6 minute read
Signature Events
July, 3–4, 2022 | Pequot Lakes, MN
Celebrate our nation’s independence at the Pequot Lakes Stars and Stripes Days in Trailside Park honoring our heritage with food vendors, music, games, parade, and fireworks.
On July 3, try your hand at the bean bag toss or listen to live music. Once the sun sets, the spectacular fireworks burst into the night sky.
On July 4, come for the all-you-can-eat Pequot Lakes fireman pancakes, kids’ games, craft fair, and the Stars and Stripes Parade!
Bean Hole Days
July 13, 2022 | Pequot Lakes, MN
Join in the historic event Bean Hole Days, which dates back to 1938. Business owners asked local farmers to come into town for the day, and they served the farmers beans that baked overnight in the ground as part of a community event. Today, Bean Hole Days is a reminder and celebration of Pequot Lakes’ history serving over 3,000 hungry visitors.
Lines form early for free beans. Purchase a 2022 Bean Hole Days mug and head to the front of the “Fast Pass for Gas” line or go through the drive thru for some rootin’ tootin’ good beans!
Trailside Park in the center of town is teaming with people visiting craft vendors, playing games, and enjoying free beans.
Bobber Bocce On Ice
February 11, 2023 | Pequot Lakes, MN
Get ready for the 2nd annual Bobber Bocce on Ice in Pequot Lakes. This event will have you embracing winter like a seasoned Minnesotan. Bobber Bocce on Ice is a hybrid of bocce ball and curling played on plowed lanes on the ice. Co-ed teams of 4 will work together to see if they get bragging rights as the top team. Events and activities on the ice all day for players and spectators. This will be the ‘coolest’ event you’ll ever attend! Check www.pequotlakes.com as the event gets closer for the date and more event information.
Celebrate America Crosslake
July 2, 2022 | Crosslake, MN
For more than 50 years, Crosslake has celebrated America with fireworks. In recent years, the fireworks display is staged from an island on the south end of Cross Lake. Thousands of families and friends pack into boats or sit along the shores to enjoy the beautiful overhead explosions. Add this event to your bucket list and it will become an annual tradition not to be missed.
Crosslake Days
Sept. 22–24, 2022 | Crosslake, MN
Visit in September and attend the annual Crosslake Days celebration. Crosslake is beautiful in the fall as the trees burst into hues of auburn and amber. The crisp air is the perfect backdrop to cool the heat of the chili cook-off contest. Taste the free samples and vote for your favorite. Local businesses compete for the coveted trophies and for bragging rights!
A missing chili pepper hunt, outdoor movies, kids’ games, shopping deals, hand crafted arts and crafts, bazaar and flea market, a Corn Hole Tournament and live entertainment make this a fun family-friendly event.
WinterFest
Feb. 2–4, 2023 | Crosslake, MN
Have cabin fever? Crosslake has the cure. Celebrate Winterfest, a three-day festival for old-fashioned winter fun. Beginning Thursday, daily clues are released for the Lost Medallion Hunt with more than $1,000 in prizes. Friday, there’s a kick-off party at the Crosslake Community Center with fun for everyone: sledding, skating, horse-drawn wagon rides, s’mores, and a huge bonfire and fireworks! Saturday is a full day of activities with helicopter rides (weather permitting), cross country skiing, snowshoeing, and Italian Olympics. You’ll find deals and discounts all over town. With a snowmobile trail running right through town, stop in to participating businesses to warm up and get free soup as part of the annual SoupFest. Don’t forget to vote for which business has the best soup— pride and a golden ladle trophy are on the line!
March 18, 2023 | Crosslake, MN
If you haven’t experienced Crosslake’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade, you’re missing out on the best parade in the state (WCCO-TV’s Viewers’ Choice for Best Parade in Minnesota)! One visit and you’ll come back year-afteryear. The Crosslake community rallies around this family friendly event. Float after float is buzzing with activity, music, and candy. While the parade is the highlight of the weekend, you can also take in the Clover Dash 5K and if you chase the clues to find the Lost Pot O Gold, you could find yourself donning a basket FULL of gifts courtesy of Crosslake Chamber member businesses! Local shops and restaurants offer deals on green beer and corned beef, sweatshirts and décor! End the night dancing away at one of the area establishments with live music and more! Make the Crosslake St. Patrick’s Day Parade your next tradition. The Lineup!
Rock and country unite for this annual music festival at Brainerd International Raceway (BIR). This 4-day event is more than just music—it’s a whole experience! On Friday and Saturday, concert goers who camp can watch Watercross (snowmobile racing on an open water oval course). Drifting,
Crosslake's St. Pat's poker and bean bag tournaments, Day Parade Named Best costume contest, meet and greets, in State by WCCO! and on-stage viewing are open to all attendees. Of course the music is the main attraction. Headliners include Tesla, Jon Pardi, and Cole Swindell. Wednesday, June 22 Hairball and The Crown Jewels will rock the stage— always a fan favorite! Buy tickets and learn more at: www.lakesjam.com.
See the full lineup and purchase camping and concert tickets at: www.LakesJam.com
JUSTIN MOORE, LAKES JAM 2019
Photo By Buffalo Media Group
Drop a line at the world’s largest ice fishing contest at Hole in the Day Bay on Gull Lake
Photo By BlazeAir
Lucas Oil NHRA Nationals
You’ll see the world’s best drivers, the fastest cars on the fastest track, with the most insane race fans! Everyone has heard stories about BIR during the NHRA Nationals, but you need to experience it for yourself because nothing compares. Every ticket comes with a pit pass, so fans can watch their favorite teams tear down their cars and rebuild them in between races. On Nitro Alley, you’ll find interactive displays, simulated competitions, merchandise, and food. Camping is available on-site at the infamous The Zoo campground. Camping in The Zoo brings live music Thursday through Saturday, 24hour food, and shenanigans. For those who have children or want quieter evenings, the reserved and restricted family camping have early noise and traffic rules that are strictly enforced. Daytime parking is also available. Visit www.brainerdraceway.com for more information.
Brainerd Jaycees Ice Fishing Extravaganza
January 28, 2023 | Hole in the Day Bay, Gull Lake, Brainerd, MN
The Brainerd Jaycees Ice Fishing Extravaganza is the world’s largest ice fishing contest, and something you should experience first-hand. 20,000 holes are drilled in anticipation of this monster event. The ice fishing contest is held the end of January at Hole in the Day Bay on Gull Lake. This event raises $150,000 for local charities, so the contest is for a good cause. You can win fish houses, fourwheelers, vacation packages, and more. Whether you win or not, you’ll have a Minnesota experience like no other!
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Photo Courtesy Brainerd International Raceway
