Events

Local happenings and events such as celebrations, workshops, classes, events across the Lakes Area.

EAT LIKE A LOCAL: YOUR 2025 GUIDE FARMER'S MARKETS IN THE BLA 

We've officially hit farmers market season (may) in the BLA! 

There’s no better way to experience the heart of the Brainerd Lakes Area than by visiting one of our vibrant farmers markets. From fresh produce and homemade jams to local crafts and baked goods, these markets are a must-visit for anyone wanting to support local vendors and taste the best of what the region has to offer.

At Woods to Water, we’re passionate about supporting local businesses and products. Not only does shopping local help keep our community thriving, but it’s a great way to connect with the people who grow and create the items that make this area so special. In fact, we recently wrote about the many…

127 Views, 0 Comments

Read Full Post

st patty's in crosslake, mn - an annual tradition

As the weather warms up and the Brainerd Lakes Area begins to bloom, there’s no better time to enjoy the seasonal celebrations that bring the community together. One of the most highly anticipated events of the spring is the Crosslake St. Patrick's Day Parade & Celebration. This annual event is a favorite for locals and visitors alike, featuring a festive parade, lively activities, and lots of Irish spirit! 

51st ANNUAL ST PATRICK'S DAY CELEBRATION

Saturday, March 15, 2025 | Crosslake, MN

The 51st Annual St. Patrick's Day Parade & Celebration in Crosslake will be taking place on Saturday, March 16, 2025. It’s the perfect way to embrace the excitement of the season and enjoy the charm of one…

214 Views, 0 Comments

Read Full Post

Winter in northern Minnesota isn’t for the faint of heart, but for those who embrace it, the season is nothing short of magical. It’s the backdrop for some of the most unique, exciting, and downright quirky events of the year. Whether you’re a visitor or a local, there’s always something happening to help you celebrate the coldest season in true "up north" style.

Ice Fest 2025

Jan 4th - 5th | Breezy point, mn

Fun all weekend long! A winter market, bags tournament, ice skating, bonfire and smores, hayrides, live music + more! Visit their Facebook page for all the details.

Antique Snowmobile Rendezvous

Jan 16th - 18th | HOLE IN THE DAY BAY, GULL LAKE, MN

Starting at Trailside Park in Pequot Lakes — antique and vintage snowmobile show,…

345 Views, 0 Comments

Read Full Post

We're feeling merry & bright. 

There's no shortage of Christmas events this year in the Brainerd Lakes — head out and get into the spirit for the best time of year! 

Nisswa City of Lights

November 29th | DOWNTOWN NISSWA, MN

11:00am — Food Vendors open on Main Street near the Chamber

3:30pm — Main Street closes (no parking!) – Big Axe Brewery to Main Street Ale House

3:30pm — Polar Express Storytelling (limited seating) - Caboose (across the street from Pioneer Village)

4pm — Bonfires will be lit along the Paul Bunyan Trail

4pm — Blinky Lights for sale on Main Street

4-5pm — Wadena/CLC Community Bands Brass Ensemble - RW Jewelers Patio

4pm — Polar Express Storytelling (limited seating) - Caboose (across the street from…

444 Views, 0 Comments

Read Full Post

ACBS Vintage Boat Week and International Show

SEPT 11 - SEPT 14 | BAR HARBOR SUPPER CLUB, NISSwa, MN
The Antique & Classic Boat Society's International Boat Show will return to Gull Lake September 8-15, 2024. The 49th edition of this renowned gathering is themed "Woods And Water II" and will again be situated at the famous Bar Harbor Supper Club in Lake Shore, Minnesota. The ACBS International Boat Show consistently draws some of the top vintage boats in the world. The opportunity to see over 100 of the finest boats on the planet assembled in one place will make this an extraordinary show! Don't miss it. See the event page for details. 

Cheers to 3 years - Anniversary Party at MN Traders Co.

SEPT 14 | MN…

410 Views, 0 Comments

Read Full Post

A sunset on Summer 2024 (sigh).

We've rounded up all of the local happenings in the lakes area to make the most of the last days of the season up north. Let us know if we'll see you!

FRIDAY

Meat Raffle at JJ's Pub

AUGUST 30 FROM 5:30 - 8:30PM | JJ'S PUB, BREEZY POINT, MN 

A weekly staple in the Lakes area. View their full weekly events schedule. 

Meat Raffle at Crosslake American Legion

AUGUST 30 AT 5:30PM | CROSSLAKE, MN
Every Friday! Tickets on sale beginning at 5:30pm + drawing begins at 6:30pm with dinner specials. See their event page for updates!

Live Music at Snarky Loon

AUGUST 30 FROM 6-9PM | JENKINS, MN
Live music by the Rusty Zippers & craft beer! See their event page here.

Meat Raffle…

361 Views, 0 Comments

Read Full Post

Off the Rails Spring Market

APRIL 26TH & 27TH | NORTHERN PACIFIC CENTER, BRAINERD

Browse over 150 vendors all in one place at the Northern Pacific Center. Early access and general admission tickets available for purchase here. For more general information on the event, visit their Facebook event page. 

Tequila and Dinner Night

MAY 3RD FROM 5:30-8:30PM | NATURE LINK RESORT 

Hosted by Prairie Bay Grill, enjoy a 4-course meal with tequila pairing options at Nature Link resort in Nisswa. Stay tuned to their Facebook page for more info + to register. 

Kentucky Derby Party 

MAY 4TH FROM 4-7PM | MN TRADERS CO., PEQUOT LAKES
Dress up in your best derby attire, enjoy a themed spread of food and featured cocktails with race viewing!…

648 Views, 0 Comments

Read Full Post

Spring on the Horizon 

With the mild winter we have had so far, it sure feels like spring is near! February presents a lot of great outdoor opportunities!  

ICE FISHING ANGLERS REPORT A SLOWER BITE WITH LIVE BAIT STILL DOING THE BEST.

Ice conditions are changing daily so make sure to get the local report from bait shops and local guides before you go.

It’s time to "get sheddy" as my good friends at Domain say! February is go time for shed hunters. Bucks are losing their headgear daily. With these mild temps, it sure makes putting on the miles more enjoyable. While shed hunting I take the opportunity to do some scouting and look at all the sign from the past fall. I have been out a few times doing some TSI (Timber Stand Improvements) work…

423 Views, 0 Comments

Read Full Post

It's finally Winter in the North. Can you feel it? 

brave the cold for a game of bingo, trivia, or a good old-fashioned local meat raffle. See ya there?

BINGO 

Wednesdays | ERNIE'S ON GULL | EAST GULL LAKE, MN 

Join for Bingo and grab a smash burger and any tap beer for $12 bucks through the Winter season. Visit their Facebook page for more info.


 
Wednesdays | nisswa American legion | Nisswa, MN 

Each week starting at 6:30pm. Check their calendar and Facebook page for updates. 

 
Thursdays + saturdays | The Commander | Breezy Point, MN 

Thursdays at 6:30pm & Saturdays at 2pm upstairs at The Commander in Breezy. Full menu + bar offerings as well! View a full list of their events. 

 
THURSDAYS | snarky loon…

1027 Views, 0 Comments

Read Full Post

*PLEASE NOTE WITH THE UNSEASONABLE WEATHER, WE RECOMMEND YOU CHECK EVENT PAGES FOR UPDATES LEADING UP TO THE EVENT DATE FOR CANCELLATIONS, ETC. 

Breezy Point Ice Fest 

JANUARY 5TH + 6TH | BREEZY POINT RESORT, BREEZY POINT, MN 

Enjoy specialty drinks, great food, and ice skating on Breezy Bay with a full schedule of events. See more info on their Facebook page. 

Haapajoki Memorial Cup 

JANUARY 6TH | BAXTER, MN 

The Jake Haapajoki Memorial Cup is a 3 on 3 hockey tournament in memory of Jake Haapajoki who took his life in 2018. Jake was a bright, loving, and caring kid who could always make everyone laugh. In his memory, the tournament raises money for suicide prevention and awareness and funds a scholarship to give to students at…

600 Views, 0 Comments

Read Full Post