Community Update
Community Update
PSA
4 / 6 / 26 B
BLOOD DRIVES:
Call 1-800-RED-CROSS or visit RedCrossBlood.org to schedule a donation time or to find a drive near you.
THERE’S AN EMERGENCY NEED FOR Type O Blood!!!!!!
Donate between now and March 31st and receive a $15 Amazon Gift Card (with mention) by email.
Fri. 4/10 10:00-4:00 Westgate Mall in Baxter
Fri. 4/10 10:00-4:00 Milaca Evangelical Free Church in Milaca
Fri. 4/10 11:00-5:00 St. Mathias Parks & Rec in Fort Ripley
Mon. 4/13 12:00-6:00 American Legion in Deerwood
Fri. 4/17 12:00-6:00 Lakewood Church in Baxter
Mon. 4/20 12:00-6:00 St. John’s Lutheran Church in Aitkin
Tues. 4/21 1:00-6:00 St. John’s Lutheran Church in Aitkin
Wed. 4/22 8:30-1:30 Milaca High School
Wed. 4/22 9:00-3:00 Aitkin High School
Fri. 4/24 10:00-4:00 Brainerd VFW
Tues. 4/28 12;00-6:00 Crosby-Ironton High School in Crosby
Wed. 4/29 10:00-4:00 Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in Pequot Lakes
Wed. 4/29 12:00-6:00 Bethany Lutheran Church in Cushing
Wed. 4/29 12:00-6:00 Community Center in Browerville
Thurs. 4/30 12:00-6:00 Log Church in Crosslake
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WITH THE CLOSING OF The HABITAT ReSTORE ….Brainerd Tax-Aide WILL STILL be operating out of the ReStore building through the end of the Tax Season. Appointments will be honored and Walk-In tax preparation will be LIMITED TO taxpayers with ONLY Social Security and Rent Credit… (they will also honor appointments for property tax refunds scheduled for Apr. 16 & 17.)…….
AARP Foundation Tax-Aide provides FREE Tax Preparation help to anyone, FREE of charge, with a focus on taxpayers who are over age 50 and have low to moderate income…and volunteers are available in the Brainerd Lakes Area! The volunteers are trained and IRS-certified every year to make sure they know about and understand the latest changes and additions to the tax code. Brainerd Tax-Aide is located in the Lakes Area Habitat for Humanity ReStore in east Brainerd and are available now through April 15th. Stop by the ReStore to make an appointment. They are now available Monday through Friday from 9:00-3:30. Tax-Aide is the largest free, volunteer-based tax program in the U.S.
The Crow Wing Soil & Water Conservation District reminds you to order your plants and seed mixes from them BY WED. APR. 15th! They have 9 plant kits to choose from, each containing a variety of native plants, They also have 8 seed mixes available in sizes ranging from 100 square feet to 5,000 square feet. To order, visit CWSWCD.org and click on SHOP. (A few Trees & Shrubs are still available and will be for sale until inventory runs out.) (Orders will be available for pick-up April 30-May 1 at the Crow Wing County Fairgrounds) ORDER NOW at CWSWCD.org.
4/6 – 4/12
It’s time for Festival of the Arts at Pequot Lakes High School on Thurs. Apr. 9th from 5:00-8:00pm. Don’t miss your chance to see both visual and performing arts from Pequot Lakes students and local adult artists, as well. Live music, dance performances, art pieces and more! This free event is open to the public and there will be a silent auction and concessions available for sale. Please enter through Door #4 by the Activities end of the building. They hope to see you there.
Join Central Lakes College Foundation for its Annual Hats Off for Student Success Fundraiser that celebrates the powerful stories of student success and the programs that make them possible. The event also raises funds to ensure every CLC student has the tools, support and opportunities they need to build their future. The event is Thurs. Apr. 9th from 5:00-8:00 at CLC Brainerd. Tour the newly renovated campus, connect with fellow alumni and engage in in raffles, games and fun, meaningful moments. Tickets are $40 and can be purchased online at TinyURL.com/HatsOff26 or through the link at the Hats Off for Student Success Facebook page.
Grassroots Concerts…. On Fri. Apr. 10th at the Live Well Nightclub & Coffee Bar in the Journey Church in Nisswa starting at 7:00. Singer Pieta Brown will perform. Hailed as a “self-styled poetess, folk goddess and country waif” by the BBC, she has toured with Ani DeFranco, John Prine and Mavis Staples and is also a songwriter, musician, producer, visual artist and performer. Admission is just $15 at the door for adults. $5 for children under 12 with listening attention. Doors open at 6:30. Learn more at GrassrootsConcerts.org.
Central Lakes College invites community members, students and industry partners to attend Empowered ’26: Connections on Thurs. Apr. 16th at CLC’s Brainerd and Staples campuses. The event brings together education and industry to create a collaborative experience focused on leadership development, confidence building, meaningful conversation and to broaden perspectives. It will be engaging and is free to attend. The STAPLES event will begin at 9:00am, the BRAINERD event will begin at 2:00. Register by FRIDAY, April 10th online at CLCMN.edu/Empowered.
Lakes Area Habitat for Humanity invites you to Dancing with the Lakes Area Stars on Fri. Apr. 10th at the Gichi-ziibi Center for the Arts in Brainerd starting at 7:00! Come and see some of your area pals as they perform months-worth of rehearsed dance numbers as they compete for your donations that will be used to build homes and change lives here in our community. General admission tickets are still available for only $40, but they’re going fast. Get them online at LakesAreaHabitat.org. Support your favorite dancer and enjoy a fun night out, at Dancing with the Lakes Area Stars, Friday, April 10th in Brainerd! (Hubbard Radio’s own Tess Taylor will be dancing once again this year… with her friend Brian Andrews from Lakes Area Restorative Justice Program!)
Join the Pelican Lakes Conservation Club for their first Pancake Breakfast Fundraiser of the 2026 season on Sat. Apr. 11th. Stop by the club on Thrane Drive in Breezy Point anytime between 7:30 and 11:00am and, for just $8, enjoy a delicious breakfast that includes pancakes, scrambled eggs, sausage, biscuits & gravy, and a selection of beverages! Kids 5 and under eat for free! PLUS proceeds from this breakfast will be supporting the Pequot Lakes Football Teams through the Pequot Lakes Patriots Gridiron Club! Hope to see you there!
Happy Dancing Turtle will co-host an Animal Care Supply Swap on Sat. Apr. 11th from 9:00-12:00 at their facility in Pine River. Items being accepted for the swap include gently used items for dogs, cats or other furry pets – collars, leashes, harnesses, beds, accessories and toys. They’ll take food bowls, storage bins and unopened food or treats. Items can be dropped off on Thurs. Apr. 9 from 12-6 or Fri. Apr. 10 from 8-12. Then you can come and “shop/take” items on Saturday. You do not need to bring an item to take an item. This is a NO MONEY swap. For more info, and a list of items they will or will not accept, visit HappyDancingTurtle.org.
The 19th Annual Downtown Brainerd Mini Golf Spring Open will be held on Sat. Apr. 11th starting at 11:00. Experience the pub crawl like no other. Visit each location to play a creative golf hole, mark your score and turn in your card at the end for a chance to win cash and prizes. No golf equipment necessary! The end stop and final party starts at 6:00 at The Parlor in downtown Brainerd. To participate, just pay the $10 Green Fee, with all proceeds going to Brainerd Restoration! Enjoy $4 Surfsides and Mich Ultras all day! Participating locations are: VFW, Shep’s, Blue Oyster, O’Neary’s, SE’z, The Parlor, Passport, Slice on Oak, Pit Stop, 9th Street Social Club, Elks, Yesterday’s Gone, Last Turn Saloon, Brainerd Legion and Ya Sure Kombucha. Learn more on the event’s page on Facebook.
A young group of Brainerd musicians, The North Star Quartet, will be joining the Great River Strings Orchestra for their spring concert, The Elements, on Sat. Apr. 11th at 7:00 at the Cascade United Methodist Church in Deerwood and again on Sun. Apr. 2nd at 2:00 at the Ripple Center in Aitkin. The North Star Quintet will perform original jazz music based on the elements of Earth, Wind, Water and Fire and the Great River Strings will respond with classical music based on the same themes.
4/13 – 4/19
Lakes Area Unlimited Learning will present Central Lakes College History Instructor, David Gray on Mon. Apr. 13th at 1:30 at Heartwood Senior Living in Crosby. Gray will be speaking on the Nullification Crisis and its serious long-term repercussions, which ultimately laid the ideological and political groundwork for the 1861 secession of the southern states thirty years later. The presentation is free for members and $10 for non-members.
The Habitat for Humanity ReStore in Brainerd has closed its doors, but it will be reopening for a few short days for a Liquidation Sale. The ReStore Liquidation Sale Dates will be Tues. – Fri. Apr. 14-17 from 9:30-3:30 and again Tues. – Fri. Apr. 21-24 from 9:30-3:30. THINGS TO KNOW DURING THE SALE: EVERYTHING Storewide will be 50% off. Gift Cards and BBay gift certificates MUST BE USED by April 23rd. Reward Dollars must be used now – NO NEW POINTS will be given during the sale. And they will not be answering the phones about Inventory/Pricing… you need to come in-person to shop. The ReStore Team will be restocking shelves from the warehouse every day, so there will be something new each day. Additional days MAY be added, follow them on Facebook to stay in the loop at Lakes Area Habitat For Humanity.
The Brainerd Lakes Chamber invites you to another Business After Hours on Tues. Apr. 14th at Fabricators Unlimited in Pillager from 4:30-6:00. Gather with friends and other business pals from the area at this multi-state, custom countertop fabricator company in Pillager for an evening of networking, while you enjoy appetizers from The Shante, a CASH Bar (no cc/debit cards), a free drink ticket courtesy of the host and a chance to win some great prizes. If you plan to attend, please RSVP online in advance at BrainerdLakesChamber.com.
The Friends of the Brainerd Public Library will host a 3-Day Book Sale at the Westgate Mall Wed. – Fri. Apr. 15-17 in the old Rue 21 space. The sale will be held from 10:00-6:00 on Wednesday and Thursday… and from 10:00-4:00 on Friday. The sale will include MANY books and also lots of games, puzzles, CDs, DVDs, audio books and many children’s books. Monies raised support the Brainerd Public Library.
Central Lakes College in Brainerd will be the site of a Health Fair on Wed. Apr. 15th as WeARE – Advocates for Reproductive Health and CLC host this event that is open to the public. The fair will run from 11:00-1:00 and feature a number of vendors, demonstrations, games, giveaways, prizes and free food. They will also provide free STI testing and answer questions anyone may have about their services. For more info, visit Facebook and search Health Fair @ CLC.
Jack Pine Brewery in Baxter will host another Pints for a Purpose on Tax Day, Wed. Apr. 15th from 4:00-7:00. During that time, $1 from each pint sold will be donated to an area non-profit and this time, Brainerd Lakes Safe Ride will get the donations. Be there to help keep Safe Ride Wheels rollin’ in the BLA. Music will be provided so you can be Rockin’ with Paul Nye, they’ll have door prizes you could win, and tons of fun, too. Hope to see you there!
Help support Sexual Assault Services in our area by dining at Applebee’s in Baxter on Thurs. Apr. 16th. By dining anytime this day – AND PRESENTING THE FLYER or showing it on your phone, a portion of the sales from your meal will be donated to SAS. It’s also available on ToGo orders with the code, DoinGood. Dining to Donate at Applebee’s in Baxter! Doin’ good in the Neighborhood! (Find the flyer on the Sexual Assault Services Facebook Page)
Lakes Area Restorative Justice Program will host a Second Chances Month Gathering on Thurs. Apr. 16th at the Gather on 3 Event Center north of Brainerd and everyone is invited. The event will start at 5:00 (goes to 7:30) and feature speakers and guests who believe that people are more than their hardest chapter. There will be panel discussions, door prizes and a light dinner provided (with $3 bottomless soda). The event is free to attend, however an RSVP would be appreciated. Go to Facebook and search First Annual Second Chance Gathering or the Lakes Area Restorative Justice page for the link to register. Join them as together, we celebrate growth, healing and second chances on Thursday, April 16th. (Due to subject matter, guests are asked to be 12 or older).
The Babinski Foundation will host a Microchip Clinic on Fri. Apr. 17th 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. (Clinics are always held the 3rd Friday of each month)
Camp Confidence will host its annual Camp Clean Up 2026 Fri. & Sat. Apr. 17 & 18 at the Confidence Learning Center (Camp Confidence) with the help of JCI Minnesota. They are looking for volunteers to assist with various tasks in preparation for the upcoming camp season to make it safe and memorable for the campers. If you can help, please contact the camp at CampConfidence.com.
Brainerd High School Theater will present Anastasia on Fri.-Sun. Apr. 17-19th at 7:00 with an additional Sat. Apr. 18th 2:00 matinee at the Gichi-ziibi Center for the Arts in Brainerd. Tickets start at $6 and can be purchased at the door 30 minutes prior to a performance, or at ISD181.org under the Gichi-ziibi tab.
Pequot Lakes Community Ed will host its Annual Community Garage Sale on Sat. Apr. 18th at the Pequot Lakes High School. The sale will run from 9:00-2:00 and there is no entry fee for buyers. Please use Door 3 to enter. To have a vendor booth at the sale, call 218-568-9200 or register at PequotLakes.ARUX.app.
The Brainerd Family YMCA invites the public to Healthy Kids Day on Sat. Apr. 18th from 11:00-2:00. Get ready for a day full of energy, learning and family fun! Healthy Kids Day at the Y is your chance to explore new ways to help your kids stay active, confident, and thriving this summer. From hands-on activities to movement challenges, the Y is there to kickstart the season of healthy habits. This is free to attend and open to the public! The Brainerd Y is on Oak Street in Brainerd.
The Lakes Area Valor Lions Club is hosting its first-ever Pancakes & Poker event and they want YOU to join them, on Sat. Apr. 18th at the Brainerd American Legion. From 11:00-3:00, stop in and test your luck at the tables! It doesn’t matter if you’re an avid card player or a novice, they want you there – and it’s FREE! Breakfast will be served (at 11:00) prior to the start of the poker games (12:00). Breakfast is just $10/person. See you at the Legion – 708 Front Street in Brainerd.
Dunmire’s Bar & Grill on Highway 210 is Calling All Parents! Join them for Pints & Ponytails on Sat. Apr. 18th at 2:30. Learn to style your daughter’s hair while enjoying great drinks at Dunmire’s. This event is FREE and no RSVP in needed. Just show up and have fun!
The 11th Annual Brainerd Sports Boosters Tapped & Corked Tasting Event will be held on Sat. Apr. 18th from 4:00-7:00 at the Essentia Health Sports Center in Brainerd – a 21+ event. Enjoy sipping and sampling a number of brews, spirits, liquors and wines along with bits of fabulous foods from around the BLA. Tickets are $60 in advance or $75 at the door. There will also be tickets for non-alcohol sampling for $25. Get tickets now at BrainerdSportsBoosters.org or at Cash Wise Liquor in Brainerd or Baxter, Jack Pine Brewery in Baxter or at the Brainerd High School Athletics office.
The Breezy Point Figure Skating Club invites the public to their show, United Skates of America, on Sat. Apr. 18th at 1:00 and at 6:00 at the Breezy Point Sports Center on County Road 11 in Breezy Point. Watch as members of the club and members of the Breezy Point Skate School perform routines on the ice, but come early to shop their silent auction! Tickets are $10 for adults, $5 for kids ages 5-14 and free for those 4 and under.
Lakes Area Music Festival’s 2026 Winter Series will conclude on Sun. Apr. 19th when they present Feelin’ Blue at 2:00 at Lord of Life Lutheran Church in Baxter. Among all of the musical forms born in the U.S., there’s nothing quite like the Blues. Join LAMF musicians and host/curator Loki Karuna, for this special musical event featuring violin, clarinet and piano. Get more information and reserve your tickets online at LakesAreaMusic.org. Tickets are free, however donations are very much appreciated.
4/20 – 4/26
Sexual Assault Services MN will host a fundraiser at The Pizza Ranch in Baxter on Mon. Apr. 20th from 4:00-8:00pm. Stop by, enjoy dinner at the Pizza Ranch and make a donation to SASMN while you are there.
Brainerd Lakes Chamber members are invited to attend Real Strategies for Designing Workforce Training, a course in the Chamber’s Blue Ox Success Series, on Tues. Apr. 21st from 8:30-10:00 at the Brainerd Lakes Chamber office. This session will provide a practical overview of the Minnesota Job Skills Partnership Short-Form grant and how organizations in our region have used it to support workforce development initiatives. They how to implement what they learn into implementing training within their company. If you want to attend, you must register online at BrainerdLakesChamber.com or contact Colleen at 218-822-7107.
St. Gabriel’s Hospital in Little Falls will be hosting its Spring Craft Fair on Wed. Apr. 22nd from 9:00-3:30 and the public is encouraged to come and shop to support the hospital and the community. The sale will be held in the Lindbergh, Franciscan and Rose conference rooms, so they ask that you enter at the 808 3rd Street SE entrance. While there, shop for baked goods, caramels, and cards, along with sewn, knitted and crocheted items, quilted items, jewelry, home décor, prepackaged food items and much more! Proceeds will go towards purchasing additional equipment for hospital departments, scholarships and contributions to the area food shelves and other charities. They hope to see you there!
Lutheran Church of the Cross in Nisswa invites the public to its Annual HUGE SPRING RUMMAGE SALE which runs Thurs. Apr. 23-Sat. Apr. 25 at the church on Co. Rd. 13 in Nisswa. You’ll find it all. Furniture, clothing, coats, shoes, home décor, jewelry, electronics, housewares, books, linens, crafts, tools, sporting goods, lawn/garden items, and SO SO Much more! The sale will be from 8:00-6:00 Thursday and Friday and from 8:00-12:00 on Saturday when everything will be Half Price! The proceeds will benefit a number of charitable organizations along with some of the church’s ministries. You’ll find LCC behind Schaefer’s Foods in Nisswa.
CLC Performing Arts brings you The All-New Wizard of Oz on Ice, the classic story reimagined like never before, Thurs. Apr. 23rd on stage live at the Gichi-zibii Center for the Arts in Brainerd. Showtime is 7:00 pm and tickets start at $40. Get tickets online at CLCPerformingArts.com.
RSVPs are due Apr. 24th for the Walleye Fish Fry that will take place on Thurs. Apr. 30th from 5:00-7:30 at the Confidence Learning Center hosted by the Camp Lions in support of Let’s Go Fishing. Enjoy a delicious walleye fish fry while learning how you can enrich the lives of individuals in your community and pass along your love of fishing. Find out about ways to serve alongside likeminded organizations to help complete that very mission at this volunteer drive. Family fun games will be provided along with dinner. Free will donations are appreciated. RSVP 218-828-2344.
The Brainerd Lakes Home Tour hosted by the Mid Minnesota Builders Association, will begin Fri. Apr. 24 at 4:00 and continue through Sun. Apr. 26th. The Home Tour showcases stunning homes built and remodeled by some of our community’s most trusted builders and designers. From modern lakefront retreats to cozy family-friendly spaces, this self-guided tour is your chance to explore new ideas, get inspiration and connect with local builders. For more details, visit Facebook and search Mid Minnesota Builders Association.
The Miss Pequot Lakes Scholarship Pageant will be held on Fri. Apr. 24th at the Pequot Lakes High School Auditorium. The pageant will begin at 6:30 and is presented by Community Action Pequot Lakes. There are six young ladies who will be contestants this year along with 6 young escorts who are all 4th graders from Eagle View Elementary school. All are invited to come and cheer the girls on, Fri., Apr. 24th.
Grassroots Concerts…. On Fri. Apr. 24th at the Live Well Nightclub & Coffee Bar in the Journey Church in Nisswa starting at 7:00. This time, Mike Munson will be taking the stage. Mike is an adept slide guitar player who has built his career on solid songwriting and a reverence for tradition. Admission is just $15 at the door for adults. $5 for children under 12 with listening attention. More at GrassrootsConcerts.org.
The Legacy Chorale, along with the community orchestra, invite the public to attend “Alzheimer’s Stories” on Fri. Apr. 24th at 7:30 at the Gichi-ziibi Center for the Arts in Brainerd. The concert program shares the lived experiences of people with Alzheimer’s and dementia through music, along with the perspectives of their care partners and loved ones. The concert will convey universal themes such as finding strength in facing adversity and discovering purpose and advocacy. It’s designed to celebrate and uplift our memory care community and inspire all of us to live with kindness and empathy. The program will include a resource fair before and after the concert. Tickets are $15 and $20. Get them online at LegacyChorale.org or by calling 218-270-8212.
The BLADE Coalition & Brainerd Police Department are partnering to provide an easy and convenient way to dispose of your unused, expired or unwanted medications by participating in National Prescription Drug Take Back Day on Sat. Apr. 25th. Lakes Area residents are encouraged to bring your medications to Super One Foods at 417 8th Ave. NE in Brainerd between 10:00-2:00 that day and turn them in, no questions asked. While you safely dispose of those medications, advocates will be on hand to educate and raise awareness about the dangers of opioids in our community. Help reduce access to prescription drugs that could harm your loved ones and eliminate new potential substance use disorders before they start.
Motley United Methodist Church will host its monthly Community Breakfast on Sat. Apr. 25th from 9:00-10:30. (Always the last Sat. of the month) There is no charge for the meal – it’s just an opportunity for members of the community to come together and share a meal. Free will donations are accepted for the Motely Area Food Shelf. The church is on 3rd Ave. S. in Motley.
Join the Babinski Foundation in Pequot Lakes on Sat. Apr. 25th 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 5th Annual 5K for Mental Health Awareness will be held on Sat. Apr. 25th starting at 9:00 at Central Lakes College, Brainerd campus. This 5K and 1 Mile walk is a fundraiser for the Pequot Lakes REEL North Alliance student organization and CLC’s Random Acts of Kindness fund, which offers financial support to students in crisis. Register online at CLCMN.edu/clc-5K.
Help support the Elks Veterans Grocery Deliver Program by coming out on Sat. Apr. 25th for an afternoon of live music, great food and drinks, plus a whole bunch of community spirit! Come to the Brainerd American Legion from 1:00-4:00 and enjoy live music by Dos Guys. There will be no cover charge – everyone is welcome. Donations are encouraged to support local Veteran meal outreach. Bring you family and friends and support those who have given so much!
A fundraiser dinner will be held at The Green Lantern in Brainerd in support of a 4H Dog Training Project on Sat. Apr. 25th. For $10/plate, enjoy a pulled pork sandwich dinner anytime between 3:00-6:00, plus you can participate in a silent auction with all the proceeds going to help the kids with their dog training project. Hope you can join them.
Help support the National Loon Center in Crosslake by attending a BENEFIT at 14 Lakes Pub & Brewery on Sat. Apr. 25th starting at 4:00. Enjoy live music, great food and drinks, prize giveaways, pull tabs, tipboards and a raffle with prizes that include $1,000 cash! They will also give away a fishing kayak, pontoon rentals, an Aquaglide Mat and more! In fact, every raffle ticket sold supports TWO incredible local organizations: The National Loon Center AND Heroes Helping Heroes. Raffle tickets are $10… the drawings will be at 6:00pm. They hope to see you there!!
4/27– 5/3
Tacos for a Cause? Yes please! Stop by Taco John’s on Washington Street in Brainerd on Mon. Apr. 27th between 4:00-8:00 when 20% of the store’s sales will be donated to the Brainerd Everything Outdoor Youth Expo! That’s right… you get to enjoy a delicious meal and kids will benefit! This is only at the Brainerd Taco John’s and only from 4-8pm. Hope to see you there! (The 3rd Annual Brainerd Everything Outdoor Youth Expo is coming to Brainerd on Sat. June 6th!)
The 19th Annual MN Adult & Teen Challenge Gala will be held on Mon. Apr. 27th at Madden’s Resort from 4:30-9:00. Join them for an evening dedicated to hope, healing and freedom from addiction. Listen to stories of transformation and hope, listen to the client choir and support these fearless individuals who are stepping into recovery. Registration, silent auction and social hour starts at 5:00 with Dinner and Program starting at 6:00. Tickets are $75. Register online at MNTC.org/Brainerd-Gala.
The Brainerd Lakes Chamber invites you to attend another Business After Hours on Tues. Apr. 28th from 4:30-6:00. This event will be co-hosted by The Brainerd Dispatch and Mobile Tire and will be held at Mobile Tire on Pine Beach Road in Brainerd. Enjoy some great networking, appetizers and beverages (CASH bar), learning about the host businesses and maybe win some prizes! If you plan on attending, please RSVP in advance at BrainerdLakesChamber.com.
The 19th Annual Brainerd Jaycees Run for the Lakes will be held Fri. & Sat. May 1 & 2 in Nisswa, with this year’s main beneficiary The Outreach Program of Brainerd Lakes. On Friday, May 1st, registration and packet pick-up will be held at the Outreach Program on Hazelwood Drive in Nisswa from 2:00-8:00 with a Kids Fun Run at 6:30, a 5K Color Run/Walk at 6:45 and Awards at 7:45 – all at the Nisswa Community Center. Then on Saturday, May 2nd, late packet pick-up will start at 6:30 with the Full, Half and Relay Marathons starting at 8:00 and the 10K starting at 8:30. See the full schedule of events, find more information and registration online at RunForTheLakes.com.
CLC Performing Arts, along with Brainerd Community Theater, present John Steinbeck’s The Grapes of Wrath at CLC Brainerd Campus’ Chalberg Theater Thurs. – Sat. Apr. 30-May 2 at 7:00 and Sat. & Sun. May 2 & 3 at 2:00. 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.
Trinity Lutheran Church in Brainerd invites the public to come shop their Rummage Sale on Sat. May 2nd from 8:00-3:00 at the church on S. 6th St. All the proceeds from this sale will go to Trinity Youth.
The 2026 Breezy Point Aviation Day will be taking place on Sat. May 2nd from 10:00-2:00 in and around the Breezy Point Airport and it’s free to attend! Come see a great display of awesome aircraft, along with firetrucks, lifelink medi-vac helicopters and other emergency vehicles. Visit with pilots and collectors and enjoy a free lunch and ice cream treats, too! There will not be an airshow, but it’s sure to be a great time. This is a private airport, so pilots do need to visit the website and call before landing. BreezyPointAirport.com. Everyone is welcome!
The St. Mathias Flea Market will be up and running on Sat. May 2nd from 10:00-3:00 at 4548 Co.Rd. 121 in Fort Ripley – Rain or Shine. Concessions will be available from 9:00-2:00. (( If you want to participate, you can reserve your 9’x13’ spot by calling Roxanne at 218-839-1370 for $30 in advance or $40 the day of the event. Items can be brought in at 7:00AM the DAY OF the event only. You must be present to sell you own items.))
The Northland Arboretum will host a free community Arbor Day Celebration on Sat. May 2nd from 11:00-2:00 and all are invited. Enjoy a fun-filled day with activities hosted by local businesses and area non-profits, plus the bike park and playscape will be open for all to explore. Free tree saplings and concessions will be offered while supplies last. See you at the Arb! More info online at NorthlandArb.org.
The Corey Borg-Massanari Foundation will host Corey’s Backyard BBQ on Sat. May 2nd at The Green Lantern with the fun starting at 12:00 noon! It’s a BBQ Challenge, but the day starts with fun for the whole family – a beanbag competition, Bounce houses, face painting and the Veteran Valor Farms Petting Zoo. They’ll have a silent auction, raffles and a Babinski Foundation Adoption event going on as well. Then at 5:00, the BBQ Judging will take place before CHOW TIME at 5:30. Enjoy All You Can Eat BBQ for just $15… $5 for ages 6-12… 5 and under free….Family of 4+ is $40. Winners announced at 7:00. Then enjoy music from Prairie Smoke Band from 8:00-12:00. Tons of fun and tons of prizes to be won throughout the day! Learn more at CoreysFoundation.org or on Facebook by searching Corey’s Backyard BBQ.
Ever heard of Plant BINGO? Well, if not – NOW you have and NOW you can play – just in time for Mother’s Day, too! Come to The Side Track in Brainerd on Sat. May 2nd, and for $20, you’ll get a 10 round packet! For rounds 1-9, if you win, you’ll receive a beautiful plant. If you win the coverall on round 10, you’ll receive a gift card from Copper Creek in Nisswa! Plant Bingo, which starts at 1:00, will be hosted by Confidence Learning Center! Come early for breakfast, then stay for Bingo at The Side Track on May 2nd and win a plant for your mom!
The Park Rapids Classic Chorale invites you to Light and Hope for Tomorrow, an uplifting afternoon of choral music celebrating renewal, promise and the light that leads us forward. Through inspiring harmonies and meaningful texts, the Chorale invites you to pause, reflect and look toward tomorrow with hope. There will be two concerts – one on Sat. May 1 at 7:30 and one on Sun. May 3rd at 3:00, both held at Calvary Lutheran Church in Park Rapids. A free will offering would be appreciated and all are welcome.
Ready for a Party with a Purpose? Come enjoy Dinner & A Show on Sun. May 3rd at Breezy Point Resort as 3 Comedians take to the stage after you enjoy a delicious Dinner and Birthday Celebration for Tracy Wallin, a much-loved member of the Pequot Lakes and Brainerd Lakes Area communities, who has been battling cancer – for the second time – and friends and family are throwing this party to help cover some costs of medical expenses. Social Hour is from 5:00-6:00. Then, for $45, you can have dinner (starts at 6:00), then stay as Emily Barrett, Chris Maddock and Kim BA take the stage and get you laughing during a comedy show that will begin at 7:00 (18+ recommended). If you can’t come for dinner and comedy, stop by for the social hour and toast the birthday girl!) To PURCHASE you tickets, go to Facebook and search the Party with a Purpose – Dinner & A Show and click on the link on that page. That is also where you can learn more about Tracy’s journey or make a donation if you not able to attend her party.