There’s a treat for ears this weekend as several events flow through Austin on the sound waves. With concerts, workshops and helping out the neighbors, there won’t be time for the couch this weekend.

1. ‘Making It’ Free Music Industry Workshops

12:30 to 1:30 p.m., 2 to 3 p.m., 3 to 4 p.m., 5 to 6 p.m. on Friday, Riverland Community College Austin East Campus, 1900 Eighth Ave. NW, Room E102

Enjoy free food and a performance by former Riverland student Joshua Whalen. Whalen is currently recording a new album and has performed in Minnesota and outside the state. Sponsored by Riverland’s Music Department in partnership with the Historic Paramount Theatre and Minnesota Music Coalition, this event offers musicians a chance to get advice and further their craft. For more information, call 507-433-0547.

2. John Mark Nelson

7 to 8:30 p.m. on Friday, Historic Paramount Theatre, 125 Fourth Ave. NE

John Mark Nelson is an independent American folk songwriter based in Minneapolis. He’s released three albums: “Still Here” in 2011, “Waiting and Waiting” in 2012 and “Sings the Moon” earlier this year. Also appearing: Alex Rossi and Root City, James Bracken and Jon Stowell. Tickets are $10. For more information, call 507-434-0934.

3. Augsburg Centennial Singers Concert

7:30 to 9 p.m. on Friday, St. Olaf Lutheran Church, 306 Second St. NW

Under the direction of Paul Christensen, the 60 member choir will be feature traditional sounds of barbershop, hymns and sacred music selections. For more information, call 507-433-8857.

4. Austin Day of Caring (United Way)

All day on Saturday, Austin Minnesota

This community-wide event sends teams out to work together to complete projects for homeowners and organizations who are not able to complete the projects themselves. Most projects last two to four hours. Start the day with breakfast in the Austin High School cafeteria and head out from there. For more information, call 507-437-2313.

5. 10th Annual Hormel Nature Center 8K Run

9 to 11:30 a.m. on Saturday, Jay C. Hormel Nature Center, 1304 21st St. NE

The annual 8K trail run and a one mile kids’ run is a great family event. The race will be chip-timed. Refreshments and T-shirts are available for racers. Early registration is $18 for the 8K, $5 for the one mile kids’ run, and parents/chaperones are free. Race day registration is $25 for the 8K, $7 for the one mile kids’ run. The nonprofit race organized and sponsored by Overby Orthodontics. Proceeds are donated to the Jay C. Hormel Nature Center. For more information, call 507-437-7519.

6. Close to You: Music of The Carpenters

7 to 9:30 p.m. on Saturday, Knowlton Auditorium, Austin High School, 301 Third St. NW

The first concert of the Austin Artist Series 2014-2015 season will feature the music of The Carpenters. Admission will be accepted by season membership only. Memberships will be available at the door: $45 for single adults, $90 for families and $15 for students.

7. Fall Harvest Celebration

11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, Mower County Historical Society at the fairgrounds, 1303 Sixth Ave. SW

Get ready to have fun at the fall festival this Saturday. The event features old fashioned crafts, candle dipping, cider pressing, butter churning, rope making, doll making and more. There will also be hay-baling, threshing and wagon rides. There will be a thresher’s dinner of pulled pork and sides for $6 per plate.