Fall is upon us and kids are back in school, but that doesn’t mean we’re doomed to winter-like hibernation just yet — or ever, for that matter.

That’s because there is always something new coming up in Austin.

Paramount

The Historic Paramount Theater have a busy season ahead and it gets kicked off with an old favorite. Charlie Parr will return to his hometown for 7:30 p.m. show on Oct. 1. Parr grew up in Austin and now lives in Duluth, but he always brings out a good crowd in his hometown.

On Oct. 14, Davina and the Vagabonds will perform at 7:30 p.m. at the Paramount.

The Caravan du Nord returns at 7:30 p.m. Oct. 22 with two workshops at 2:30 to 4:30 p.m. in the ArtWorks Center. One session will focus on grant writing opportunities, while the second workshop’s theme hasn’t yet been set.

The Caravan aims to bring unique music to outstate Minnesota, and this year’s show will be headlined by Twin Cities up-and-comers Bad Bad Hats, while local band Severe Logic, a pop, rock and country group, will open the show and Americana act Erik Koskinen will also play.

HHH

The Hormel Historic Home has a busy season, but one of my favorite events it hosts each year is the annual Best Bartender contest, which will be at 6 p.m. with doors opening at 5 p.m. on Oct. 26.

I’ve gotten to serve as a judge for the fun competition the last two years, and it’s a fun, laid back night to same unique cocktails from some of the county’s best drink mixers.

The HHH will also have a History Happy Hour called “Stories of Orphan Train Riders” at 6 p.m. Oct. 11. Then the Hearth and Home Series returns at 10 a.m. on Oct. 18 with a history of Spam and on Nov. 15 with Chef Kristine sharing crockpot creations.

ASO

The Austin Symphony Orchestra is kicking off its 60th season with the show that’s sure to be popular with movie fans.

The first show of the season will feature a heroes theme with several great pieces most will recognize from movies like “Batman” and “Supeman” at 2 p.m. Oct 30 in Austin High School’s Knowlton Auditorium.

ASO’s next show will be a “Christmas Past, Present, and Future” on Dec. 11.

Halloween Warm-Up

A seasonal favorite returns when the 33rd Halloween Warm-Up returns to the Jay C. Hormel Nature Center from 6:50 to 10 p.m. Oct. 14 and 15 with the help of co-sponsors The Matchbox Children’s Theatre. The night is always a great time and groups of 25 will embark on a 45-minute hike to enjoy “spook”tacular Halloween and nature skits performed by creatures, critters and spirits of the night.

Mower County Historical Society

The Mower County Historical Society’s annual Fall Harvest Celebration fundraiser will be held from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sept. 24. The event will feature antique farm equipment, wagon rides, children’s crafts, candle-dipping, small animals, apple cider press, car rides in an old Model-T, bake sale, pumpkins, and more.  A “candy blast” for children will be held at 12:30 p.m. for ages 1 to 5 and at 2 p.m. or ages 6 and up.

The 1004 Steam Engine, Depot, Passenger Car, and Log Cabin will also be open for the event. A pulled-pork meal and snacks will be available for purchase.

Austin Artist Series

The Austin Artist Series will soon return for its 73rd season featuring five musical acts at Austin High School’s Knowlton Auditorium from October to April. The season kicks off in Austin with Dallas Brass on Oct. 18 and then Jenn Bostic on NOv. 15.

Tickets are by season pass only, which 14 concerts in Austin, Osage, Iowa, and Albert Lea. Tickets are are $45 for Adults, $95 for families and $15 for students. Memberships are available Sept.9-22.

The season kicks off in Osage with Four Celtic Voices on Sept. 23.

Riverland Theater

Riverland Community College’s theatre department will kickoff its slate of four shows for the 2016-17 school year with “Cabarat” at 7:30 p.m. on Oct. 5, 6, 7, 8 and 2 p.m. Oct. 9.

“Cabaret” will kick off with its dark and thoughtful tone on Oct. 5-9. It follows the story of writer Clifford Bradshaw and singer Sally Bowles as they escape from the reality of a pre-World War II Germany. Powerful and extremely entertaining, this version of “Cabaret” incorporates songs from the well-known movie, such as “Maybe This Time” and “Money.”

It’ll then perform the holiday classic “It’s a Wonderful Life” at 7:30 p.m. on Nov. 16, 17, 18, 19 and at 2 p.m. on Nov. 20.