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…

1385 Views, 0 Comments

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…

591 Views, 0 Comments

HEAD NORTH FOR THE 4TH

Posted by Colton Maher on July 1st, 2019

 

For me, the 4th of July brings to mind nostalgic memories of Lake Country; small town parades, pork on a stick, sunburned skin from too much lake time. The energy, excitement and pure bliss in this area, especially over the 4th of July is nothing short of contagious - once you experience “the 4th up north”, it’s just something you want to be a part of, over and over again. Even once we moved out of the area, year after year we would “head up north” or return home to celebrate the 4th of July - it’s where we always wanted to be. We love celebrating these childhood memories over and over and now we have the opportunity to pass these traditions on to our own little family.

Holiday events such as these are important to us on so many levels. They…

2249 Views, 0 Comments