Special Events

Owatonna Public Schools is organizing a community-wide book study centered on The Anxious Generation. This pivotal text addresses the influence of cell phones and social media on the mental health of young people. Given the increase in anxiety, depression, and stress levels among students, this book study aims to foster greater understanding and dialogue around these important issues.

To find more details and to register: ISD761.org/CommunityConversation

May 10, 2025

Join us at The Enviro Show, a fun, free, and educational event dedicated to promoting eco-friendly practices, sustainable living, and environmental awareness!

Whether you're an eco-conscious individual, a family looking to learn more about green initiatives, or someone interested in supporting local organizations and sustainable businesses, this event has something for everyone! Hosted by Steele County, Steele County Free Fair, and Owatonna Community Education.

To find more details about this event, visit our Facebook page!

Get up to 10% off your car insurance for 3 years!

March 10 | 9AM-1PM | Roosevelt School

May 5 | 5:30PM-9:30PM | Roosevelt School

Register by calling 888-234-1294 or visit www.DriverDiscountProgram.com

Grease! at the Chanhassen Dinner Theatre

February 5, 2025

Grease joyfully returns to the Chanhassen Dinner Theatres’ Main Stage! Fancy a nostalgic evening full of greased-up hair, jukebox jingles, and bobby-socks. The most popular, fun-filled musical in the history of Rock ’n’ Roll is packed with explosive energy, vibrant 1950s pop culture and unforgettable tunes: “Summer Nights,” “Look at Me, I’m Sandra Dee,” “We Go Together,” “Greased Lightnin’,” “Beauty School Dropout,” AND added songs made popular in the beloved film: “Grease (Is The Word),” “Hopelessly Devoted to You” and “You’re the One That I Want.”

Join Sandy, Danny Zuko, those groovy T-Birds, sassy Pink Ladies and the whole gang at Rydell High for an affectionate satire of high school life in the 50s. Shoo-bop-shoo-bop a-ram-a-lam-a-ding-dong! It’s a high-octane Rock ‘n’ Roll party that entertains from start to finish.

Your trip fee includes motorcoach transportation, lunch, and admission. Register no later than January 7. No refunds on trips.

On the Road Again at the Sidekick Theatre!

March 19, 2025

On the Road Again returns to the Sidekick stage with another memorable concert filled with your favorite country music from decades past. Get ready for some fantastic fiddling and even more lush harmonies.

Featuring the music of Hank Williams, Patsy Cline, Johnny Cash, Willie Nelson, and Waylon Jennings, this is one Sidekick concert you won’t want to miss!

Your trip fee includes motorcoach transportation, admission, and lunch. Register no later than March 3. No refunds on trips.

Day Trippers: Bachman's, Mall of America & IKEA

March 21, 2025

This is the trip to get you ready for Spring! We will visit Bachman's to view all the beautiful spring flowers and unique gift items. A tour of the ever-changing Bachman's Ideas House is included! Then, we will go to Mall of America for lunch on-your-own and an afternoon of exploring MOA & IKEA. 

Your registration includes Tour Admission, Transportation and as much walking as you care to do. Please register by March 14, 2025. No refunds on trips. 

Day Trippers: National Eagle Center & Lark Toys

April 11, 2025

Come soar with the eagles at the National Eagle Center in Wabasha, MN! Admission includes time to explore the exhibits, spot Eagles off the observation deck, and a live Eagle Show. We will then stop at Herb & Arrow for lunch with choices of a side salad, Flatbread pizza, and dessert. This is a farm to table style restaurant. Lunch will be on-your-own and will cost you approximately $15-$40. After, we'll head to Kellogg, MN to make a stop at Lark Toys where you can take a ride on the carousal and have an ice cream cone to finish off your day.

Please note: Owatonna residents must travel to Albert Lea (7:45am departure) or Austin (8:20am departure) to join the bus. At registration, please list where you will join the bus. 

Trip fee includes motor coach transportation, admission at both locations, and Ice Cream! Register by March 24. No refunds on trips. 

Second Harvest Heartland & Zweber Family Farms Tour

April 16, 2025

Join us on a unique journey to discover two organizations committed to community well-being and sustainable practices. Our first stop is Second Harvest Heartland, where you’ll learn how one of the nation’s largest food banks is fighting hunger through food rescue, nutrition programs, and volunteer efforts. See firsthand how this organization distributes millions of meals each year to those in need, and get inspired by their innovative approach to food security.

Next, we’ll head to Zweber Family Farms, an Elko, Minnesota farm dedicated to sustainable agriculture and organic farming. Enjoy a guided tour through the fields and barns, where you’ll learn about regenerative practices that keep the land healthy and livestock happy. Experience the farm-to-table process, gain a greater appreciation for the food system and of local farms, and we may even get to churn some butter! By the end of this tour, you’ll leave with insights into how community-driven organizations and sustainable farming practices are shaping a healthier future.

Your trip fee includes motorcoach transportation and tour admission. We will stop for lunch (at your expense) in between visits. Register no later than April 2. No refunds on trips.

A Perfect Wedding at the Sidekick Theatre

April 23, 2025

The big day gone hilariously wrong! A groom wakes up on the morning of his wedding day with a hangover and a strange woman in his bed. Mix in the bride, her mother, the best man, and a maid that knows too much, and you have a recipe for disaster. Wedding bells or running for the hills? Their big day will be far from a piece of cake! We will have a buffet lunch in the ballroom prior to the show. 

Trip includes motorcoach transportation, lunch, and a ticket to the show.  Please call Triton Community Education to register for this trip: 507-418-7550.

Sculpture & Style: A Day Trip for Art & Retail Therapy

May 7, 2025

Immerse yourself in a perfect blend of style and creativity with our "Sculpture and Style" day trip! Begin your adventure by strolling through the Caponi Art Park in Eagan, MN. Our artist guide will lead us through the park as we walk about one mile and view over 55 sculptures nestled across 60 acres. As you explore, you’ll discover local artisans' masterpieces, each piece telling its own story.

After indulging in some art therapy, let your stylish side shine as we travel to the Eagan Outlet Mall and shop-til-we-drop! Grab lunch, window shop, and don’t forget to pick out a mother’s day gift! We’ll even throw in some coupons to be used at the outlet!

Your trip fee includes motorcoach transportation, admission/tour at the Caponi Art Park, and coupons to use at the Eagan Outlet Mall. Lunch is on-your-own. If you have any mobility requirements, please let us know at registration. Register no later than April 23. No refunds on trips.

Church Basement Ladies at the Plymouth Playhouse!

July 18, 2025

The Ladies are back at the Plymouth Playhouse with the musical that started it all! The church basement kitchen throughout much of America is often the heart and soul of any church. In Church Basement Ladies we meet the pastor, three kitchen cooks and one daughter who run the kitchen and care for the congregation by preparing and serving the food. Like any great kitchen, problems are solved here as well. We see the four women handle a Lutefisk dinner, a funeral, an Easter fundraiser, and a wedding. They stave off potential disasters, have fun, share and debate recipes, instruct the young, and keep the pastor on due course. This musical comedy based on recipes, food, and change in the church is funny, heartwarming, and down to earth. It will bring back memories of many people you know from churches everywhere.

Your trip fee includes motorcoach transportation, show admission, and buffet lunch. Register no later than June 13, 2025. No refunds on trips. 

Lake Geneva, Wisconsin Road Trip!

May 21 - May 23, 2025

Embark on a scenic road trip to Lake Geneva, Wisconsin, with Owatonna Community Education! Lake Geneva is a charming lakeside destination perfect for a short getaway. Nestled in southeastern Wisconsin, Lake Geneva is known for its crystal-clear waters, historic mansions, and a vibrant downtown area filled with boutiques, cafes, and restaurants.

Your trip fee includes a sightseeing excursion on Lake Geneva, a detour to Racine, WI for a guided tour of Lake History & Wind Point Lighthouse, a tour & Kringle Sampling at Lehmann's Bakery, a show at the Fireside Theatre, 2 nights of lodging at the Harbor Shores Resort, 2 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 2 dinners, and motor coach transportation, plus the company of your fellow community members! For questions please call us at 444-7900.

A deposit of $100 per person is due at the time of registration (checks only, made payable to Owatonna Community Education). Your registration is only secured upon paid deposit. The remaining balance of your tour price is due by or on April 1st, 2025 (check is also required). No refunds on trips.