Screen-Free Week: Ways to celebrate

City News May 1, 2026

In honor of Screen-Free Week May 4-10, a time to take a break from entertainment screens for more connection and fun, the City of Albert Lea is holding the following events.

To help families register for summer programs, the Albert Lea Public Library and Recreation Department will hold an open house on Monday, May 4, from 3-6 p.m. at City Hall, 221 E. Clark St. Families may sign up for swim lessons, field trips and library programs, along with registering for library cards. Refreshments and door prizes will also be available. For details of summer programs, see the Summer Fun Guide, available in English and in Spanish.

To help young bicyclists learn how to ride safely, Albert Lea Recreation is teaming up with Blue Zones and the Freeborn County Trail Association to offer a free bike rodeo on Thursday, May 7. The event will take place from 4 – 6 p.m. at the Edgewater Bay Pavilion, across from the Inclusive Playground, at Edgewater Park.

This event is designed for children ages 5-12 and will include:

•             Bike checks for brakes, seat height and tire pressure

•             Free helmets for those who need them

•             Safety instructions

•             Fun challenge course with starts, stops and maneuvering

•             Drawing for door prizes, including two bicycles donated by the Loyal Order of Moose 1703 of Albert Lea

To ensure enough helmets and door prizes, parents and guardians need to register their children online or by calling Albert Lea Recreation at 507-377-4370. Deadline for registration is Monday, May 4.

The event will be held rain or shine.

In addition, the Convention and Visitors Bureau is holdings its annual Chalk the Lake Walk, a time to chalk positive messages, fun designs and games around Fountain Lake and downtown.