With warmer temperatures on the way, this weekend is the perfect chance to head outdoors to the numerous activities taking place in our area.

And there's no shortage of events that offer food.

Tonight, the Lyle American Legion Post 105 will host a walleye dinner from 5 to 8 p.m. Tickets are available at the door.

But if you're in the mood for some lighter fare, the Austin Girl Scout Troop 38 will be holding a cookie sale from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday at Sterling Main Street.

Other noteworthy events this weekend include a couple of fund raisers. One involves the Austin Area Community Home Schoolers used book sale. The event takes place from 10 to 11:30 a.m. Saturday in Albert Lea. For information, call 434-3691.

And on Sunday, the Austin Salvation Army Emergency Disaster Team will host a fund raiser from 5 to 8 p.m. at Sportts Restaurant. Tickets are $5 and are available at The Salvation Army or by calling 437-4566.

The 18th annual Minnesota Storytelling Festival begins tonight at Holiday Inn of Austin. A dinner show and storytelling concert begins 6:30 p.m. Tickets for the storytelling concert only are $10 at the door.

The weekend festival continues all day Saturday at the Paramount Theatre.

The festival concludes Sunday at St. Olaf Lutheran Church in Austin with sessions at 7:45, 9:15 and 10:45 a.m.

For more information, call any of the venues.

Dan Fields can be reached at 434-2230 or by e-mail at dan.fields@austindailyherald.com