Events in Brainerd today

Players team up for trivia at Jack Pine Brewery, pairing the game with a brew if they like. TriviaVanguard brings a welcoming challenge that suits all ages. Mixed generation teams can gain an edge on questions about music and pop culture.

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.