchase of new air packs to help protect members from the dangers of cancer. For more information, call 507-567-2616.

• Austin Symphony Orchestra Presents Sarah Chang, 2 p.m. at Knowlton Auditorium, Austin High School. Welcome international violin virtuoso Sarah Chang for a celebration of the 100th anniversary of the birth of American composer and conductor Leonard Bernstein. A native of New Jersey, Chang has performed with the New York Philharmonic, the Philadelphia Orchestra, the Chicago Symphony, the Boston Symphony, the Cleveland Orchestra, the Montréal Symphony Orchestra, the Berlin Philharmonic, the Vienna Philharmonic, orchestras in London, England, and the Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra of Amsterdam. Tickets are also available at the Coffee House on Main Street and Hy-Vee. For more information, go to www.austinsymphonyorchestra.org.

• 2018 Minnesota Junior Spring Cattle Show, Mower County Fairgrounds. An educational not-for-profit organization that encourages youth from around Minnesota, and surrounding states to participate in a junior livestock show each year.  For more information, go to www.mnjrspringclassic.com. For questions, contact Noah Carroll at carro481@umn.edu or call 507-440-0502.