Community Update
Community Update
PSA
6 / 9 / 26 A
BLOOD DRIVES:
Call 1-800-RED-CROSS or visit RedCrossBlood.org to schedule a donation time or to find a drive near you.
Donate BY JUNE 28th and receive a $15 e-gift card to your choice
Fri. 6/12 10:00-4:00 Westgate Mall in Baxter
Mon. 6/15 12:00-6:00 Knights of Columbus in Brainerd
Mon. 6/15 1:00-6:00 American Legion in Deerwood
Mon. 6/15 1:00-7:00 St. Francis Center in Little Falls
Tues. 6/16 12:00-6:00 St. Francis Center in Little Falls
Wed. 6/17 8:30-2:30 St. Francis Center in Little Falls
Fri. 6/19 9:00-3:00 Holy Cross Fellowship Hall in Onamia
Fri. 6/19 10:00-4:00 Brainerd VFW
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6/8 – 6/14
Actors Repertory Theatre announces the cancellation of their upcoming improv comedy show, 'Oh, Look, Another Roundabout, or Hopelessly Lost in Brainerd.' The performances scheduled for June 8, 10 and 11 have been canceled. Information on refunds for those who may have already purchased tickets will be coming in the next few days. For more information contact Art4MN.org.
Zion Lutheran Church in Brainerd will host its 2026 VBS (Vacation Bible School), Visit Egypt as they teach about Joseph, June 9-11 from 5:30-8:00 each evening. Those who attend will learn about Egypt through crafts and art, songs and play. VBS is geared for children ages 3 years to 5th grade. Register through the link on the Zion Lutheran Church VBS Facebook page.
Join Lakes Area Justice Table and Brainerd Public Schools this summer for a 3-session journey inspired by the To Be Free book. Sessions begin with a free meal at 5:00pm with lessons and activities from 5:30-7:00pm on Wed. June 10th, June 17th and June 24th. To Be Free is co-authored and designed by Minnesota authors that explores identity, belonging, liberation, and the courage it takes to imagine a harmonious future. It is designed for upper elementary to high school students – and beyond – who want a space to space to think deeply, speak honestly and build community with others. Instructor is Govinda Budrow. Meals and books are free and the sessions will be held at Brainerd High School in the cafeteria. Register by calling Community Ed at 218-454-6924 or online at CE.ISD181.org/home.
The 3rd Annual Clays for Camp (Camp Confidence) will be held Thurs. June 11th at Hunt’s Point in Pequot Lakes. The event includes a light lunch, a sporting clays event, dinner and awards! Registration starts at 12:00 with a shotgun start at 1:30. Tickets are $80 for youth and $150 for adults. Register online at CampConfidence.com and click on Events.
The 53rd Annual Golf Classic (for Camp Confidence/Learning Ctr) will be held on Fri. June 12th followed by the Sertoma Mariucci Fest. The 18-Hole golf scramble is held at The Classic at Madden’s, with registration at 11:30 and a shotgun start at 1:30. THEN, celebrate the close of the Camp Classic with an unforgettable evening of great food, live music, laughter and community. The night includes live music, a silent auction, an in-person live auction along with the Golf Classic awards. Mariucci Fest starts at 6:00pm at Camp. Learn more at CampConfidence.com and click on Events.
The Buckman Area Lions invite you to their Family Fun Day in the Park on Fri. June 12th from 5:00-8:00pm. The fun will also include music by Levi Pelzer from 5:00-7:00. This will be taking place at Family Memorial Park in Buckman.
The Eagles Nest Church in Breezy Point invites everyone to come shop their Church Garage Sale on Sat. June 13th from 8:00-4:00. This is a one-day ONLY sale that will also feature a bake sale, kid-friendly games and a fundraising, pulled pork or hotdog lunch! Eagles Nest Church is across Co. Rd. 11 from Eagle View Elementary school in Breezy Point. ALL the proceeds will go to support the long-term building expansion of Eagles Nest Church.
The 25th Annual RMH (Ronald McDonald House) Ride will be held on Sat. June 13th in New York Mills. All motorcycles are welcome. Registration will be from 9:00-11:00 at the VFW on Hwy 10 in New York Mills and the ride leaves at 12:00 noon sharp, and returns to the VFW. The event also includes food, raffles, live outdoor bands and 70 acres of camping. The bands include The Hype on Fri. June 12 ($10) and Johnny Holm Band ($10) on Sat. June 13th. Learn more and download your fun run passport online at RMDRide.com. (bring your pop tabs to donate, too!)
Gabriel’s Home Equine Rescue invites the public to a Pancake Breakfast Fundraiser on Sat. June 13th from 9:00-12:00 where you can enjoy Breakfast with the Horses! Enjoy All You Can Eat Pancakes, Sausage, juice and coffee, games for the kids, relay races, face painting, a bake sale, silent auction and time with the horses. The cost is just $10 for Adults… $5 for 12 and under (3 and under are FREE). The mission of Gabriel’s Home is to bring horses in from the most desperate situations, rehabilitate them and use their experiences to help others to find peace and healing. Gabriel’s Home is on Co. Rd. 108 in Brainerd.
Fast Eddies 6th Annual Car Show will be held on Sat. June 13th at the Nisswa American Legion from 10:00-2:00. Registration will start at 9:00 – Trophy Classes $15 registration fee. The event is free for spectators and there will be live music and food available for sale. Proceeds will support local cancer groups. Learn more on the Fast Eddies Annual Car Show Facebook page.
The Mille Lacs Indian Museum is Turning 30 and to honor this milestone, Minnesotans are invited to celebrate on Sat. June 13th to a program that will include artist demonstrations, walking tours, special collection tours as well as a short program featuring leaders of the MN Historical Society and the Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe. The event will be held from 11:00-5:00 at the Mille Lacs Indian Museum & Trading Post in Onamia and the cost is include in site admission. Kids in attendance will receive a free shoulder bag to decorate and a food truck will be on-site with food to purchase. Find more info at MNHS.org and click on Events.
The 6th Annual Walk for Hope – a walk for Suicide Prevention and awareness walk for Recovery from Addiction – will be held on Sat. June 13th starting at Lum Park in Brainerd at 1:00. The walk will take participants to Gregory Park. After the event, return to Lum Park for music, food and fellowship. For more information, send an email to ConroyScott33@gmail.com. Dollars raised will support the Seth Lane Schardin Foundation, established through Brainerd Community Action.
Great River Greening and WonderTrek Children’s Museum invite the community to join them in celebrating pollinators at a Pollinator Party with fun for the whole family on Sun. June 14th at Rotary Riverside Park in Brainerd. From 10:00-12:00, participants can learn about pollinator identification, create nature paintings and drawings, enjoy hands-on activities and games, and experience the magic of pollinators. Learn more at GreatRiverGreening.org/pollinator-party.
The Center in Brainerd invites the public to Quilt Bingo & Meat Raffle on Sun. June 14th starting at 1:00! The cost is $12 per card for 16 games and each game will be played for the prize of a quilt. Two coverall games will be played for PREMIUM quilts and a Meat Raffle will be held between games! A light meal will also be served after bingo ends. All are welcome – 803 Kingwood St. – See you there!
The Brainerd Elks Lodge 615 invites the public to join them Sun. June 14th for a ceremony that will honor the Stars and Stripes. The annual Flag Day Ceremony will take place at 4:00 at the Veterans Memorial next to the Crow Wing County Courthouse in Brainerd to reflect on our history and celebrate the flag and the freedoms that we share.
6/15 – 6/21
The Friends of the Brainerd Public Library welcome author Deborah Jiang-Stein to their Brown Bag Lunch Series event on Mon. June 15th from 12:00-1:00 at the Brainerd Public Library. Jiang-Stein will highlight her most-recent book, Lucky Tomorrow. Deborah is a memoirist and renowned advocate for change. The is an award-winning writer, public speaker, collaborator, and author of the memoir Prison Baby. The Brown Bag event is free to attend. Feel free to bring your lunch or enjoy the refreshments that are provided.
Disney’s Aladin Jr. by Brainerd Community Theater – June 16-18 & 20th at Chalberg Theater in Brainerd. Showtimes are at 7:00pm each night, plus there is a 2:00 matinee on Sat. June 20th. Tickets range from $8-$16 (plus fees). To get tickets, call 855-8199 or visit CLCPerformingArts.com.
The Crosslake Area Garden Club will be hosting a presentation on Wed. June 17th at 1:00 on “Planting with Kids and a Whole Lot More.” The presenter is Master Gardener, Sally Jacobson, and will be held at the Crosslake Community Center on Daggett Pine Road. Sally will show guests ways to excite and amaze the kids in your life with ideas and fun to be had in the garden. There is no cost to attend.
Happy Dancing Turtle in Pine River will host Open Garden time from 1:00-4:00 on Thurs. June 18th. The garden showcases a variety of vegetables, fruits and flowers as well as growing techniques. Drop by and see soil health practices demonstrated, check out the season extension in the hoop houses, and ask the garden team about the thriving plants. The event is free and no registration is required. Learn more at HappyDancingTurtle.org.
Hockey Day Minnesota Brainerd 2027 is celebrating NOW at 5Rocks Distilling Co. in Brainerd on Thurs. June 18th for the Cocktail Launch Party! Join the fun on that day from 4:00-7:00pm for the launch of the Official Hockey Day Minnesota Brainerd 2027 Cocktail Lineup and Collectible Old Fashioned Bottle! Enjoy the HDM Swag Wagon, Specialty Cocktails (and Mocktails) while $2 from every specialty cocktail/mocktail sold will be donated directly to HDM Brainerd! Enjoy live music from 6-8! Hope to see you there!!
Good Samaritan Hospice invites you to join them for a special ceremony to honor and remember the special people in our lives who have passed by releasing live butterflies during their Hope Takes Flight Butterfly Release Memorial event on Thurs. June 18th. The ceremony will include special music, words of encouragement, readings of names of loved ones who have passed and light refreshments. The gathering will take place from 5:30-7:00 at Lutheran Church of the Cross on Co. Rd. 13 in Nisswa. If you have questions call Good Sam Hospice (at 218-963-9452).
The Relationship Safety Alliance will host its Annual Garage Sale on Fri. June 19th at the Crow Wing County Fairgrounds from 8:00-4:00 inside Building #5. Find tons of great, affordable items like toys, clothing, books, housewares and much more! Donations can be dropped off at the fairgrounds June 17 & 18 from 9:00-5:00. All proceeds from the sale will support RSA’s programs and services for survivors and families in our community.
The Babinski Foundation will host a Microchip Clinic on Fri. June 19th from 9:00-4:00 at their facility in Pequot Lakes. If they are ever to go missing, increase the chances of getting your precious cat or dog home safely by getting them microchipped on this day for only $25! No appointment is needed, walk-ins are welcome! No future fees or membership fees necessary, either! The Babinski Foundation is at 2825 76th Street SW in Pequot Lakes. (These Microchip Clinics are always held the 3rd Friday of each month)
The hosts of Brainerd’s Front Street Days (including the Brainerd Lakes Area Women of Today) encourage kids to come to The Great Chalk-Up 4 Summer Downtown Kids Event on Fri. June 19th starting at 2:30. Everyone is welcome and all you have to bring is your creativity! Supplies will be provided for you to decorate the sidewalks along Front Street! Meet at 614 Front Street (next to the Blue Oyster) and get ready for the fun!
The 2nd Annual Midwest Mountain Bike Festival will be held in Cuyuna, Minnesota the weekend of Fri. – Sun. June 19-21st and will include group rides, demos, skills clinics, a demo and expo area and a fundraiser for the local trails. A weekend pass, which INCLUDES the scavenger hunt punch card, guided ride access, skills clinic access and a complimentary N/A beverage at the Friday night party, is just $50. Single Day passes are $35. Individual rides and clinics vary in price. Register or learn more online at MidwestMountainBikeFest.com. A portion of the weekend’s proceeds will donated toward the upkeep and care of the trails.
A Benefit Dinner will be held to help and honor Rose Taylor on Sat. June 20th from 1:00-4:00 at the Brainerd American Legion as Rose battles breast cancer and is in need of help in covering the expenses. There will be a $15 dinner served along with a silent auction and raffle. All money raised will assist Rose with the on-going medical bills and expenses that come with her fight against cancer. To make a donation or for more information, call or text 612-387-2145.
Get ready for Fifty Lakes Day on Sat. June 20th in beautiful Fifty Lakes! It’s a day packed with family fun hosted by the City of Fifty Lakes and the Fifty Lakes Bar & Bottle Shop. Vendors, a Kids Zone, Mega Meat Raffle, Food, Live Music and so much more…. Fireworks to cap off the night!.....
Lakes Area Music Festival will celebrate the longest sunset of the year at its Annual Summer Solstice at Madden’s on Gull Lake starting at 5:30 on Sun. June 21st. Enjoy live music, delicious food and a festive evening that supports LAMF’s youth education programs, including the Music Mentors Project. Tickets are $125/person or $1,000 for a Table of 8. Tickets are available at LakesAreaMusic.org and click on Events.
6/22 – 6/28
The Crow Wing Soil & Water Conservation District (SWCD) is hosting a free soil health event on Tues. June 23rd from 9:30-1:30 regarding Livestock Infrastructure & Benefits. Guests will see how livestock can influence soil health through bale grazing and rotational grazing in a farmer-led on-farm tour. Other topics will include soil health demonstrations and info on the infrastructure to facilitate livestock rotations. The event is free and includes food. Pre-registration is preferred. Call 218-828-6197 or visit CWSWCD.org/Soil-Health-101 to register.
Brainerd Lakes Chamber invites you to attend Business After Hours on Tues. June 23rd at Spaces and Positive Realty & Investment in Nisswa from 4:30-6:00. As always, this event will provide guests with a great networking opportunity, along with mouthwatering charcuterie board and wraps from The Shante, a cash bar with complimentary pop and water, and possibly some prizes, too! RSVP if you plan on attending, please. Visit BrainerdLakesChamber.com.
Mark your calendar and join the fun at the 2026 Cass County Fair in Pine River Wed-Sat. June 24-27th, With an exciting mix of entertainment, grandstand events, rides and 4-H showcases, there’s something for everyone! Goat roping on Thursday, The Demo Derby is Friday night and the Baja Run is Saturday night. Learn more on the Cass County Fair Pine River Facebook page.
CLC Performing Arts, along with Brainerd Community Theater, invite you to see Disney’s Aladdin Jr., featuring an all-youth cast Thurs. – Sat. June 25-27 at 7pm and Sat. & Sun. June 27 & 28 at 2:00 at the Chalberg Theater, CLC Brainerd Campus. Tickets are $18 for adults, $15 for Seniors, $10 for those under 18 and $5 for CLC students. Get tickets online at CLCPerformingArts.com or by calling 855-8199.
The Morrison County Fair will be taking place Thurs. – Sun. June 25-28th at the fairgrounds in Little Falls. Get ready for fun including concerts, a beer garden and grandstand events. On Fri. June 26th Hairball will be performing… Visit MorrisonFair.com for all the details.
Mid Minnesota Federal Credit Union wants to keep you safe from identity theft with a Community Shred Day on Fri. June 26th from 1:00-2:00. Stop by their location on S. 6th Street in Brainerd and have your personal documents shredded in a Paper Storm mobile document shredding truck for free. This will take place rain or shine. There is no charge for the service, however please limit yourself to three boxes of documents per person. Just remain in your vehicle when you arrive and staff will let you know when it’s your turn!
Join the Brainerd area’s most famous giant for an afternoon packed with Paul Bunyan games, free ice cream and can’t miss gift shop deals at the BIG Party with Paul Bunyan event Fri. June 26th from 1:00-4:00 at the Brainerd Lakes Chamber Welcome Center on Highway 371 south of Brainerd/Baxter. Best of all, you’ll get to meet Paul Bunyan live from 1-4 and Babe the Blue Ox will make an appearance from 2:00-3:00. Stop by, snap a photo, shop, play and enjoy a treat! See you there!
The Minnesota Loons & Lakes Festival will be held Fri. & Sat. June 26 & 27th in and around the National Loon Center in Crosslake. Starting Friday, join the NLC for a Lake Day with a guided paddle excursion and educational loon-watching pontoon tour. Saturday, head over to the Crosslake Town Square and see the Loon Fair – a social gathering of vendors and exhibitors with an art market, presentations and food trucks. Learn more by searching for the event’s page on Facebook.
Join the Babinski Foundation in Pequot Lakes on Sat. June 27th for their February Community Dog Walk taking place from 9:00-12:30. This is your chance to spend some quality time, outdoors with a shelter dog. Get the shelter dogs -and yourself – out for some fresh air and exercise… everyone is welcome. You don’t need to bring a thing! Please sign up for a session (always the last Saturday of the month), at EventBrite.com or find the link through the event page on Facebook.
The 2026 Turtle Town Art Fair will be held on Sat. June 27th at Salem Lutheran Church in Longville. This event, hosted by the Longville Area Women of Today, will run from 9:00-3:00 and allow guests to shop and visit with local artists and enjoy lunch. The event will happen rain or shine at Salem Lutheran Church on County Road 5 in Longville.
The Majestic Pines Artisans & Crafters Market, hosted by the Nisswa Area Historical Society, will be held on Sat. June 27th in downtown Nisswa. This is THE fine arts and craft market where local vendors offer unique, one-of-a-kind handmade items. The fair runs from 10:00-4:00. After you’re done shopping, stroll through the Pioneer Village grounds and the Nisswa History Museum.
Lakes Area United Way invites kids and their families to Llama Llama Read-O-Rama taking place on Sat. June 27th at the Northland Arboretum in Brainerd. The event will happen from 11:00-1:00….. Visit UnitedWayNow.org for more information.
The Minnesota Loons & Lakes Festival will be held the weekend of Fri.-Sat. June 26-27 in Crosslake…more to come
Brainerd Community Action presents the 2026 Arts in the Park on Sun. Jun 28th at Gregory Park in Brainerd. The annual art & craft fair will be open from 10:00-4:00 and feature hundreds of artists and vendors from around the area. It’s free to attend and a great way to support local artists. Guests will also be able to support a number of area non-profits that will be in the park that day too. It’s a great way to spend time in the park and get ready for a great 4th of July week in the BLA!
St. Mathias Catholic Church in Fort Ripley will host its Annual Bazaar on Sun. June 28th, beginning with Mass at 10:00. Then enjoy a chicken and ham dinner with all the trimmings served from 11:00-1:30 in the church basement (or grab a meal to-go). Then join them after Mass next door at the St. Mathias Park for an afternoon of fun, with cash bingo, games for the whole family, bounce house, volleyball tourney, raffles, live auction, food stand and beer garden! The All-Cash Raffle drawing will beheld at 4:00. All are welcome!
2026 DAILY / WEEKLY EVENTS (PSA)
Updated: 5 – 26 - 26
MONDAY…
TUESDAY…
The Lakes Area Growers hosts the Brainerd Farmer’s Market every Tuesday in the parking lot of the Franklin Art Center in Brainerd from 8:00-12:30. Find Minnesota grown fruits and vegetables. They will also have hand-crafted items and locally raised food, breads and candles. More info can be found by searching Lakes Area Grower’s Market on Facebook.
CLC and Connect Effect present Chatty Hour, every Tuesday from 12:00-1:30 at Passport in downtown Brainerd and all are welcome. Swing in for some great conversation and connection with others. Meet new people, talk, listen, learn new things. Find out more at CLCPerformingArts.com/ChattyHour.
WEDNESDAY…
CLC and Connect Effect present Chatty Hour, every Wednesday from 11:30-12:00 at The Hub at CLC Brainerd Campus where all are welcome. Swing in for some great conversation and connection with others. Meet new people, talk, listen, learn new things. Find out more at CLCPerformingArts.com/ChattyHour.
Starting June 3rd, don’t miss Nisswa’s beloved Turtle Races in downtown Nisswa every Wednesday next to the Chamber office starting at 2:00. Registration will start at 1:00 in the parking lot next to the chamber – the cost to race a turtle is just $5 and includes an official 2026 racing button. (DO NOT BRING A TURTLE – state regulations say racers must use turtles provided at site). (through Aug. 12th) Hope to see you there! Learn more at Nisswa.com.
Starting June 10th, the town of Longville will bring back its weekly Longville Turtle Fest every Wednesday starting at 1:00 in downtown Longville. Games and contests begin at 1:00 and Turtle Races start at 2:00. Races, kids games, food, hula-hoop & dance contests and more! Find it in Longville and learn more at Longville.com.
THURSDAY…
Nisswa Farmer’s Market is open every Thursday in the parking lot at the American Legion in Nisswa from 8:00-12:30. Find fresh produce, local honey, handmade crafts, skincare products, baked goods, plants, flowers, meat, eggs and more! Follow Main Street past the hardware store to the Nisswa Farmer’s Market – See you there! (through Mid-Oct.) Learn more at NisswaFarmersMarket.com.
Family Storytime takes place every Thursday at 11:00 in the Large Meeting Room at the Brainerd Public Library. The readings are geared toward children ages 2-8, but all are welcome. Stories, songs and crafts will be based around a different theme each week! Contact the Brainerd Library for more information.
The Deerwood Farmer’s Market is now open every Thursday afternoon from 12:00-4:00 behind the Deerwood True Value store (through October 8th)! The market will feature quality hand-crafted, homegrown, homemade items from around the area, like seasonal produce, meats, eggs, baked goods, canned items, treats, soaps, lotions, fibers, bird feeders, woodworking items and more! Stop & shop! More: Deerwood Farmers Market Co-Op Facebook page.
Friends of Gregory Park invite everyone to Concerts in the Park which take place every-other Thursday this summer from 6:00-8:00pm at Gregory Park in Brainerd. The concerts are free to attend and open to the public. Just bring a lawn chair or blanket for seating! (See the full line-up of performers on the Concerts in the Park Facebook page.)
June 4 Bruce Archer
June 18 Brendan Flynn
July 2 James Dotzler / MVRROW
July 16 The Smoking Desk
July 30 The Speak EZs
Aug 13 Trent Bergeron
Aug 27 Seth Doud
FRIDAY…
The Lakes Area Growers Baxter Farmer’s Market is open every Friday in the parking lot of the Westport Shopping Center (next to Pizza Hut) and will be open from 8:00-12:30. Lakes Area Growers feature Minnesota grown fruits and vegetables They will also have hand-crafted items and locally raised food like meat, breads and dairy products, buffalo meat, eggs, etc. More info can be found by searching Lakes Area Grower’s Market on Facebook.
The Main Street Market in Downtown Brainerd, partnering with Destination Downtown Brainerd Coalition, is now open every Friday from 9:00-2:00 in the Brainerd City Hall Parking Lot at 501 Laurel Street (MAY THROUGH OCTOBER). The vendor list keeps growing, but includes market goodies like honey, veggies, coffee, sweets, baked goods, and more! Lean more by searching Main Street Market Downtown Brainerd on Facebook.
The Pine River Market Square is open for shopping every Friday from 1:30-5:30 on Hwy 371 by the Pine River Depot (through SEPT. 25, 2026). The market features a variety of vendors with local goods like fresh produce, starter plants, baked goods, eggs, honey, crafts and more. More can be found at PRMarketSquare.wordpress.com or visiting the event page on Facebook. SNAP/EBT are accepted.
SATURDAY…
The Aitkin Farmer’s Market is up and running every Saturday from 9:00-1:00 in the parking lot of the Tractor Supply Store in Aitkin! Discover fresh produce, artisanal goods, and community connection, all while supporting local vendors. Plus, they accept EBT and SNAP cards to make healthy living accessible to everyone. Learn more on Facebook: search Aitkin Farmer’s Market.
The Cuyuna Range Farmer’s Market is open every Saturday from 9:00-1:00 at the Main Street Plaza at the corner of Cross Ave. and Main St. in Crosby. Each week, the market will feature around 30 local crafts, artisans, and farmers, while also providing a fun opportunity for children and parents to engage in the local food system through conversation with farmers, enjoy music and occasional entertainment, and gain exposure to new fruits and veggies! Learn more on Facebook, search Cuyuna Range Farmers Market. (through Oct. 3).
The Northern Minnesota Railroad Heritage Association (NMRHA) Train Club invites the public to stop by their club in Crosslake to see all the trains! They have three different scale layouts in their facility in Crosslake. There are fun things for kids and gifts as well! The club is located on County Road 66 across from Zorbaz in Crosslake and is open to visitors every Saturday from 10:00-2:00 year-round! A donation of $5 for those over the age of 5 is suggested and appreciated as their trains run on donations. Learn more at CrosslakeTrainClub.com.
SUNDAY