Community Update
Community Update
PSA
8 / 31 / 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.
The American Red Cross is declaring a BLOOD CRISIS!!!!! The situation is DIRE!!!!!!! All Type O Blood Donors are NEEDED NOW!!!!
Tues. 9/8 9:00-3:00 Immanuel Lutheran Church in Crosby
Wed. 9/9 9:00-3:00 Jenkins VFW
Thurs. 9/10 12:00-6:00 Crosslake Lutheran Church
Fri. 9/11 9:00-3:00 Brainerd VFW
Fri. 9/11 9:00-3:00 Pine River State Bank in Pine River
Mon. 9/14 12:15-6:00 Church of J.C. of Latter Day Saints/Brainerd
Tues. 9/15 10:00-4:00 Church of J.C. of Latter Day Saints/Brainerd
Wed. 9/16 9:00-2:00 Central Lakes College - Staples
Wed. 9/16 9:00-3:00 Morrison Co. Gov’t Center in Little Falls
Mon. 9/21 12:00-6:00 Vets Club in Onamia
Tues. 9/22 12:00-6:00 American Legion in Milaca
Thurs. 9/24 8:00-2:00 Camp Ripley in Little Falls
Fri. 9/25 9:00-2:00 Maslowski Wellness in Wadena
*BRING A BUDDY BLOOD DRIVE – bring a friend, get a gift card once you both donate
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Help keep local kids warm this winter through the 2026 Coats for Kids drive. Between NOW and Wed. Oct. 7th, Please donate your gently-used or new coats – of any size (from infant to adult) at any of our drop-off locations, and Anderson Cleaners will get them cleaned and ready for distribution to kids in need in mid-October. You can donate winter coats, mittens & gloves, hats & scarves, winter boots and snowpants, and drop them off at
~Anderson Cleaners in Brainerd
~Hubbard Radio in Baxter
~First Lutheran Church in Brainerd
~Live Well Chiropractic in Brainerd
~First Congregational Church in Brainerd
~Brainerd Family YMCA in Brainerd
Together, we’re keeping kids warm.
(Thank you to Anderson Cleaners, The Westgate Mall, and Brainerd Family YMCA for partnering with Hubbard Radio)
It’s LESS THAN ONE MONTH AWAY…The Brainerd Lakes Walk To End Alzheimer’s, taking place Sat. Sept. 26th at Forestview Middle School in Baxter. Registration will start at 9:00 with the Opening Ceremony for the Walk starting at 10:00. Do not wait… NOW is the time to form a team, walk as an individual or support a team by visiting ALZ.org/Walk and find the Brainerd walk. With new treatments and more on the horizon, we cannot stop raising funds for continued research, education and support. Register NOW at ALZ.org/Walk.
Hockey Day Minnesota 2027 is coming to Brainerd and they NEED YOU to help make it unforgettable! They need VOLUNTEERS to help with fan experiences, event operations, logistics and more throughout Hockey Day week and the days leading up to it. Whether you’re a lifelong hockey fan or just love showing up for our community, this is your chance to be part of something truly special.Join the team. Help write the story. Sign up today at HockeyDayMN.com. Hockey Day Minnesota 2027 — Unite on the Ice!
It’s time to FLOCK your FRIENDS!!!! The Brainerd Lakes Area Women of Today are at it again, armed with anywhere from 20-100 plastic pink flamingos ready to “land” on yards in the lakes area to help raise funds for two area organizations focused on helping pets find FURever homes – HART (Heartland Animal Rescue Team) and Northern Lakes Rescue. For $1 per bird, you can order a flock of 20, 30… up to 100 birds and have them “delivered and planted” in the yard of a friend or foe, someone celebrating a birthday or anniversary, or just because! Log onto BrainerdLakesAreaWomenOfToday.com and fill out the form – but HURRY… the “birds fly south” Oct. 1st, so get to flockin’ NOW before it’s too late. (Distance limits apply).
8/31 – 9/6
The Crosslake Area Library Summer Book Sale will be held on Fri. & Sat. Sept. 4 & 5 at that Crosslake Community Center on Daggett Pine Road in Crosslake. The sale will be from 10:00-3:00 both days and feature a large assortment of gently used books at bargain prices. All books will be clearly labeled, and all the proceeds will be used to support the library. This will be the LAST sale of the year for the library.
The Aitkin County Knights of Columbus will host a Family Breakfast at St. James Catholic Church in Aitkin on Sun. Sept. 6th from 9:30-12:00. They will serve delicious pancakes, scrambled eggs with ham, country style sausage, fresh fruit and all the fixings. Freewill offerings will be collected. Bring the whole family before or after 10:30 Mass. All are welcome!
9/7 – 9/13
The Brainerd American Legion will Celebrate America’s 250th Birthday on the 250th day of the year – Mon. Sept. 7th with a “250th Party!” Stop by this day between 11:00-3:00 and enjoy the $2.50 specials: Beer, rail drinks, burgers, chicken strips and fries… all just $2.50. Plus $2.50 for Meat Raffle tickets where you could win $250 worth of MEAT! AND music by Todd Wohl-Brainerd American Legion on Front St.
It’s Back to School Night at A&W in Nisswa on Tues. Sept. 8th from 4:00-8:00pm! To take the stress off of parents on the first day of school, Kids Eat Free during this time! Kids can choose between a hamburger, cheeseburger, hot dog, chicken strips or corn dog nuggets and the meal includes a kid size French fries and ticket for an ice cream cone and kids drink! They’ll also be giving away 28 back-to-school prize packs, so you may even win a prize!
The Brainerd Lakes Chamber invites you to attend Business After Hours on Tues. Sept. 8th from 4:30-6:00 at one of Gull Lake’s oldest and most iconic resorts: the Grand View Lodge in Nisswa for an evening of high-energy networking, mouthwatering appetizers, refreshing beverages (complimentary wine and keg beer), exciting prize drawings and great business connections. You might win prizes, too! Please register in advance if you plan on attending at BrainerdLakesChamber.com.
Every Wednesday in September, The Center in Brainerd will host a Brat Sale when, for only $6, you can enjoy a Brat & Chips while supporting a great cause! Stop by The Center at 803 Kingwood Street in Brainerd on Wed. Sept. 9th between 11:30-1:00 (OR PRE-ORDER by 3pm the TUESDAY BEFORE by calling 829-9345) and then be ready for a delicious lunch! Funds raised from the Wednesday Brat sales goes to support The Center.
Actors Repertory Theater presents Lend Me A Tenor, a Virtuoso Farce by Ken Ludwig, on stage in the Chalberg Theater at CLC Brainerd Campus Wed.-Sat. Sept. 9-12. Showtimes are at 7:00 each evening with an additional 2:00 matinee on Sat. Sept. 12th. The comedy is a tale of mistaken identity that results in a wildly fast-paced comic romp, and features an all-star cast of local actors. For more information about the play visit the theatre's website, Art4MN.org. For tickets go to CLCPerformingArts.com or call the box office at (218) 855-8199.
Help support Northern Lakes High School Girls Hockey by dining at the Pequot Lakes Dairy Queen on Thurs. Sept. 10th between 3:00-8:00pm! Enjoy a meal, a treat or BOTH and 20% of the proceeds from the sales during that time will be donated to the Girls Hockey program! This is at the Pequot Lakes DQ location only!
The Pickle Factory in Nisswa will host a Fundraiser for the Nisswa Fire Department on Thurs. Sept. 10th from 4:00-7:00pm. There will be food, a silent auction, raffles and prizes. Come out, have fun and with your free-will donations, help support the Nisswa Fire Department! See you there!
It’s time for the Annual Rummage Sale at The Center in Brainerd! Find treasures GALORE on Fri. & Sat. Sept. 11 & 12 during the sale at The Center on Kingwood Street. Books, puzzles, toys, crafts, knick knacks, holiday items, collectibles, household items, man cave items and more! The sale will be held Friday 8-4 and on Saturday 8-1. Great items…wonderful prices. See you at the sale!
The HUGE Little Falls Arts & Crafts Fair will be held Sat. & Sun. Sept. 12 & 13 in Little Falls – and this is THE BIG ONE! Saturday from 8:00-6:00 and Sunday from 9:00-4:00, shop the town for crafts, jewelry, paintings, sculptures, pottery and much more. You’ll be supporting local and regional artists! Free parking available at the Morrison County Fairgrounds with shuttles running all day! Food vendors and great restaurants all over town, too, so come hungry! See you at the biggest Arts & Crafts Fair in Little Falls… learn more at LittleFallsSrtsAndCraftsFair.com.
Help support the Mounted Eagles Therapeutic Horsemanship organization at a Fundraising Pancake Breakfast on Sat. Sept. 12th at the Pelican Lake Conservation Club in Breezy Point. The breakfast will be served from 7:30-11:00 ad include Buttermilk pancakes and maple syrup, egg scramble with ham and cheese, sausage links, biscuits & gravy – and it’s All You Can Eat for just $7! Kids under 5 eat for FREE! Cash ONLY! A portion of the proceeds will benefit the Mounted Eagles! The club is located at 8922 Thrane Drive in Breezy Point.
The 29th Annual Bataan Memorial March Run/Walk/Ruck, hosted by the 1st Combined Arms Battalion – 194th Armor with the Minnesota National Guard - will take place on Sat., Sept. 12th at the Camp Ripley Training Center in Little Falls. Registration will start at 8:00 with the opening ceremony at 8:30 and the Race Start at 9:00. The Memorial March commemorates the sacrifices of those who suffered the infamous Bataan Death March of 1942. Visit Camp Ripley’s Facebook page for the event info and registration link.
The Babinski Foundation will celebrate its 5th Annual Fall Festival on Sat. Sept. 12th from 9:00-7:00. It will be fun for the family all day long including hay rides, a petting zoo, pedal tractor pull, carnival games, guided horse rides, pumpkin decorating, potato shooting, a corn pit, an apple pie baking contest, bounce houses and more! In addition, they will be celebrating their 10th Anniversary as a Shelter! A Free pancake breakfast will be hosted by local law enforcement, in addition to a Food Truck Fest, craft fair, Fireman Fashion Show and flea market! So much fun awaits! Learn more on The Babinski Foundation’s Facebook page.
PRIDE in the Park will be held on Sat. Sept. 12th from 10:00-3:30 at Gregory Park in Brainerd. Be there to enjoy a number of vendors, food, a variety show and more! The Sowing Room is helping to host this family friendly fun event ( which says is for “the queer community and allies.” ).
Lighthouse Beginnings invites the public to its 4th Annual Recovery Connection BBQ on Sat. Sept. 12th from 11:00-3:00 at their facility in Baxter. Everyone is welcome to come gather with friends, family and neighbors to celebrate recovery, build connections, and enjoy an afternoon of fun and belonging. Find Lighthouse Beginnings at 8055 Industrial Park Road in Baxter. See you there!
YeeHAW!!!…saddle up for the Lakes Rodeo Bulls & Barrels coming to the Green Lantern (9 miles east of Brainerd) on Sat. Sept. 12th at 7:00pm. If you are ready for some fun, bull-riding action, this is the event for you! Gates open at 5:00 and there’s a free concert after the rodeo. Tickets are $25 for adults, $15 for those 6-12 and 5 and under Free! Get tickets NOW at LakesRodeo.com.
9/14 – 9/20
Lakes Area Unlimited Learning will feature biologist Walter Piper as speaker on Mon. Sept. 14th at 1:30 at Heartwood Senior Living in Crosby. Piper will talk about Loons and what they can tell us about the health of our lakes. He will tell us what is happening to our loons and what it might mean for the lakes and wildlife we care about. The speaking event is free for members and $10 for non-members.
Have a kiddo interested in playing hockey? Well, Come Try Hockey for Free events are being held on Tues. & Wed. Sept. 15 & 16 at the Essentia Health Sports Center in Brainerd. Try this no-cost, low-commitment introduction to ice hockey – no experience is necessary. Learn the basics and get a taste of the sport to know if it’s right for you or not! The GIRLS SESSIONS will be held each day from 5:00-5:45… the BOYS SESSIONS will be held each day from 5:45-6:30. PLAN TO ARRIVE at least 30 minutes early! ADVANCED REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED… the first 50 to register will receive a free BAHA jersey! Register now online at BrainerdHockey.com
Every Wednesday in September, The Center in Brainerd will host a Brat Sale when, for only $6, you can enjoy a Brat & Chips while supporting a great cause! Stop by The Center at 803 Kingwood Street in Brainerd on Wed. Sept. 16th between 11:30-1:00 (OR PRE-ORDER by 3pm the TUESDAY BEFORE by calling 829-9345) and then be ready for a delicious lunch! Funds raised from the Wednesday Brat sales goes to support The Center.
Mounted Eagles Therapeutic Horsemanship will host An Evening for ME – Beyond the Reins on Fri. Oct. 2nd at Breezy Point Resort from 5:30-9:00pm. Enjoy a sit-down dinner, music by a DJ, a silent auction and raffle prize drawings. The highlight will be the Red-Carpet Walk presented by the program’s participants. Tickets are $50 or 10 for $450 and can be purchased online at MountedEagles.org. Tickets must be purchased BY THURS. SEPT. 17th!
BLADE’s 5th Annual Recovery Walk will be held on Thurs. Sept. 17th at Kiwanis Park in Brainerd from 4:00-7:00. Everyone is invited out for a night of connection, hope and community as we come together to support one another. Stop out for yard games, pizza, local organizations, powerful testimonies, MNTC Choir, the dunk tank and the walk at dusk that will honor and remember loved ones who are still struggling with or those we have lost to substance use disorder. Learn more on the Recovery Walk Facebook page.
The Brainerd American Legion’s 2026 Fall Rendezvous will be held on Thurs. Sept. 17th from 4:00-9:00, and the public is invited to attend! Food, friends and great Raffle prizes, including 20+ guns! Tickets are $35… VIP is $75. Learn more at BrainerdLegion255.org.
Lutheran Church of the Cross in Nisswa will host its annual HUGE FALL RUMMAGE SALE Thurs. – Sat. Sept. 17 – 19 at the church on Co. Rd. 13 behind Schaefer’s Foods in Nisswa…
The Babinski Foundation will host a Microchip Clinic on Fri. Sept. 18th 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 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 2026 Nisswa Fall Festival & Smokin’ Hot BBQ Challenge will be held Sat. Sept. 19th in and around downtown Nisswa…..
~Nisswa Fire Fall Festival Breakfast at the Nisswa A&W from 7:00-10:30. Serving pancakes, THE Burritos, bagel sandwiches, tater rounds, coffee, juice, sodas and more…with all proceeds going to the NFD
~Fall Artisans & Crafters Market at the Pioneer Village will be open from 10:00-4:00. Over 40 vendors, live music from 11:00-1:00 and a Kids Zone with activities.
The 6th Annual FlapJack Festival will be held on Sat. Sept. 19th at the Brainerd VFW in support of the Historic Brainerd Water Tower preservation project. The flapjacks and sausage for $10 will be served from 10:00-12:00 at Post #1647 in downtown Brainerd, in addition, they are partnering with the City of Brainerd, Downtown Merchants and Brainerd School District for the annual Touch-A-Truck event that same morning. Come on down and enjoy the Flapjacks and fun!
The 2nd Annual Pequot Lakes Fire District’s Golf Scramble will be held on Sun. Sept. 20th at The Preserve Golf Couse in Pequot Lakes. …. All proceeds go directly to the Pequot Lakes Fire District.
9/21 – 9/27
The Brainerd Lakes Chamber invites you to attend Business After Hours on Tues. Sept. 22nd from 4:30-6:00 at Northland Companies in Jenkins. Be there for some great networking while enjoying delicious appetizers and refreshing beverages.. you may even win some prizes! Please register in advance online if you plan on attending at BrainerdLakesChamber.com.
Every Wednesday in September, The Center in Brainerd will host a Brat Sale when, for only $6, you can enjoy a Brat & Chips while supporting a great cause! Stop by The Center at 803 Kingwood Street in Brainerd on Wed. Sept. 23rd between 11:30-1:00 (OR PRE-ORDER by 3pm the TUESDAY BEFORE by calling 829-9345) and then be ready for a delicious lunch! Funds raised from the Wednesday Brat sales goes to support The Center.
The Nisswa Chamber’s “Pretty Good Golf Tournament” will be held on Thurs. Sept. 24th at Grand View Lodge’s Pines Golf Course and it’s all for a good cause. Get your foursome ready for a day of fun, friendly competition and community spirit while you build relationships and support the work of the Chamber. Registration starts at 10:30 with a shotgun start at 12:00. $800/team – Chamber members save $100…Register online at Nisswa.com under events.
Enjoy dinner or a treat and support the Pequot Lakes Gridiron Club on Thurs. Sept. 24th at the Pequot Lakes Dairy Queen! Stop in anytime between 3:00-8:00pm when 20% of sales will be donated to the PL Football program. Good at the PL DQ only!
It’s time for Crosslake Days, Sept. 24-26 in beautiful Crosslake! The Crosslake Days Festival is for all ages and includes an Arts & Craft Fair, Chili Cook-Off, the Hunt for the Lost Chili Pepper, Cider & Candlelight Tour, a Cornhole Tourney, Loon Calling Contest and Street Dance! Learn more at Crosslake.com.
The Center’s Annual Ageless Expo will be held on Fri. Sept. 25th at The Center on Kingwood Street in Brainerd from 9:00-12:00. This community event is open to the public and designed especially for adults 45+. Whether you’re retired, planning for retirement, or simply looking for ways to stay active and informed, the Ageless Expo is your chance to discover resources dedicated to helping you live well at every age. A vendor show, presentations, demonstrations, free hearing tests, good food, great connections, and donuts! The event will kick off with Lauren Hurt from Vivie’s presentation on The Myths of Aging. Tips on safety, Bingo, prizes and fun, too. It’s all a part of the morning! See you there!
The 3rd Annual James Tatro Memorial Walk-Ruck-Run 5K will be held on Sat. Sept. 26th at the DeParcq Woods-Camp Ripley in Little Falls starting at 8:30. Registration will begin at 8:00. A free-will donation can be made to participate, it’s $25 donation for participation with a T-shirt. All proceeds go to local veterans and veteran amputees. This is a collaboration with Brainerd Community Action Council and Crow Wing Energized. Learn more at CrowWingEnergized.org.
The 2nd Annual Run for the Son – Faithful 5K/10K/Disciple Dash will take place on Sat. Sept. 26th, hosted by Brainerd Catholic. The timed races will start at 8:30 at St. Andrews Catholic Church on Willow St. in Brainerd. Food and beverages will be available and they’ll also have a 100 Yard “Disciple Dash” for kids. Get registered and learn more online at Faithful5K.org.
Join the Babinski Foundation in Pequot Lakes on Sat. Sept. 26th 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.
9/28 – 10/4
The Center in Brainerd will host its FINAL SEPTEMBER Brat Sale when, for only $6, you can enjoy a Brat & Chips while supporting a great cause! Stop by The Center at 803 Kingwood Street in Brainerd on Wed. Sept. 30th between 11:30-1:00 (OR PRE-ORDER by 3pm the TUESDAY BEFORE by calling 829-9345) and then be ready for a delicious lunch! Funds raised from the Wednesday Brat sales goes to support The Center.
The Aitkin Area Chamber of Commerce invites you to Savor the Local Flavor at Taste of Aitkin on Thurs. Oct. 1st at the Two Rivers Event Center in Aitkin. It will be a celebration of the Aitkin Area’s local food scene. Sample incredible savory bites and sweet treats from local restaurants, bakers and producers as they compete for the title of People’s Best. Taste, vote and help award the ultimate bragging rights. The event is held from 5:00-7:00 the tickets are $45. Get tickets at Aitkin.com and click on Event Registration.
The 14th Annual Fishing to End Hunger WalleyeDan Tournament will be held on Sat. Oct. 3rd, on Gull Lake in Lake Shore. The event raises funds for the Outreach Program of Brainerd Lakes …Learn more and register at FishingToEndHunger.com.
Join The Warehouse in Pine River for a 1-Mile Color Rush Run on Sat. Oct. 3rd on the Pine River-Backus High School Track from 10:00-12:00. The event is a fundraiser benefitting The Warehouse in Pine River and ages 4 and up are welcome to participate. Whether you’re racing, walking, or just enjoying the excitement with family and friends, there’s a place for everyone. Just come dressed in a white t-shirt and get ready to get colorful! You can register for the event through the event page on Facebook.
Crow Wing Energized encourages everyone to attend their next Got Plans? Event on Sat. Oct. 3rd at Central Lakes College in Brainerd. This free Community Event will be centered around Advanced Care Planning with experts on Health Care Directives and Estate Planning. Ages 18 and older are welcome as it’s never too early to plan. Register NOW at CrowWingEnergized.org.
The Aitkin Women of Today’s Pumpkin Patch will be open on Sun. Oct. 4th at Aitkin City Park from 11:30-2:00. Come by and purchase tickets for kids games, crafts, and face painting, plus you can decorate cookies and every child will get a FREE PUMPKIN! They’ll also have a bake sale and concessions available (including Rosalini’s Pizza for sale). Bring your camera for fun fall photos
2026 DAILY / WEEKLY EVENTS (PSA)
Updated: 8 – 11 - 26
MONDAY…
The Brainerd Family YMCA is providing FREE Summer Meals for Kids & Teens (Youth 18 & Under). Each weekly box includes 5 Breakfasts and 5 Suppers. One of the Meal Box Pick-Up Times is every Monday between 3:00-8:00 at the Brainerd Family YMCA (602 Oak Street in Brainerd). No registration is required. Learn more at BrainerdLakesYMCA.org.
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.
The Longville Farmer’s Market runs every Tuesday from 9:00-1:00 next to Common Grounds coffee shop on Main Street in Longville. Shop for local produce, baked goods, jams, jellies, fresh flowers, honey, syrup, eggs and more. Each week could be just a bit different. Facebook by searching Longville Farmer’s Market.
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.
The Crosslake Chamber, along with Squirrelly Mama Boutique & Gifts, host Big Fun Tuesdays every Tuesday in the Crosslake Community Park from 1:00-3:00. During this time, families and kids can enjoy outdoor games, crafts, inflatables, foam building blocks and more! Bring the family and your friends for an afternoon of fun in Crosslake! If it rains, activities will be in the Crosslake Community Center gym!
The Brainerd Family YMCA is providing FREE Summer Meals for Kids & Teens (Youth 18 & Under). Each weekly box includes 5 Breakfasts and 5 Suppers. One of the Meal Box Pick-Up Times is every Tuesday between 4:30 and 7:00pm at Gustafson Park at 9th Ave NE & N St. NE in Brainerd. No registration is required. Learn more at BrainerdLakesYMCA.org.
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.
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.
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.
SATURDAY MUSIC:
The Crosslake-Ideal Lions present Music In The Square every Saturday evening from 6:00-8:00 in Crosslake Town Square’s Legacy Gardens. Grab your family and friends, a lawn chair or blanket and come enjoy some free music in the park!
Sept 5 Lisa Wenger Blues/Rock
SUNDAY
The Pequot Lakes American Legion invites everyone to its Legion Breakfast every Sunday (through the end of September), served from 8:00-11:00. The cost is $10/person – half price for Vets and kids ages 10 and under. The menu varies, but you can bet you’ll always leave FULL! Come and enjoy!
Join The Outreach Program of Brainerd Lakes every Sunday from 11:00-6:00 for Sunday Funday at Nisswa Falls Mini Golf course in Nisswa. All proceeds from mini golf sales will be donated to The Outreach Program of Brainerd Lakes. Bring your family, friends, co-workers or just yourself and not only have fun, but help feed families in greater Minnesota. For more information, visit Facebook and search Golf with the Outreach Program BLA.