Major construction begins Tuesday, September 2, 2025, on Audubon Way in Brainerd, Minnesota.

The work is set to last around seven to eight weeks, limiting Audubon Way to local traffic only, with occasional full closures for specific tasks.

Residents and local drivers should expect possible delays and plan alternative routes as needed.

Motorists are urged to pay attention to updated signage and detours throughout the project.

Questions can be directed to Project Engineer Alex Bitter at 218-316-3627 or alex.bitter@widseth.com.

Meanwhile, work has also started on a new single-lane roundabout at Business Highway 371 and Willow Street, which began August 4 and will improve safety and traffic flow.

Travelers should stay updated on area detours and check the City of Brainerd website for details.

Balsam Moon Preserve welcomes the community to its second annual Harvest Festival on Saturday, September 6, from 2 to 7 p.m. at 3148 Bungo Creek Lane SW in Pine River.

Guests can watch yarn spinning by Esther Endicott and spoon carving by Mike Austad, while a 2:30 p.m. tour explores diverse building styles and solar innovations.

Children will enjoy croquet, nature art, a scavenger hunt, and flower arranging starting at 2:30 p.m.

Interactive food experiences include corn shelling, acorn biscuit baking, wild rice roll making, and cider pressing.

A seed sharing station encourages gardeners to swap their best seeds.

Attendees can stroll blooming gardens, try the labyrinth, and take in live music from Devil’s Dodger and Matthew Weiss from 4 to 5:30 p.m.

The evening meal at 5:30 features locally sourced pulled pork, roasted vegetables, and potluck dishes.

Balsam Moon Preserve operates on a reciprocity model, welcoming contributions of all kinds to ensure access for everyone.

Dress for the weather, and join in celebrating the harvest with neighbors.

UPDATE: September is Egyptian Cuisine

Passport Restaurant in downtown Brainerd stands out for blending international cuisine with hometown warmth.

Located at 606 Laurel Street, the vibrant eatery, led by Matt and Jacquelyn Calos, has quickly become a favorite stop for locals craving fresh flavors and culinary creativity.

Passport invites guests to explore new cultures each month, with rotating menus featuring the authentic dishes of countries from Morocco to Japan.

Signature items like pot pie, lasagna, curry bowl, and spring rolls are always available, while monthly specials add global flair.

The historic, artsy interior and inviting patio set the scene for memorable meals and lively conversations, whether indoors or outside.

Open daily—including brunch—Passport wins praise for its inventive menus, attentive service, and commitment to bringing world flavors to the heart of Brainerd.

Weather Forecast

Tuesday (today)
76 °F 🌡️ 51 °F | ⛈️ Thunderstorms likely later | PoP: ~70 % | 💨 W ~8 mph (~7 knots)
Thunderstorms are expected later in the day, possibly accompanied by gusty winds and small hail.

Wednesday
60 °F 🌡️ 40 °F | ⛅ Partly Sunny | PoP: ~40 % | 💨 N ~12 mph (~10 knots)
Breezy and noticeably cooler with a few afternoon showers possible.

Thursday
58 °F 🌡️ 45 °F | ⛅ Partly Sunny turning to Showers | PoP: ~30 % | 💨 W ~8 mph (~7 knots)
Cloudy and cool, with a chance of afternoon rain showers.

Friday
57 °F 🌡️ 45 °F | ⛅ Partly Sunny then Cloudy | PoP: ~25 % | 💨 NW ~12 mph (~10 knots)
Some morning sun gives way to clouds and isolated showers, still breezy and cool.

Saturday
58 °F 🌡️ 39 °F | ☁️ Cloudy | PoP: ~25 % | 💨 NW ~8 mph (~7 knots)
Overcast and cool; a few rain chances linger at low levels.

Sunday
65 °F 🌡️ 47 °F | ⛅ Partly Cloudy | PoP: ~10 % | 💨 Light variable (~5 mph, ~4 knots)
Dry and milder—some sunshine amid the clouds, and minimal rain chances.

Monday
73 °F 🌡️ 54 °F | ☀️ Sunny | PoP: ~20% | S 8 mph (7 knots)

Mostly sunny with a slight chance of afternoon showers.

Upcoming Events

Tuesday, September 2
4:00 PM — Kids Back to School Party (Kids Eat Free) — A&W, Nisswa
4:00 PM — Sushi Tuesdays — Notch 8, Brainerd
5:30 PM — Meat Raffle — Pequot Lakes American Legion, Pequot Lakes
6:00 PM — Tournament Tuesday: Cribbage — Roundhouse Brewery, Nisswa
6:00 PM — Smiles for Jake Bingo — The Gas Can Bar & Grill, Brainerd

Wednesday, September 3
4:00 PM — Old-Fashioned Wednesday — Sunshine’s Summerhouse, Nisswa
5:00 PM — NAPA Street Legal Drags & Drift — Brainerd International Raceway, Brainerd ★
6:00 PM — Xtreme Music Bingo: Awesome 80’s — Roundhouse Brewery, Nisswa
6:30 PM — Bar Bingo — Nisswa American Legion, Nisswa
6:30 PM — Initials Game Live — Roundhouse Brewery, Nisswa

Thursday, September 4
8:00 AM — Nisswa Farmers Market — American Legion Parking Lot, Nisswa ★
5:00 PM — Jimmie Jay Anderson (Live Music) — Quarterdeck Resort, Lake Shore
6:00 PM — Cribbage Night — Roundhouse Brewery, Nisswa
6:30 PM — Trivia Mafia — Roundhouse Brewery, Nisswa
6:30 PM — Bar Bingo — Pequot Lakes American Legion, Pequot Lakes

Friday, September 5
8:00 AM — The Center’s Annual Rummage Sale — The Center, Brainerd
8:00 AM — Baxter Farmers Market — Westport Shopping Center, Baxter
9:00 AM — Main Street Market — Brainerd City Hall Lot, Brainerd ★
5:00 PM — Jimmie Jay Anderson (Live Music) — Quarterdeck Resort, Lake Shore
6:00 PM — One Night Stand (Live Music) — Roundhouse Brewery, Nisswa

Saturday, September 6
8:15 AM — LAYA 30th Anniversary Workshops — Lakes Area Yoga Association, Brainerd
6:00 PM — MN BBQ Dinner Cruise — Gull Lake Cruises, Brainerd/Nisswa ★
6:00 PM — Hayden Streeter (Live Music) — Roundhouse Brewery, Nisswa
6:00 PM — Live Music — Cana Wine Bar, Brainerd
6:00 PM — Matt Akre (Live Music) — Quarterdeck Resort, Lake Shore

Sunday, September 7
12:00 PM — Pup Pawtio Party — Roundhouse Brewery, Nisswa
2:00 PM — Meat Raffle — Pequot Lakes American Legion, Pequot Lakes
3:00 PM — Mark Mraz “Bros Fest” (Live Music) — Zorbaz on Gull, Lake Shore
3:30 PM — Bar Bingo — Nisswa American Legion, Nisswa
4:00 PM — Matt Akre (Live Music) — Quarterdeck Resort, Lake Shore

Monday, September 8

12:00 PM — Monthly Author Event — Brainerd Public Library, Brainerd
5:00 PM — September Book Club — Northland Arboretum, Brainerd
6:00 PM — Free Texas Hold’em Poker Tournament — Dunmires on the Lake, Brainerd
6:00 PM — Vikings Game Day Specials — Grand View Lodge, Nisswa ★
7:00 PM — Live Music — Quarterdeck Resort, Lake Shore