|
Subscribe | Get featured
Hi Brainerd, we made it to Thursday!
In today’s fun-for-grown-ups edition: Boat show 2026, learn to curl session, and free Texas hold’em tournament + plenty of reasons to put on real pants this week.
Today’s sponsor, Spot Pet Insurance, is something I wish I had before a late-night emergency vet visit left me with a $10,000 credit card bill. It’s cheaper than Netflix… and means you never have to choose between your pet and your savings. It takes less than 5 minutes to sign up – get started here.
|
📰 In the news
Modernizing support payments: Crow Wing County’s Child Support Division introduced iPayOnline in January, adding credit card and e-wallet options for noncustodial parents and employers alongside existing methods like MoneyGram, PayNearMe, cash, and check — learn more about iPayOnline.
Local leaders weigh tradeoffs: Lake Shore’s council decided Jan. 26 to keep trees in the Fritz Loven Park bridge plan, despite funding worries and a salt shortage that may require buying salt from Kansas — read the full meeting recap.
Spirit of curling shines: From league nights to bonspiels, Brainerd Lakes Curling Association’s community of curlers ages 12 to 80 keeps the ice lively. A Learn to Curl session is set for March 14 — see how to get involved.
Gold & silver are hot: Coming off gold’s best year since 1979, the momentum is carrying well into 2026 with silver remaining one of the most talked-about assets. Curious why they’re back in focus? American Hartford Gold has a free guide that explains what’s happening and how people are approaching it today. It’s free – and definitely worth a read.
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:
|
🐾 One pet emergency can cost $10,000+
Together with our sponsor Spot Pet Insurance
Nothing prepares you for a late-night emergency at the vet. I learned that the hard way after charging $10k to a credit card for life-saving surgery on my cat, Miss Stache.
From the initial exam fee just to be seen, to x-rays, surgery, medication, and follow-up visits… the bill racks up fast (to say the least). And at that moment? You’re not thinking about your savings, you’re just saying yes to whatever keeps them thriving.
As soon as we got home, I dug around online and ultimately signed up for Spot.
It’s super affordable and reimburses up to 90% on qualified vet bills. It was too late for me, but it’s not too late for you. Sign up today.
|
🫶 We got your back
Burger night, solved: Yesterday’s Gone Bar & Grill serves fresh Angus beef patties with just-right builds that hit the spot without fuss. With craft beers on tap and pool tables waiting, it’s the kind of burger night that feels effortless and good every time.
Skate it out: Smooth ice and small-town energy meet at Essentia Health Sports Center, where Brainerd’s hockey kids, figure skaters, and endorphin-chasing grownups cross paths. Warm up in the stands, and they’ll tune your blades with a quick sharpen, keeping winter moods light and skates flying.
Local history, unlocked: At Crow Wing County Historical Society Museum, the old sheriff’s residence and jail become three floors of Brainerd stories: logging, railroads, mining, and daily life, plus a research library brimming with vintage newspapers and photos. An easy, low-key way to feed your curiosity this week.
Access cash without selling your home: A reverse mortgage can help anyone over 62 cover everyday expenses, support healthcare needs, fund home improvements, or even reduce pressure on 401(k) withdrawals – all while staying in your home. Longbridge offers a free calculator to estimate how much flexibility your home could provide, with no commitment required.
|
📆 Brainerd for grown ups
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.
🩸 CTC Spring Blood Drive @ Brainerd VFW Post 1647 | Friday (3/6) at 9:00 AM – Roll up your sleeve at the CTC Spring Blood Drive at the Brainerd VFW #1647, then brag about saving lives over your next coffee. It’s simple, neighborly, and they let you sit down. Grab a slot at redcrossblood.org, because snacks taste better after heroics.
🚤 Boat Show 2026 @ Northern Pacific Center | Friday (3/6) at 11:00 AM – Swing by the Brainerd Boat Show, where lake folks kick hulls and score show-only discounts on pontoons, wake boats, fishing boats, and the gadgets. Free admission, Notch 8 fueling the stroll, and local experts and vendors ready to upgrade your summer.
🧺 Berry Picking Basket Workshop @ The Crossing Arts Alliance | Saturday (3/7) at 10:00 AM – Basket master Shannon Lucas-Westrum is guiding a hands-on workshop to craft a sturdy berry-and-mushroom basket, leather handle included. It’s sold out, of course, so stalk the waitlist, flex those dexterous fingers, and thank the Minnesota arts grant for picking up the materials.
🎤 Karaoke for the Kids @ O’Neary’s Irish Pub | Sunday (3/8) at 4:00 PM – Round up the crew for a family karaoke takeover at the Irish Pub in downtown Brainerd, all ages welcome. Pre-game with slices and joysticks at Big Jay’s Arcade, or an escape-room victory at Copper Cat, then let the kids belt while you harmonize and grin.
🍓 Fresh Strawberries & Oranges @ El Tequila Mexican Restaurant | Sunday (3/8) at 5:30 PM – Whether your fruit bowl has been on a months-long beige diet or you just want to see neighbors in the El Tequila lot, Freshly Picked Tour is bringing farm-fresh strawberries, citrus, pecans, and Michigan maple, just days post-harvest. Pre-order for the discount, pay at pickup.
♠ Free Texas Hold’em Poker Tournament @ Yesterday’s Gone | Monday (3/9) at 6:00 PM – Feel like testing that poker face? Yesterday’s Gone hosts a free Texas Hold’em tourney with volunteer dealers who shuffle so you don’t, prizes for the winners, and a donation-only setup, so roll in early, grab a pint, and let the cards do the heavy lifting.
🎨 Open studio night @ Franklin Arts Center | Thursday (3/12) at 6:00 PM – Got a half-finished project giving you side-eye? Pop into Lil Fish Studios’ open studio at Franklin Arts Center, bring your own, tinker with materials on hand, or soak up the creative buzz, all free, South Door entrance, just inside to the right.
Live music & entertainment:
Wanna see more? Browse our full events calendar →
|
🔥 Worth a peek
We’re always on the hunt for useful resources, deals, services, and products we think you’ll love. Here’s what caught our eye this week.
|
📻 Brainerd report
Weather forecast
Today – High: 49°F – Low: 36°F – Precip: 3%
Areas of fog before 7am. Mostly cloudy. High near 49, with temperatures falling to around 47 in the afternoon. Southeast wind 5 to 10 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph. Later: A chance of rain showers after midnight. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 36. Southeast wind 5 to 10 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30%. New rainfall amounts less than a tenth of an inch possible.
—
Tomorrow – High: 45°F – Low: 23°F – Precip: 63%
Rain showers likely. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 45. Northeast wind 5 to 10 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch possible. Later: A chance of showers and thunderstorms before 9pm, then a chance of snow showers and a slight chance of thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 23. Northwest wind around 10 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph. New snow accumulation of 1 to 2 inches possible.
Someone Googled you this week 👀
It may feel like an invasion of privacy, but unfortunately It’s the new normal. Whether you’re joining a committee, selling something locally, dating again, or just meeting new neighbors… people are going to look you up online.
Like it or not, the internet has a way of surfacing past mistakes and outdated information that no longer reflects who you are.
Thankfully, there’s a really easy way for you – or someone you care about – to clean up outdated results that no longer tell the real story. Learn more here.
This house is wild
This new custom two-story sits on a private 1-acre lot on Brainerd’s outskirts. The 4-bed, 3-bath layout blends open-concept living with a versatile loft, a sunroom, and a cozy electric fireplace. Granite counters pair with tiled backsplashes in kitchen and baths. A spacious primary suite, upper level laundry, and a three car garage add everyday ease.
Take a peek inside →
|
 |
Thanks for reading! If you know someone who’d love BaseLocal, send ’em here so they can sign up too 🙂
|
|
|
|
