Fall Festivals & Events in the Brainerd Lakes Area 2025

Posted by Colton Maher on August 19th, 2025

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…

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March Madness! 51st Annual St Patrick's Day in Cross

Posted by Colton Maher on March 6th, 2025

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…

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How to "Up North": Winning Big This Winter

Posted by Colton Maher on January 15th, 2024

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…

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Beat cabin fever: Your guide to Winter in the Lakes Area

Posted by Colton Maher on December 22nd, 2023

*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…

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