Fall Festivals & Events in the Brainerd Lakes Area

When the air turns crisp and the trees light up in shades of red, orange, and gold, the Brainerd Lakes Area comes alive with autumn traditions. From BBQ ribs and chili cook-offs to Oktoberfest steins, haunted sheds, and even a golf tournament that doesn’t take itself too seriously, fall here means gathering together to celebrate the season.

Here’s your Woods to Water guide to the can’t-miss fall happenings in 2025 — with direct links to full schedules, tickets, and event details.

NISSWA FALL FEST & SMOKIN' HOT BBQ CHALLENGE

September 20, 2025 | Nisswa, MN
Details & Tickets: See the full schedule here

Nisswa’s annual fall tradition marks its 50th year, alongside the 20th Smokin’ Hot BBQ Challenge. Enjoy breakfast, artisan markets, bean bag tournaments, kid-friendly activities, and live music. The BBQ Challenge fills downtown with smoky goodness before Wyld Ryce closes out the evening.

VIP tickets available September 1.

CROSSLAKE DAYS FALL FEST

September 25–27, 2025 | Crosslake, MN
Details & Full Schedule: Explore the event guide here

Crosslake Days is one of the Lakes Area’s most beloved fall weekends. Highlights include the Chili Cook-off, artisan fairs, cornhole tournaments, live music, kids’ activities, and the Search for the Lost Chili Pepper. Round out the weekend with the famous Crosslake Ace Hardware Street Dance and the enchanting Cider & Candlelight Tour.

COPPER CREEK FALL FESTIVAL DAYS

September 19 - October 26, 2025 | Nisswa, MN

ONLY FRIDAY THROUGH SUNDAY

Hay Bale Maze, Corn Pit Sandbox, Kids Activities, Face Painting, Pumpkin Carving, Signature Painted Hay Bales, Fall Shopping, Food Trucks, Pumpkins, Gourds, Cornstalks, and so much more! Visit and play weekends this Fall.

Event info: Check the Copper Creek site for a full list of activities and more info.

NISSWA CHAMBER PRETTY GOOD GOLF TOURNAMENT

September 27, 2025 | Nisswa, MN
Event Info: View details on Facebook

Sometimes golf is serious… but not here. The Nisswa Chamber’s Pretty Good Golf Tournament is all about fun on the fairways. Expect creative twists on traditional play, a relaxed atmosphere, and plenty of laughs. Whether you’re a scratch golfer or just there for the good company (and maybe a Bloody Mary), it’s the perfect way to celebrate fall in Nisswa.

BABINSKI FALL FESTIVAL

October 4, 2025 | Pequot Lakes, MN
Details & Updates: Event info on Facebook

Hosted by The Babinski Foundation, this full-day festival blends fun and fundraising for a cause.

• Morning: Kick off with a 5K race or yoga with shelter pups.

• All-Day: Food trucks, carnival games, hayrides, petting zoo, flea market, scavenger hunts, and a Roundhouse Brewery beer garden.

• Haunted Shed: Family-friendly by day (11 AM–5 PM) and spooky after hours (5–7 PM).

• Evening: Hot air balloon rides, live music, vendors, and a sunset trail walk.

All proceeds support animal rescue and care.

OKTOBERFEST IN THE LAKES AREA

• Roundhouse Brewery Oktoberfest | Sept. 19–21 | Nisswa  More Info

• Cuyuna Brewing Oktoberfest | Sept. 20 | Crosby More Info

• Snarktoberfest at Snarky Loon Brewing | Sept. 27 | Jenkins More Info

• Jacktoberfest at Jack Pine Brewery | Sept. 27 | Baxter More Info

• Gull Lake Oktoberfest Pub Crawl | Oct. 4 | Gull Lake Tickets & Schedule

• Lakestober Fest at Lakes Tavern | Oct. 4 | Pequot Lakes More Info

• Oktoberfest at Ruttger’s Bay Lake Resort | Oct. 17–18 | Deerwood More Info

WHY WE LOVE FALL IN THE B.L.A. 

From BBQ competitions and chili cook-offs to haunted sheds, golf tournaments, and stein-holding contests, the Brainerd Lakes Area knows how to celebrate fall. These events highlight everything that makes our community shine — tradition, creativity, good food, and time well spent with friends and family.

So grab your flannel, mark your calendars, and gather your crew — fall in the Lakes Area is one big celebration. 

Quick Links Calendar

• Sept 20 – Nisswa Fall Festival & Smokin’ Hot BBQ Challenge

• Sept 25–27 – Crosslake Days Fall Festival

• Sept 27 – Nisswa Chamber Pretty Good Golf Tournament

• Oct 4 – Babinski Fall Festival

• Sept–Oct – Oktoberfest Events (Roundhouse, Cuyuna, Snarky Loon, Jack Pine, Gull Lake, Lakes Tavern, Ruttger’s)

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