This weekend will be filled with great food, great music and lots of culture. With the fifth annual Foodie Throwdown, a pasta dinner to support man’s best friend and some Shakespeare turned modern, there’s plenty to do over the next few days.

1. ‘Much Ado About Nothing’

7:30-9:30 p.m. Thursday-Saturday, 2 p.m. Sunday, Frank W. Bridges Theatre

One of the most popular and charming of Shakespeare’s comedies, “Much Ado About Nothing” features the original “battle of the sexes” couple: Benedick, an arrogant and confirmed bachelor, and Beatrice, his favorite sparring partner.

While Beatrice and Benedick hide their infatuation beneath witty barbs, young love blossoms as Hero and Claudio race to the altar. When the wicked Don John conspires to break up the wedding, will false accusations and misunderstandings prevent the young couple’s happy ending? Witty wordplay, passionate poetry and clever plot twists make this the perfect evening. Suggested for ages 12 and up, and tickets cost $13.

2. Pheasants Forever Banquet

5:30-9:30 p.m. Saturday, Holiday Inn Austin Conference Center

The 16th annual Mower County Pheasants Forever dinner will be held Saturday at the Austin Holiday Inn. The banquet raises money for the group to either give to people hoping to make their own land more nature-friendly or to purchase land as a group. For more information, call 507-433-8000.

4. Fifth Annual Foodie Throwdown

6-9 p.m. Saturday, Hormel Historic Home

Local chefs compete to create dishes while attendees will vote for their favorite main dish and dessert. Each chef will build their menu based on a “5 Star” cocktail theme — guests should dress in “five star” cocktail attire. Social Hour begins at 6 p.m. and a cash bar will be available. Sampling of the food will start at 7 p.m. Entertainment will be by Reminisce, and a live auction will benefit the Hormel Historic Home. Tickets are $30. For more information or to purchase tickets call 507-433-4243, or visit www.hormelhistorichome.org.

5. A Russian Spectacular

2-4 p.m. Sunday, Knowlton Auditorium, Austin High School

This event will feature Konstantin Soukhovestski on the piano, with music by Rimsky-Korsakov, Tchaikovsky, and Borodin. For more information, or tickets, contact Sonia Larson at 507-433-8719 (sonial@charter.net) or Sue Radloff at 507-396-2613 (fiddlesue@yahoo.com). Tickets can also be bought online at www.austinmnsymphony.org.

6. Mower County Humane Society Pasta Dinner/Auction

4-7 p.m. Sunday, Holiday Inn Austin Conference Center

Come support man’s and woman’s best friends. The Mower County Humane Society will hold the annual pasta dinner and auction Sunday. Advance tickets are available at the Humane Society and Double K and cost $10 for adults and $4 for kids 8 and under. At the door, tickets are $12 for adults and $5 for kids 8 and under. The Humane Society receives no funding and is entirely volunteer run, so every bit counts toward saving more lives.