This weekend will offer plant of chances to gather with friends and family, whether it’s at a Riverland’s first play of the 2016-17 school year, the library’s book sale, a cancer benefit for an Austin firefighter or for any of the other events this weekend.

1. Riverland theatre’s “Cabaret”

7:30 p.m. Thursday to Saturday, 2 p.m. on Sunday in the Frank W. Bridges Theatre, Riverland Community College

As 1929 draws to a close, American writer Clifford Bradshaw arrives in Berlin. At the seedy Kit Kat Klub, he meets British singer Sally Bowles and the two pursue escapist pleasures together. But as life in pre-World War II Germany grows more and more uncertain, will the decadent allure of Berlin nightlife be enough to get them through these dangerous times? This recent revision of the classic Broadway musical is eerily timely today. Suggested for ages 14 and up. For more information or tickets, call 507-433-0595 or go to boxoffice@riverland.edu.

2. Friends of the Library Fall Book Sale

10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Saturday at the Austin Public Library.  This annual Friends of the Library event offering gently used books, CDs, and DVDs to raise funds for their activities. For more information, call 507-433-2391.

3. Cancer Benefit for Brian Staska

1 to 10 p.m. Saturday at the Mower County Fairgrounds

The Austin community is coming together to help Brian Staska, a firefighter for more than 30 years, and his family — wife, Wanda, and daughters: Brooke, Kaitlyn and Maddie. Brian, a longtime Riverland instructor, was diagnosed with stage four cancer. The event will feature a $9 dinner of a pulled pork basket, T-shirt sales, silent and live auctions, a bean bag tournament, and music by Cloud Cult from about 8 to 10 p.m.

4. Ride It- Race It – Walk It

10 a.m. race time Saturday at Bandshell Community Park.

Annual fundraiser for Pacelli Catholic Schools programs. Registration begins at 8:30 a.m., race begins at 10 a.m. Cost is $35 per person when registering on day of the race; Pacelli students are free. Music, food, and games following the race. The Bissen Band will be performing at noon. For more information, go to www.pacellischools.org/newpacelli/index_new.php or call 507-437-3278.

5. Scandinavian Festival Bazaar

9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday at St. Olaf Lutheran Church

Bake sale, crafts, cookbooks, boutique — including RADA cutlery, Fair Trade Coffee – holiday shop, boxed greeting cards, more! Coffee and lunch served all day. Proceeds support St. Olaf mission projects.

6. Second Annual Terry Dilley Symposium

10 a.m. Saturday at the Austin ArtWorks Center

This event named in memory of Riverland professor Terry Dilley returns for a presentation and discussion titled “Importance of the 2016 Elections: What Political Philosophy Tells Us? What Else Should We Know?” by Dr. Joseph A. Kunkel III, faculty, department of Government, Minnesota State University – Mankato. For more information, call 507-434-0934.

7. Walking Meditation Class

1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. Saturday at the Jay C. Hormel Nature Center

With Chris Anderson. Learn how to practice awareness of the present moment by exploring several methods of walking peacefully in nature. This free class will be held rain or shine. Pre-Registration is required by Oct. 7. For more information or to register call 507-437-7519 or emailinfo@hormelnaturecenter.org.