Events in Brainerd, MN

The Annual Ageless Expo at The Center is a free community event, open to the public and created with adults 45+ in mind. It brings together local businesses, nonprofit organizations, and community resources focused on helping people live well at every age. Activities include donuts courtesy of The Donut Team, a building-wide vendor fair, outside visits with the MN Law Project Justice Bus, and virtual reality tours of U.S. veteran memorials hosted by Good Samaritan Homecare Hospice. Hands-on learning features LAMAA dementia simulation activities and free hearing tests with Preferred Hearing in the Pool Room, and tours of The Center offer insights into this nonprofit and the history of the building. In the Craft Room, presentations are scheduled with Lauren Hurt of Vivie on the myths of aging, Keeley Atkinson, RN, BSN, on myths and facts of hospice, Karla Krueger of Mid-MN Legal Aid of St. Cloud on planning for your future, and Angie from Home Instead on ways to stay at home. A lunch option features chicken salad on a croissant with red grapes for $6, outdoor demonstrations highlight local police, fire, ambulance, and the CWC Drone Team, and the day concludes with free bingo for door prizes. Sponsored by Vivie, Home Instead, Hubbard Media, Essentia Health, Preferred Hearing, Bell Bank, Good Neighbor Home Care, Nelson Doran Funeral Home, Pinecrest at County Manor, Wing Wellness Medical Spa, and Still We Sing Memory Choir. Schedule subject to change.

Fresh St. Louis ribs are served straight from the smoker at Sunshine's.

Brainerd Catholic hosts the second annual Run for the Son, with timed 5K and 10K routes that follow the scenic trails of Buffalo Hills Park. Runners and walkers are both accommodated, and spectators can listen to a live Pulse Radio broadcast as the community comes together for a morning of faith and fun. The event aligns with a diocesan effort to share healing, hope, and joy in Jesus by connecting Christians across the community. Food and beverages will be available from the local Knights of Columbus and St. Francis of the Lakes Catholic School. A 100 yard Disciple Dash gives kids their own race.

ZARS brings a two-day on-track riding experience to Brainerd International Raceway in Brainerd, Minnesota. The format centers on time spent on the circuit, giving participants consecutive days focused on riding at this renowned facility.

Jacktoberfest is held at Jack Pine Brewery.

Set out on a barbecue dinner cruise with Cragun’s and take in Gull Lake views as the evening unfolds. The menu features Carolina-style pulled pork, roasted smokehouse sausages, campfire beans, southern coleslaw, creamy baked macaroni and cheese, and classic Martin’s potato rolls. Finish with chocolate and marshmallow dessert bars inspired by s’mores. Enjoy the scenery from the breezy upper deck or relax inside the main cabin. Two full bars serve local beer on tap, craft cocktails, and a thoughtful selection of wines to pair with the meal. Ideal for a celebration with friends, a relaxed date, or family time, this outing blends flavorful barbecue, lake panoramas, and an easygoing sunset cruise. Beverages are not included in the ticket price.

This event features two days of track riding with ZARS at Brainerd International Raceway in Brainerd, Minnesota. Registration and complete event information are available from the organizer.

Set out on Gull Lake with Cragun’s for a relaxed brunch cruise, where fresh breezes and scenic lake views create an easygoing start to the day. Settle into the main cabin or find a spot on the open upper deck while enjoying a brunch menu of scrambled eggs, roasted pork sausages, applewood smoked bacon, roasted breakfast potatoes, assorted pastries, fresh fruit salad, individual yogurts, and cinnamon raisin granola. A selection of milks and juices is included with the meal, and each ticket includes two mimosas to toast the morning. All other beverages are not included in the ticket price. Whether celebrating something special, catching up with friends, or savoring quiet time on the water, this cruise offers a tasty, unhurried way to begin the day.

AJ Spoff returns to The Side Track in Brainerd with a high-energy show built on constant crowd interaction. Expect a lively atmosphere that turns into a celebration, with audience participation at the heart of the performance.

Set out on Gull Lake for a relaxed morning aboard Cragun’s brunch cruise. Savor a buffet of scrambled eggs, roasted pork sausage, applewood smoked bacon, roasted breakfast potatoes, assorted pastries, fresh fruit salad, individual yogurts, and cinnamon raisin granola. Take in the scenery from the open upper deck or unwind in the cozy main cabin as the boat glides along the water. Whether gathering with friends, marking a small celebration, or simply seeking a quiet start to the day, this cruise offers an easygoing way to enjoy classic brunch flavors with lakeside views. Beverages are not part of the ticket price.

Adults can step into Cub Scout style racing at Jack Pine Brewery with a pinewood derby designed just for grownups. Presented by the Central Minnesota Council, Pine Tree District, with Brainerd Lions Club MN and Jack Pine Brewery, the event blends friendly competition with support for Scouts across the Lakes Area and Central Minnesota. Registration is available at Jack Pine Brewery or at Rosallini’s Pizza in Aitkin and Brainerd, as well as online. Individual entry is $40 and includes a car kit, a pint glass, a drink ticket, dinner, and more. Teams of three are $110 and include three car kits, three pint glasses, three drink tickets, dinner, and more. If building is a challenge, a limited number of rental cars are available for $20. Partnership opportunities are open. For questions, contact Isaiah Anderson at isaiah.anderson@scouting.org.

Celebrate Oktoberfest on a Gull Lake cruise that highlights the colors of fall on the water. This two hour experience offers a welcoming atmosphere to relax and enjoy the season. Snacks include warm pretzels with mustard and bratwurst bites, and adults receive one complimentary Oktoberfest pint. Tickets do not include beverages. It is a comfortable way to take in autumn views with friends and family.

Set out for a tranquil morning on Gull Lake aboard Cragun’s Brunch Cruise, pairing favorite brunch dishes with crisp lake breezes and scenic shoreline views. The buffet features scrambled eggs, roasted pork sausage, applewood smoked bacon, roasted breakfast potatoes, assorted pastries, fresh fruit salad, individual yogurts, and cinnamon raisin granola. Enjoy the sights from the open-air top deck or settle into the comfortable main cabin for a laid-back ride on the water. Whether meeting friends, marking a special occasion, or savoring a quiet outing, this cruise offers a flavorful and refreshing start to the day. Beverages are not included in the ticket price.

World Ballet Company brings the classic story of Swan Lake to the stage with the full power of a live orchestra. Fate and enchantment intertwine as the timeless struggle between light and darkness unfolds through grand choreography and vivid storytelling. A cast of 50 international dancers moves through the beloved little swans sequence and the Black Swan’s whirlwind of 32 fouettés, all framed by beautifully built sets and more than 150 meticulously hand-sewn costumes. With Tchaikovsky’s score performed in the pit, the music surrounds the audience and amplifies every leap, turn, and tender moment. The performance runs approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes, including a 20-minute intermission, and is appropriate for ages 5 and up. World Ballet Company, based in Los Angeles and led by Sasha Gorskaya and Gulya Hartwick, tours acclaimed ballets to cities across the country, welcoming newcomers and longtime ballet lovers alike. The ensemble features renowned professionals representing over ten countries and has visited more than 300 cities, reaching audiences that now number over half a million.

The Family Pizza & Games Cruise offers a laid-back outing on Gull Lake for all ages. Guests can enjoy assorted Above Deck pizzas, garlic cheese bread, and fresh fruit salad while taking in the lake views. With a shorter run time, it suits families seeking relaxed time on the water with plenty to eat and moments together. As the boat follows the shoreline, kids and adults can take part in games and other onboard activities for easygoing fun. It is a friendly, family-focused experience that blends pizza, fresh air, and play on the lake. Tickets do not include beverages.

Set sail on Gull Lake for an Oktoberfest-themed cruise that pairs autumn scenery with seasonal flavors. This two-hour outing features soft pretzels with mustard and bratwurst bites, and adults receive one complimentary Oktoberfest pint. The ticket price does not cover beverages. With cozy fall weather and changing leaves as the backdrop, the relaxed atmosphere invites time with friends and family as you take in the views from the water.

A laid-back morning cruise on Gull Lake with Cragun’s pairs fresh lake air, shoreline views, and a classic brunch menu. The spread features scrambled eggs, roasted pork sausages, applewood smoked bacon, roasted breakfast potatoes, assorted pastries, fresh fruit salad, individual yogurts, and cinnamon raisin granola. Take in the scenery from the outdoor upper deck or unwind inside the comfortable main cabin for an easygoing start to the day. It suits a casual get-together with friends, a simple celebration, or a quiet morning on the water. Tickets do not cover beverages.

This free Lunch and Learn features Caroline Brix, CNP, from North Star Family Medicine, with a focus on arthritis and ways to find help. The session takes place in The Center’s Great Room and is open to the public. Sign-up at The Center’s front desk is required.

Baia Della hosts a ladies-only Texas Hold’em poker tournament presented by 3 Cheers Catering, and entry is free. Volunteer dealers handle the shuffling and dealing, and they are happy to guide newer players at the tables. Prizes are planned for first, second, and third place, with the possibility of additional awards. Arriving early is recommended to secure a seat as well as food and drinks. The BLAPL operates on donations, so contributions are welcome for those who wish to support it.

World Ballet Company brings The Nutcracker to the Gichi-ziibi Center for the Arts with the richness of a live orchestra. A company of 40 professional dancers, more than 150 glittering hand sewn costumes, and elaborate hand crafted sets create a festive production for all ages. The tale follows Marie on Christmas Eve as her treasured Nutcracker springs to life, carrying her into a dream filled with swirling snow, a tussle with mischievous mice, and a visit to the sparkling Kingdom of Sweets. The performance lasts about 1 hour and 40 minutes, including a 20 minute intermission, and is suitable for ages 2 and up. World Ballet Company is based in Los Angeles and led by Sasha Gorskaya and Gulya Hartwick, touring nationwide with iconic ballets and a roster of international artists representing more than ten countries. To date, the company has appeared in over 300 cities and reached more than 500,000 audience members. Group pricing is available for parties of 10 or more.

Holiday magic takes the stage at Gichi-ziibi Center for the Arts as World Ballet Company presents The Nutcracker with a live orchestra. Follow Marie on a Christmas Eve adventure as her Nutcracker springs to life, guiding her through swirling snow, a clash with mischievous mice, and the glittering Kingdom of Sweets. The production features 40 dancers, more than 150 hand sewn costumes, and richly crafted sets, creating a festive spectacle for audiences ages 2 and older. The performance runs about 1 hour and 40 minutes, including a 20 minute intermission. Special pricing is available for groups of 10 or more. World Ballet Company, based in Los Angeles and led by Sasha Gorskaya and Gulya Hartwick, tours nationwide with beloved ballets. The ensemble includes professional artists from over ten countries and has performed in more than 300 cities for audiences totaling over 500,000.