Venetian Glass and Cult Cinema Anchor a Full Fall Weekend
Austin, MN · October 9, 2026
Setting up the pottery wheels and glass cutters on Main Street is already underway for tonight’s studio kick-off. You have got a wonderfully crowded autumn weekend ahead once the afternoon winds down.
The Lead
At the Historic Paramount Theatre, the autumn movie lineup brings the 1991 cult classic The Addams Family back to the big screen on Saturday with afternoon and evening showings beneath the starry atmospheric ceiling. Down the block at the Austin ArtWorks Center, instructor Deb D’Souza opens an intensive three-day workshop tonight guiding makers through the ancient art of Italian smalti glass mosaics, while Saturday morning welcomes young painters for pastel pumpkins in the Clay Cavern. Over at Bandshell Community Park, Saturday’s midday hours fill with food trucks, artisan booths, and live outdoor music for the annual Pride Festival. Between hand-cut glass, youth studios, and theatrical cinema, the downtown corridor has assembled one of its liveliest autumn slates. Tickets for theatre screenings and upcoming pottery series remain available through the box office.
Local Pulse
Council Finalizes Agreement For New City Administrator City Hall Former municipal executive Eric Ellis officially assumes the community’s lead administrative duties beginning on October 26.
United Way Launches Annual Mower County Drive Community The newly announced 1.275 million dollar fundraising goal supports local health, education, and basic needs initiatives throughout the coming year.
District Releases Blueprint For November Facility Vote Schools Public guides now outline safety enhancements, mechanical repairs, and Ellis Pool fixes tied to the 24.9 million dollar referendum.
Today's Outlook
- High 72°F · Low 48°F — Overcast
- A mild, gray afternoon keeps things comfortable, though you will want a light layer tonight.
What's On Around Town
Today
Smalti Glass Workshop Austin ArtWorks Center (300 N Main St), 6:00–8:00 PM · Paid Cut Venetian glass alongside fellow crafters during this three-day weekend kick-off.
Packers Varsity Football Pine Island High School (223 1st Ave SE), Pine Island, 7:00 PM Make the short drive north to back the scarlet and white.
Tomorrow
- Kids Studio: Pumpkin Mickey Mouse Austin ArtWorks Center (300 N Main St), 10:30 AM–Noon · $5
- Austin Pride Festival Bandshell Community Park, 11:00 AM–3:00 PM · Free
- The Addams Family (1991) Historic Paramount Theatre (125 4th Ave NE), 3:00 PM · $5–7
Sunday
- Smalti Glass Workshop Austin ArtWorks Center (300 N Main St), 10:00 AM–3:00 PM · Paid
- Fall Rochester Bridal Show Graham Park (112 Arena Dr SE), Rochester, 11:00 AM–2:00 PM · Free
Spotlight & Story
- First National Bank Building
- Built in 1896 as the First National Bank, this three-story brick anchor long guarded downtown commerce. Today, local artists glaze stoneware in the basement vaults, where pottery wheels hum inside the converted Clay Cavern right beside original nineteenth-century masonry.
Austin Daily Digest — compiled from local sources as of 6 AM. For breaking updates, follow your local newsrooms.
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