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It’s Friday, Brainerd! Let’s finish this week strong.
In today’s can’t-miss-weekend-plans edition: Dance team sweeps state, St. Patrick’s Day celebration, and your data is for sale + a stacked lineup of events this weekend.
Today’s sponsor, American Hartford Gold, is helping folks around Brainerd protect their savings as gold and silver continue to gain momentum. Their free guide explains what’s driving the surge… and what to know before adding precious metals to your portfolio. Grab your free copy here.
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📰 In the news
Historic strides and streaks: Brainerd Warriors Dance Team swept state in February, winning titles in jazz and high kick, their first-ever jazz medal and a third straight high kick championship — get all the details.
Decisions shape local services: Crow Wing County commissioners approved four opioid funding requests, including $52,000 for staff mental health and $5,000 for Community Corrections bike program. They backed a youth scholarship and highway changes — get all the details.
Roadside maintenance plans revealed: Crow Wing County announced tree clearing in Baxter and Crosslake on County Road 103 at West Shore Drive. Work is expected to take two weeks, and drivers should expect crews — get all the details.
Nothing prepares you for a pet emergency: I learned that the hard way after charging $10k to a credit card for life-saving surgery on my cat, Miss Stache. As soon as we got home, I signed up for Spot. It’s super affordable – and reimburses up to 90% of the bill.
Compare rates for free: The national average for car insurance is around $175/month. Paying more than that? Same, so I did some shopping around and ended up cutting my premium in half. If you haven’t checked in a while, you’re probably overpaying too — here’s the comparison tool I used.
Highlights this week:
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💎 Local business spotlight
Your midweek art fix: At The Crossing Arts Alliance, rotating exhibits, hands-on workshops, and a cozy gift shop stocked with regional artists’ work make it easy to perk up your walls or your mood. It’s community-first, pleasantly browseable, and the kind of space that quietly refuels creativity.
Make the most of summer: Minnesota Home Improvements handles design and installation of custom decks and porches in Brainerd, so your coffee spot, grill zone, and sunset seats actually happen this year. A clear process keeps projects moving and results looking sharp.
Lakeside seafood fix: Ernie’s On Gull serves the Northwoods take on coastal cravings, seafood-forward plates alongside comfort classics, plus a signature Greenie and a friendly, family-run vibe. When you need a midweek lift, Gull Lake views do the heavy lifting.
These aren’t ads or sponsored placements, just some cool nearby spots we think are worth a visit.
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🫶 We got your back
Your data is for sale right now: There are over 400 websites selling your info to marketers, political campaigns, and scammers. They’ve got your phone number, home address, relatives’ names… you name it. That’s how robocallers seem to know everything about you before you pick up. You can remove your info one site at a time, or pay a service to do it for you. Here’s what we recommend →
Why your last diet didn’t work: Sustained weight loss is nearly impossible with diet alone. Your body literally fights back by making you hungrier the moment you start restricting calories. That’s why more doctors are recommending GLP-1s. The best part? Getting them has never been easier. We compared three programs to help you find the right fit. See which ones stood out →
Thinning hair? Don’t treat the wrong thing: When my ponytail started thinning, I tried the usual stuff (biotin, shampoo, sprays, etc.) and not one of them lasted. Turns out, most products target the strand, not the follicle… and that’s the whole problem. Once follicles go dormant, they need targeted help to come back. The good news? You can get treatment that actually works with no office visits or trips to the pharmacy. Learn about my favorites here →
Six figures you can’t spend: Most homeowners over 50 have spent years dutifully paying their mortgage, assuming the only time it’ll pay off is when they sell. I thought the same thing until I discovered you can tap into the equity you’ve earned whenever you want (without leaving your home). Overdue for a new roof? Want to build your dream bathroom? There are two ways to turn equity into usable cash →
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📆 Around town this weekend
Have an event to share? BaseLocal Verified Businesses can submit them for free! Learn more about how to submit an event here →
All events are subject to change without notice. Always check official event pages for the most up to date information.
❓ Trivia @ Legacy Grill | Friday (3/13) at 6:00 PM – Friday nights at Legacy Grill at Cragun’s mean thawing out with a pint, grub, and brain-bending trivia that makes you glad your brain kept the warranty. Round up usual suspects, flex random facts, and chase prizes for top three teams, laughs included, all winter.
🎤 Bryce Hegge @ The Side Track | Friday (3/13) at 8:30 PM – Swing by The Side Track for Bryce Hegge’s Brainerd debut, ranging from Cash to Combs with some bona fide oldies in the mix. Expect toe-taps, singalongs, and that small-town magic where you recognize half the room, and the bartender knows your order.
🌴 Caribbean Fusion @ Brainerd Craft Fair | Saturday (3/14) at 9:00 AM – Skip the lutefisk and hit the Brainerd Craft Fair for Caribbean Fusion’s Taste of Jamaica. Jerk chicken, jerk pork, and flaky patties that make you forget we’re in Minnesota. Go early, it sells out, and enjoy a vacation vibe without airport lines.
🛠 Salvage Sisters Spring Kickoff @ Salvage Sisters, A Repurposed Store | Saturday (3/14) at 10:00 AM – Spring at Salvage Sisters means hands-on demos, fresh markdowns, and an excuse to swap winter clutter for something charming. The first 25 folks who spend $25 snag a free gift, which pairs nicely with your newfound motivation, and a smugly refreshed mantel.
🌸 Restore and Relax in the Presence of Orchids @ Carnegie Wellness | Saturday (3/14) at 11:00 AM – Bring your tight shoulders to Carnegie Wellness for 75 minutes of restorative yoga, surrounded by blooming orchids. Arrive early to eyeball the collection and cast a vote. Then sip complimentary tea, enjoy warm Lake Superior stones, and melt into hot, essential-oil towels, $25 drop-in.
☘ 2026 St. Patrick’s Day Celebration @ Downtown Brainerd | Saturday (3/14) at 11:00 AM – St. Paddy’s in downtown Brainerd means food and drink specials, kid-friendly shenanigans, a medallion hunt, and the obligatory green parade. Think quality time with your crew, not green beer regret. Details are trickling out, so dig out that green sweater, and plan on it.
💪 Pole Fitness Classes! @ Northwoods Dance (Pequot Lakes) | Sunday (3/15) at 12:15 PM – Curious about pole but prefer starting with training wheels? This beginner class keeps it grounded, focusing on proper grip, alignment, and safe fundamentals to build strength and confidence, less nightclub and more smart coaching, and a workout that makes opening pickle jars heroic.
Live music & entertainment:
Wanna see more? Browse our full events calendar →
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📻 Brainerd report
Weather forecast
Today – High: 32°F – Low: 13°F – Precip: 11%
Mostly sunny. High near 32, with temperatures falling to around 30 in the afternoon. Northwest wind 15 to 25 mph, with gusts as high as 45 mph. New snow accumulation of less than half an inch possible. Later: Partly cloudy, with a low around 13. North wind 0 to 10 mph.
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Tomorrow – High: 35°F – Low: 21°F – Precip: 13%
Partly sunny, with a high near 35. South wind around 5 mph. Later: Snow likely after 7pm. Cloudy, with a low around 21. Northeast wind 5 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph. New snow accumulation of 1 to 2 inches possible.
This house is wild
This 4-bed, 2-bath Mississippi River retreat claims 64 feet of frontage and panoramic views in Brainerd. Boat easily into Rice Lake, or cruise miles upstream. An insulated heated two car detached garage with bonus lower bay, a river facing deck, and an updated interior with oak floors frame a walkout level with second kitchen and duplex potential, minutes to Brainerd/Baxter amenities.
Take a peek inside →
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