Events in Brainerd today

Take your off-road riding skills up a notch at the I Can Mountain Bike Skills Clinic. You’ll practice key techniques like shifting, braking, body positioning, and learn basic safety and trail etiquette on a closed skills course. After the instruction, there’s a group ride to put everything into practice. Small groups and experienced instructors help you leave with skills you can use on your own. The program is about two and a half hours long. Ages 10+ are welcome, and anyone under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. Pricing is $35 for adults and $20 for youth (ages 10-18), with taxes not included.

Enjoy a one-hour outdoor yoga class with Monroe Yoga at Gregory Park that centers the mind, links breath to movement, and builds strength, balance, and flexibility. The session welcomes all levels, including beginners, experienced practitioners, and prenatal students. Children may participate with an accompanying adult, and the same rate applies for each participant. Please bring your own yoga mat, blanket, or towel, as props will not be provided. Practice takes place in the grassy area near the back of the park. The cost is $15 per student. Please sign up in advance through the Monroe Yoga Facebook event, by private message, or by submitting payment via Venmo or PayPal. Cash is accepted on the day of class. The class will be cancelled if fewer than five students commit, with weather updates shared on the event and the Monroe Yoga page. Refunds will be issued if the class is cancelled. For questions, contact Jessica Monroe at jrdoud@hotmail.com.

Nurture tired feet and legs with a calming Wellness Saturday session focused on gentle recovery and relaxation. The practice begins with a yin sequence featuring Legs Up the Wall (Viparita Karani) to encourage circulation and ease lower-body fatigue. Then, learn self-massage with Tune Up Balls to wake up the feet, release tight arches, and soften the calves, supporting comfortable movement and ease. The session closes with a grounding restorative pose, using bolsters for full-body support while cool lavender pillows rest on the legs to invite deep release and relaxation. This class suits anyone who spends long hours standing, walking, or exercising, as well as those seeking dedicated care for the lower body. All levels are welcome, and participants often leave feeling lighter, refreshed, and deeply grounded. First-time students attend free. Drop-in is $25 per person. Class packs are available at 5 for $75 or 10 for $130. A high school and college student discount pass offers 3 classes for $30. To register, select Going on the event page, and reach out with any questions.

Hat Lady Biz is hosting a hands-on workshop in Crosby where you can make your own suede ball cap or western-style hat. You’ll go through guided hat-making and get time for DIY design and final touches, with check-in opening at 12:30 PM. Seating is first come, first served, and food and beverages will be available during the event. Tickets are required and walk-ins aren’t allowed.

Sunshine's offers fresh brisket smoked low and slow for 14 hours, served right off the smoker every Saturday.

All summer long, The Smoking Desk brings a monthly showcase to Jack Pine Brewery, performing every second Saturday. Sets feature originals such as Rollin' On, Stories, and Find My Way Home, along with familiar favorites like Can't You See and By and By. New songs will appear throughout the season, and the series wraps up later in the summer, offering multiple chances to enjoy local music and support a local business. The taproom brews on site for fresh pours, with core beers including Duck Pond and Dead Branch, plus the jalapeno cream ale Vengeance. There are also hard seltzers, craft sodas, and THC beverages.

At Crow Wing County Fairgrounds, the Crow Wing County Fair Baja features two classes of racing. One is for 4 cylinder cars measuring 99 inches or less, and the other is for 6 cylinder cars. The program moves from pit access and the close of registration to practice laps and a drivers meeting, then the races begin. All competition follows Baja rules.

BAJA RALLY RACING at Crow Wing County Fair offers family-friendly entertainment for all ages. Pit gates will be open.

An outdoor, family-friendly salute to American music features the full LAMF Symphony Orchestra in a program marking the nation’s 250th birthday. The lineup includes favorites such as John Philip Sousa’s Stars and Stripes Forever and Aaron Copland’s Appalachian Spring, alongside music by Joan Tower, plus a special appearance by Broadway soprano Andrea Ross. Food trucks and a beer tent contribute to a lively summer evening. Attendees can bring a lawn chair, a friend, and a love of music. Admission is free and tickets are not required.

Family Fun Day brings the community together at Gregory Park for a free celebration filled with games, activities, prizes, and giveaways. Hosted by the Relationship Safety Alliance, this family-friendly gathering welcomes all ages and offers a chance to learn about the organization’s programs and services. Those interested in donating, volunteering, or sponsoring can call 218-828-1216 for more information. Please note that vendor participation is free, and any posts promoting vendor sign-ups or fees are fraudulent and should be reported.

Set out on Gull Lake for a laid-back brunch cruise hosted by Cragun’s, where calm water views and fresh breezes meet classic morning fare. Enjoy a hearty spread featuring scrambled eggs, roasted pork sausage, applewood smoked bacon, roasted breakfast potatoes, assorted pastries, fresh fruit salad, individual yogurts, and cinnamon raisin granola, with milks and a variety of juices alongside. Take in the scenery from the upper deck or unwind inside the main cabin for an easygoing ride on the water. Each ticket includes two complimentary mimosas for a celebratory flourish. There is also a note that beverages are not included in the ticket price.

The Brainerd Ski Loons Water Ski Show Team takes to the water with coordinated ballet style formations and exciting aerial tricks off the ski jump. Attendees can bring chairs, and concessions will be available from the Ski Loons. This community based nonprofit supports personal development, teamwork, and community involvement through water sports.

Enjoy a free poker night where volunteer dealers handle the shuffling and dealing, and they are happy to help newer players. Prizes are awarded for first, second, and third place, with the possibility of more. Plan to arrive early to secure a seat and to grab food and drinks. The league operates on donations only, so contributions are appreciated if you like what they do. And if a dealer treats you well at the table, consider thanking them with a pint. Always fun and always free.

Enjoy a leisurely lunch on Gull Lake with Cragun’s Italian Table Lunch Cruise, pairing Italian flavors with scenic views on the water. The menu includes chicken piccata, penne pasta in vodka sauce, roasted vegetable antipasto, a crisp Caesar salad, and warm garlic breadsticks, with pistachio-topped stuffed cannoli for dessert. Take in the surroundings from the open-air upper deck or relax in the comfortable main cabin while sharing a meal with friends, family, or colleagues. Onboard bars offer local beers on tap, craft cocktails, and a curated wine selection to complement the food. Beverages are purchased separately from the ticket price.

Sunshine's offers unlimited tacos alongside a two for one deal on all Clase Azul.

An annual community gathering built around a bright, celebratory vibe that carries through the entire event. The focus is on creating a positive mood and a warm sense of togetherness.

Set sail on Gull Lake for a flavorful evening aboard Cragun’s BBQ Dinner Cruise, where bold, smoky barbecue meets beautiful lakeside views. The menu features Carolina-style pulled pork, roasted smokehouse sausages, campfire beans, southern-style coleslaw, creamy baked macaroni and cheese, and classic Martin’s potato rolls. Cap it off with chocolate and marshmallow s’more dessert bars that bring the spirit of a campfire to your plate. Enjoy the scenery from the open-air upper deck or settle into the comfortable main cabin. Two fully stocked bars serve local beers on tap, craft cocktails, and a curated selection of wines to complement the meal. Whether planning a night with friends, a date, or family time, this cruise offers great food, refreshing drinks, and a peaceful sunset on the water. Beverages are not included in the ticket price.

Team up for trivia at Jack Pine Brewery, where great beer accompanies a relaxed contest of knowledge. TriviaVanguard leads the games with a blend of friendly competition and easygoing fun. The format welcomes participants of all ages, and teams with a mix of generations often have an advantage, especially on music and pop culture questions.

The PNC Hockey Day Minnesota Classic Golf Tournament blends the spirit of golf and hockey with community connection at The Classic at Madden's. This inaugural event features a shotgun start and welcomes special guests from the University of Minnesota men’s and women’s hockey programs. It supports Hockey Day Minnesota 2027 Brainerd and a mission to unite the community while investing in the future of youth hockey. Team registration is $1,500 for a foursome and includes 18 holes at The Classic, access to the practice facilities, and a cookout dinner. Whether hosting clients, recognizing employees, or gathering friends, participants can enjoy a top Minnesota course while contributing to Hockey Day Minnesota 2027 Brainerd. Space is limited.

All summer long, Sunshine's offers Four Roses Old Fashioneds for $8 each week. When winter arrives, a premium series takes the spotlight with a different premium bourbon featured each week.

Northland Arboretum and the Brainerd Lakes Area Chapter of Master Naturalists are partnering to present a 40-hour hybrid course introducing the North Woods, Great Lakes biome and the natural history of Minnesota’s most northeastern region. The program blends online and in-person presentations with outdoor learning and field experiences, guiding participants through the plant communities, wildlife, geology, and aquatic systems that define this biome. Two full-day field trips are part of the curriculum. One features time aboard the National Loon Center’s Stewardship for education about the state bird, current loon research, and the center’s programs. Another extended day on Lake Superior includes an educational tour on the Sadie Ann with the Lake Superior Research Institute, a visit to Hawk Ridge to observe the fall bird migration, and other natural history stops in the Duluth area, weather permitting. Attendance at all sessions and field trips is required, and each participant will collaborate on a small group capstone service project introduced during the course.

Watch the Brainerd Ski Loons Water Ski Show Team take to the water with precision ballet-style formations and exciting jumps from the ski ramp. Bring chairs for comfortable viewing, and enjoy concessions offered by the Ski Loons. This local nonprofit team is dedicated to personal growth, teamwork, and community involvement through water sports.

Presented by Grand Casino Mille Lacs, the 37th Annual Chamber Golf Classic returns to Cragun’s Legacy Courses with a red, white and blue theme that salutes America’s 250th. The day blends great golf with valuable networking for the Brainerd Lakes business community in a lively, welcoming setting. Teams of four can register for $1,295, which includes 18 holes, lunch, two carts, entry for prizes, and a Field Game Package featuring the Lakes Proud Ball Drop Challenge, skins, two mulligans, a putting contest, and a chipping contest. On-course fun includes the Happy Gilmore Hole Challenge, inviting running-start tee shots with awards for the longest drive and for the most memorable attempt. Creativity is encouraged with prizes for the most patriotic or best dressed team and for the best decorated cart. Pin High will place two long drive pros on the course to launch tee shots for teams, and any group that finishes a hole in two from a pro’s drive will take home a Krank Driver. Sponsorship opportunities are available, including options for businesses seeking event visibility without being on site.

Brainerd International Raceway hosts the return of the NHRA West Central Division to Brainerd, Minnesota. The event features a doubleheader format. A schedule overview and additional details will be available soon.

This family-friendly cruise on Gull Lake offers a laid-back way to enjoy pizza, games, and lake views for all ages. Passengers can enjoy a casual meal with a selection of Above Deck pizzas, garlic cheese bread, and fresh fruit salad while admiring the shoreline scenery. This is a shorter cruise that suits families who want time on the water without a long commitment. Kids and adults can take part in games and activities during the trip. Beverages are not included in the ticket price.

Enjoy some outdoor fun at YFC Park Hours at Gregory Park. Yard games will be provided and you can bring your friends, every Thursday from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM. If weather gets rough, the group relocates to the YFC Junction.

Notch 8 hosts a Seafood Boil with live music on the patio. Customize your boil by choosing seafood such as shrimp, mussels, crab legs, lobster tail, or sea scallops, pick a butter flavor, and add extras like corn, potatoes, or andouille sausage for a pot made your way. Live entertainment features Todd Lyscio on the patio, weather permitting, for an easygoing summer atmosphere.

Cragun’s Cantina Cruise on Gull Lake turns an evening on the water into a festive dinner focused on Mexican flavors. Build tacos to your taste with beef picadillo and fajita-style chicken with peppers, warm flour and corn tortillas, and toppings that include shredded lettuce, pico de gallo, salsa roja, queso fresco, guacamole, and lime crema. Round out the meal with tortilla chips, cilantro lime rice, and stewed black beans, then finish with churros sprinkled with cinnamon. Enjoy the scenery from the upper deck under the open sky or relax inside the main cabin. Bars on board serve margaritas, tequila-forward cocktails, local beer on tap, and a selection of wines. Beverages are not included in the ticket price. Whether it is a catch-up with friends, a date, or simply a fun evening afloat, this cruise combines flavorful food, refreshing drinks, and memorable views.

Gregory Park hosts a no-cost, all-ages summer concert featuring Trent Bergeron, who enjoys performing for audiences young and old. This performance is part of a community series presented by Friends of Gregory Park together with Brainerd Community Action. Attendees can come with friends and settle in on lawn chairs or blankets while taking in live music in the park. Sponsorship comes from Blue Cross Blue Shield, Walden Real Estate Group, Greenheck Auto Glass, Mills Automotive Group, and Deerwood Bank.