ANNUAL BRAINERD LAKES AREA EVENTS
Minnesota Events in Brainerd
Brainerd, Minnesotas premier vacation destination is home to a diverse array of activities to keep the entire family entertained throughout the year. In addition to all of the great things to do there are also many great events to attend throughout the year. The Brainerd Lakes area encompases many small and unique communities which also offer a unique blend of events throughout the year so regardless of the season you will always find something going on here in Minnesota’s Playground.
January
Ice Fishing Extravaganza
The brainerd Jaycees $150,000 Ice Fishing Extravaganza is the largest charitable Ice Fishing contest in the world. Over 10,000 people get together on Gull Lake Each year for a chance at hundreds of prizes.
Ice Fest
Celebrate winter by joining us at Breezy Point Resort for the 21st annual Ice Fest! You’re sure to have a blast at annual winter celebration. Ice Fest events include (subject to change):
Pancake breakfast
Radar run
Kids fishing program
Power Ice Auger World Championship
Ice Slide
Snow Golf
Bonfires
Horse-Drawn Sleigh Rides
Fireworks
Entertainment both Friday and Saturday Evening
Buttons will be available at Area Businesses, Breezy Point City Hall and the Pequot Lakes Chamber office. Great deals are available at area businesses for all who wear the button. (Limited quantities are available)
February
Frozen Fore Winter Festival
The Frozen Fore Winter Festival is the worlds largest snowmobile/pond hockey event and is held on Gull Lake just north of Brainerd Minnesota. Shutlle from bar to bar for Ice Golf, Listen to live music on the ice, frozen flop, and much more.
March
St. Patricks Day Parade Crosslake
Enjoy a costume contes with great prizes and a parade in downtown Crosslake Minnesota.
April
DBT Annual Zombie Crawl
One of brainerd’s newest event the DBT Zombie Crawl offers a scavenger hunt and parade through downtown Brainerd followed by the award cerimony. This is quickly becoming a favorite event in the Brainerd area.
May
June
Lakes Jam
Lakes Jam is a premier family friendly music fest offering two days of music to fit a variety of tastes including classic rock, country, and blues. This event is hosted at Brainerd International Raceway.
July
Fourth Of July – American Celebration
Celebrate the Fourth of July in the Brainerd Lakes Area which offers several days of activities, parades, and fireworks in a variety of unique communities.
Paul Bunyan Extreme 5k
The Paul Bunyan Extreme 5K is a friends and family course made to challenge people of all ages and abilities. The 5K, or 3.2 mile course, will be filled with 16 obstacles from mud pits to swings, mother nature to man made, and fitness to fear!
Country Sampler Picnic
Each summer the Country Sampler Picnic at the Northland Arboretum serves up wine, beer, and food sampling in addition to a farmers market and the world famous pig races.
Arts in the Park
Arts in the Park is one of Brainerd’s most well known events. Located in beautifull Gregory Park this Art Fair offers food, music, and a wide variety of artists, crafts, and vendors. Each year you will find new art elements, as well as some of your old favorites
Crow Wing County Fair
The Crow Wing County Fair is one of the largest free fairs in Minnesota boasting a large midway full of rides and games, several buildings filled with a variety of animals, businesses, art, and more. In addition there is live music and events throught fair week.
August
Lucas Oil Nationals
The racing event of the year, Lucas Oil Nationals at Brainerd International Raceway serves up high octane excitement in the form of top fuel dragsters and funny cars. There are also pro stock drags and snowmobile drags mixed in.
Pioneer Days
This two day annual event at this Old Farm Pioneer Village (Paul Bunyan Land) offers a vintage parade featuring farm tractors and automobiles. See demonstrations of log sawing, rope making, blacksmithing, and oth
Street Fest on 7th
Street Fest on 7th serves up live music, kids activities, and other acrtivities right in downtown Brainerd.
September
October
Oktoberfest
Since 1810, Oktoberfest has been an excuse to celebrate. Originating in Germany, we wanted to recreate the experience for those of us who travel north instead of overseas. Join us in October for the Oktoberfest Pub Crawl. For a nominal entry fee you will get a shuttle to several locations around the lake.
Octoberfest at the Arboretum
Oktoberfest at the Arb serves up German wines, specialty beer, German food, music and more. Of course local brewers serve up samples of their favorite brews as well.
Fall Arts & Craft Festival
Each October the Brainerd Sr. High School fills with over one hunderd and fifty artists and crafters offering a wide array of quality handmade ite
Gerital Frolics
The Geritol Frolics is an extremely popular Brainerd Lakes area musical variety show presented in vaudeville fashion by talented performers over age 55. Performances are in the Franklin Art Center Auditorium.
Haunted Paul Bunyan Land
Take your choice from either of these nightmares: The 11 acre horrifying Haunted Corn Maze, and the Murder Mansion Haunted House. Located just a few miles east of Brainerd.
November
Holiday Arts & Craft Festival
The Brainerd Sr. High School fills with over one hunderd and fifty artists and crafters offering a wide array of quality handmade items.
Winter Wonderland Opens
The Sertoma Winter Wonderland offers visitors breathtaking lights, reflecting off of the sparkling white snow and strung into captivating displays as they drive through this unique display.
December
Enchanted Village
Free admision to see over over 40 holiday displays at Pual Bunyan Land for three weekends. Take the wagon ride tour or walk at your own pace.
Winter Wonderland
Starting on Thursday, November 22, 2012 the Winter Wonderland will be open Thursday through Saturday through December 31, 2013 from 5:30-8:30 PM