Forget “April showers bring May flowers”—April in the Lakes Area is packed with events, live music, and community fun. Whether you’re a local or just visiting, here’s your guide to what’s happening this month. If you'd like your event added, email: info@campnisswa.com
April 2025 Events
Poke the Bear Maple Tap Weekend at Ruttger’s Bay Lake Resort
Location & Area: Ruttger’s Bay Lake Resort, Deerwood, MN
Date & Time: April 4 - 6, 2025
Details: Celebrate spring at Ruttger’s Bay Lake Resort during the Poke the Bear Maple Tap event from April 4-6. Enjoy a maple-themed dinner, hands-on syrup-making demos, craft spirit tastings, and a relaxing sauna and cold plunge, all capped off with the Flapjack Feast on Sunday. Don’t miss the chance to win a free 2-night stay for Oktoberfest 2025!
Link: Event Link
Permanent & Handmade Jewelry at Lake Latitude
Location & Area: Lake Latitude, Crosby, MN
Date & Time: Saturday, April 5, 2025 | 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Details: Cherish Designs will be at Lake Latitude Crosby with their wonderful selection of handmade and permanent jewelry. Stop by to browse custom pieces, get fitted, and enjoy the creative vibe of downtown Crosby.
Link: Facebook Event
Downtown Brainerd Mini Golf Spring Open
Location & Area: Downtown Brainerd, MN
Date & Time: Saturday, April 5, 2025 | Starting at 11:00 AM
Details: The 18th annual Mini Golf Spring Open is a pub crawl-style tournament across downtown Brainerd venues. For a $10 green fee (benefiting Brainerd Restoration), participants can play mini golf at each stop, record scores, and turn in scorecards by 5:30 PM for a chance to win prizes including cash and Lakes Jam tickets. The final party begins at 6:00 PM at the Brainerd American Legion.
Link: Facebook Event
2025 20th Annual Bloom Fundraiser
Location & Area: Nature Link, Nisswa, MN
Date & Time: Saturday, April 5, 2025 | 5:00 PM
Details: Hosted by the Nisswa PTO, this Hollywood-themed fundraiser features a cocktail hour at 5:00 PM followed by dinner and entertainment at 6:00 PM. Dress to impress and walk the red carpet—all to raise funds for Nisswa Elementary students. More details to come.
Link: Facebook Event
Glow in the Dark Easter Egg Hunt
Location & Area: Crosslake Town Square, Crosslake, MN
Date & Time: Saturday, April 5, 2025 | 7:00 PM – 8:30 PM
Details: Hosted by Crosslake Town Square and Crosslake Ideal Lions, this family-friendly event includes games, crafts, and photos with the Easter Bunny. The glow-in-the-dark egg hunt starts at 7:45 PM with over 5,000 eggs and two golden eggs containing special prizes. Age-based groups ensure fun and fairness for everyone.
Link: Facebook Event
“Wines from the Holy Land” Wine Tasting & Food Pairing
Location & Area: CANA Wine Bar, Crosby, MN
Date & Time: Tuesday, April 8, 2025 | 6:30 PM
Details: CANA Wine Bar presents an immersive wine tasting and pairing experience with wines from the Holy Land. Enjoy dishes by Chef Peter from Block North, perfectly matched with selections curated by Level Two Sommelier Joanna Mohr. Tickets are $65 per person and space is limited.
Link: Event Page
Sushi Rolling Class
Location & Area: Luminary Event Venue, Northern Pacific Center, Brainerd, MN
Date & Time: Wednesday, April 9, 2025 | 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM
Details: Join Executive Chef Matt Annand of Notch 8 for a hands-on sushi rolling experience. Learn to prepare sushi rice, roll various styles, and choose the perfect toppings. This “All-You-Can-Roll, All-You-Can-Eat” night combines culinary education with a delicious meal.
Link: Eventbrite
Easter Egg Extravaganza
Location & Area: Lucky’s Tavern, Pequot Lakes, MN
Date & Time: Saturday, April 12, 2025 | 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Details: From 11 AM to 4 PM, enjoy egg-themed food specials for $10.95. At 3 PM, compete in the Easter Egg Toss for a $250 gift card prize. An Easter Egg Raffle starts at 4 PM ($1/ticket), followed by the Egg Hunt at 5 PM featuring prize-filled eggs—including one with a $250 cash prize. The Monthly Mystery Raffle also takes place that day.
Link: Facebook Post
Sample Saturday: BBQ Demo & Samples at The Smokestack BBQ Supply Store - Nisswa
Location & Area: The Smokestack BBQ Supply Store, Nisswa , MN
Date & Time: Saturday, April 12, 2025 | 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Details: Join Sterling Smith and David Ellis of Machete Boys BBQ for the first-ever Sample Saturday in Nisswa! Enjoy expert demos and tasty samples on April 12th from 11 AM to 3 PM at The Smokestack BBQ Supply Store.
Link: Facebook Event
Crosslake Bar Stool Open 2025
Location & Area: Crosslake, MN
Date & Time: Saturday, April 12, 2025 | 11:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Details: Experience a 9-hole “mini golf” crawl through local bars and restaurants. For $20 per person, start at any participating location and hop between venues using the free shuttle (available from 12–5 PM). Cash prizes, drinks, and good times all while supporting local charities.
Link: Event Info
Indoor Golf Fundraiser for CLEF
Location & Area: Cuyuna Lakes Area, MN
Date & Time: Saturday, April 12, 2025 | 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Details: Play indoor golf across multiple bar locations in Deerwood, Ironton, and Crosby for $10 per person. Proceeds benefit the Cuyuna Lakes Education Foundation. An after-party at 6:30 PM at the Deerwood American Legion includes raffle prizes and live music by August West. Sober cab available.
Link: Facebook Event
10th Annual Tapped and Corked
Location & Area: Essentia Health Sports Center, Brainerd, MN
Date & Time: Saturday, April 12, 2025 | 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Details: Enjoy over 300 samples of craft beer, wine, seltzers, cocktails, and food. Tickets are $50 in advance or $60 at the door (if available), with only 1,000 available. Must be 21+ to attend. Non-alcoholic tickets are $20.
Link: Eventbrite
Miss Nisswa & Little Miss Nisswa Pageants
Location & Area: Nisswa Elementary School, Nisswa, MN
Date & Time: Saturday, April 12, 2025 | 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Details: The 53rd Annual Miss Nisswa Scholarship Competition and 34th Annual Little Miss Nisswa Program will award over $6,000 in scholarships and prizes. Open to local 11th and 12th grade students (Miss Nisswa) and 2nd graders (Little Miss).
Link: Facebook Event
Master’s Party at Cragun’s
Location & Area: Cragun’s Legacy Courses & Grill, Brainerd, MN
Date & Time: Sunday, April 13, 2025 | All Day
Details: Celebrate The Masters in style with themed food and drinks, golf coverage all day, and a lively, golf-loving crowd. A can’t-miss day for any golf fan.
Link: Cragun’s Event
Springfest at Manhattan's
Location & Area: Manhattan Beach Lodge. Crosslake, MN
Date & Time: April 18-19, 2025
Details: Springfest at Manhattan's is a two-day event hosted by Manhattan Beach from April 18 at 4 PM to April 19 at 9 PM. Festivities begin Friday evening with live music by Seth Doud at 6 PM. Saturday kicks off at 10 AM with a bonfire on the patio and Bingo at 11 AM (registration required at mblodge.com, $10/person, 4-person minimum). The day wraps with live music from KING’S RANSOM at 2 PM and $50 Bingo game packs available for purchase.
Link: Event Link
Nisswa Fire Easter Breakfast
Location & Area: A&W, Nisswa, MN
Date & Time: Saturday, April 19, 2025 | 7:00 AM – 10:30 AM
Details: 100% of food sales will be donated to the Nisswa Fire Department. Enjoy pancakes, burritos, bagel sandwiches, and tater rounds. Additional donation boxes will be set up for support.
Link: Facebook Event
Touch-a-Truck
Location & Area: Turtle Track, Nisswa, MN
Date & Time: Saturday, April 19, 2025 | 9:00 AM – 10:30 AM
Details: Kids can explore and climb on big trucks and equipment at this hands-on event. Perfect for families with young children.
Link: Facebook Event
Stand-Up Comedy Night
Location & Area: Yesterday’s Gone, Brainerd, MN
Date & Time: Saturday, April 19, 2025 | Doors at 6:00 PM, Show at 7:00 PM
Details: Twin Ports Comedy brings a night of laughs with Elise Cole, Aidan Thibault (Acme Comedy’s Funniest Person 2024), and Dustin Fawcett. Tickets are $15 in advance or $20 at the door.
Link: Tickets
Heroes Among Us Gala
Location & Area: Grand View Lodge, Nisswa, MN
Date & Time: Friday, April 25, 2025 | 4:00 PM
Details: Honoring fire, police, and EMS personnel, this fundraiser includes raffles (including firearms), dinner, and recognition of community heroes. Hosted by Lakes Area Heroes and emceed by Mike Schmidt.
Link: Event Info
Comedy Night at Snarky Loon
Location & Area: Snarky Loon Brewing Co., Jenkins, MN
Date & Time: Friday, April 25, 2025 | 7:30 PM
Details: The final comedy night of the season features crowd favorite Ron and headliner Jeff, known for unpredictable laughs. Tickets available online.
Link: Tickets
4th Annual 5K for Mental Health Awareness
Location & Area: Central Lakes College, Brainerd, MN
Date & Time: Saturday, April 26, 2025 | 9:00 AM
Details: Run, walk, and support mental health programs including Sharing Bread Soup Kitchen and CLC’s Food Pantry. Includes a resource fair and awards.
Link: CLC Event
Grand Opening at UpNorth Social
Location & Area: UpNorth Social, Crosslake, MN
Date & Time: Saturday, April 26, 2025 | 12:00 PM
Details: Celebrate the official opening with live music by Reed Nelson, “build-your-own” menu items, and collaborations with Wing Wellness. Six months in the making, it’s time to party.
Link: Facebook Event