Which brewery in Crosslake is launching its German food + costume contest fest Oct 11?

In downtown Brainerd, Loco Espress shines as a beloved café rooted in faith, art, and community spirit.

Seven years ago, Mary Tuomi transformed a personal calling into a vibrant business, blending her artistic background with warm hospitality.

Located in the historic Railroad Center, the café’s exposed brick walls display Mary’s colorful paintings, while a cozy boutique curated by her daughter Ava highlights thoughtfully selected gifts.

This family-run spot has become famous for its inventive coffee flights and living room atmosphere, drawing neighbors together over lattes and laughter.

Mary and Ava’s partnership overcame hurdles, creating a nurturing team culture focused on flexibility and kindness.

Even during the challenges of COVID-19, Loco Espress adapted to safely serve its loyal community.

As Brainerd grows, Loco Espress remains a welcoming anchor—a place where every cup comes with connection and care.

With chilly Minnesota winters fast approaching, Brainerd Lakes Area homeowners can safeguard their properties by preparing now for snow, ice, and freezing temperatures.

Inspect your roof for damage and clear out gutters to prevent dangerous ice dams or water leaks.

Clean attic vents, trim back overhanging branches, and ensure downspouts flow freely to avoid winter mishaps.

Have your furnace serviced, seal up window and door drafts, and check carbon monoxide detectors for safety as heaters run overtime.

Disconnect hoses, insulate exposed pipes, and locate your shut-off valve to reduce the risk of frozen pipes or water emergencies.

Store patio furniture, prep your snowblower, and mark driveway edges early, while also switching vehicles to winter tires and testing car batteries.

Seal cracks to deter pesky mice, prep boats and cabins for deep freeze, and fill propane tanks before supply delays hit.

Taking these steps now ensures safety, warmth, and peace of mind throughout the harshest months.

Weather Forecast

Tuesday 7th
65 °F 🌤️ 35 °F | Mostly sunny | light breeze
Mostly clear and dry.

Wednesday 8th
69 °F ☀️ 34 °F | Sunny | light breeze 
Warm sun, cool overnight.

Thursday 9th
71 °F 🌦️ 48 °F | Late showers | moderate wind
Clouds building and risk of rain later.

Friday 10th
68 °F ⛅ 42 °F | Clearing skies | moderate breeze
Some sun returns.

Saturday 11th
70 °F ⛅ 35 °F | Scattered clouds | light-moderate breeze 
Milder, mostly dry.

Sunday 12th
74 °F 🌥️ 48 °F | Mostly cloudy | moderate breeze
Warmer, some cloud cover.

Monday 13th
72 °F 🌦️ 55 °F | Passing showers | moderate wind 
Showers possible, especially later.

The Book Club Murders, a suspenseful thriller shot across Northern Minnesota, is now streaming on Netflix as of October 1, 2025.

Directed by Logan Giese, the film stars Brittany Underwood as Natalie Johnston, who joins a local book club following personal tragedy, only to be drawn into a web of secrets and peril.

Tension escalates when anonymous letters reveal members’ darkest truths, setting off a string of mysterious deaths within the group.

When her daughter Gwen, played by Eva Igo, is falsely accused of a terrible crime, Natalie races against time to unmask the letter writer and safeguard her family.

Filmed in Duluth, Hermantown, and Two Harbors, the movie highlights Minnesota’s scenic backdrops and strong local talent.

Its exploration of small-town secrets and community dynamics offers Brainerd Lakes residents a thrilling and relatable viewing experience.

Upcoming Events

Tuesday, October 7, 2025

5:00 PM — The North Star Meat Raffle — The North Star, Breezy Point. 

5:30 PM — Meat Raffle — Pequot Lakes American Legion Post 49, Pequot Lakes.

6:00 PM — Smiles for Jake B-I-N-G-O — The Gas Can Bar & Grill, Brainerd.

6:00 PM — Free Texas Hold’em — Brainerd Eagles Aerie #287, Brainerd.

All day — Coats for Kids Collections — Westgate Mall, Baxter.

Wednesday, October 8, 2025

11:30 AM — Crow Wing Energized Lunch Tour — Nisswa Community Center, Nisswa.

4:00 PM — Halloween Makeup Basics — Northland Arboretum, Baxter.

6:30 PM — YFC B.A.Y. Rally — Northern Pacific Center, Brainerd.

6:30 PM — Bar Bingo — Nisswa American Legion, Nisswa.

6:30 PM — Initials Game Live — Roundhouse Brewery, Nisswa.

Thursday, October 9, 2025

8:00 AM — Nisswa Farmers Market — American Legion Lot, Nisswa.

5:00 PM — AYCE Ribs Special — Dunmire’s on the Lake, Brainerd.

6:00 PM — Meat Raffle — Dunmire’s on the Lake, Brainerd.

6:30 PM — Cuyuna Lakes Music in the Park — Crosby Memorial Park, Crosby.

Friday, October 10, 2025

9:00 AM — Fall Festival Days — Copper Creek, Nisswa.

5:00 PM — DJ Kieley (Live Music) — Jack Pine Brewery, Baxter.

6:00 PM — Italian Gardens Wine Dinner ★ — Grand View Lodge, Nisswa.

7:00 PM — Haunted Hidden Hollows (Opens) — Paul Bunyan Land, Brainerd.

5:30 PM — Friday Meat Raffle — Brainerd American Legion, Brainerd.

Saturday, October 11, 2025

10:00 AM — Visit the Railroad Trackers Train Club — Crosslake Historic Village, Crosslake.

11:00 AM — First Annual Octoberfest Celebration — 14 Lakes Pub & Brewery, Crosslake.

12:30 PM — Dos Guys (Live Music) — Quarterdeck Resort, Nisswa.

1:30 PM — Saturday Bingo — Crosslake Fifty Lakes American Legion, Crosslake.

5:00 PM — Oktoberfest Dinner & Brews Cruise ★ — Gull Lake Cruises (Cragun’s), Brainerd. 

Sunday, October 12, 2025

9:00 AM — Fall Festival Days (Family Activities) — Copper Creek, Nisswa.

1:00 PM — Around the World in Under 80 Minutes — Great River Arts, Little Falls.

3:30 PM — Bar Bingo — Nisswa American Legion, Nisswa.

5:00 PM — Meat Raffle — Jenkins VFW Post 3839, Jenkins.

8:00 PM — Trivia Night — Zorbaz on Gull, Lake Shore.

Monday, October 13, 2025

4:30 PM — Indigenous People’s Celebration — Gichi-ziibi Center for the Arts, Brainerd.

5:00 PM — Nisswa Lions Meat Raffle — Ye Ole Pickle Factory, Nisswa.

6:00 PM — Monday Night Trivia — Zorbaz on Gull.

6:00 PM — Margarita Mondays — Sunshine’s Summerhouse, Nisswa.

6:00 PM — Free Texas Hold’em — Dunmire’s On The Lake, Brainerd.

Brainerd, Minnesota is set for a thrilling October as Haunted Hidden Hollows at Paul Bunyan Land returns with scares and excitement throughout the month.

Haunted attractions run every Friday and Saturday night, from October 10 through November 1, with gates opening at 7 p.m. and select rides operating until 11 p.m.

Families seeking a gentler experience can visit the Special Daytime Family Event on October 18, noon to 5 p.m., where guests tour the haunted house and corn maze, lights on, no live actors—perfect for younger visitors.

Admission ranges from $12 for select rides up to $40 for the ultimate combo of all attractions.

Enjoy festive foods and shop souvenirs at the gift shop.

Local celebrations continue with the Brainerd Fall Arts and Crafts Festival on October 11.

14 Lakes Pub & Brewery in Crosslake (Octoberfest with German food & music)

36846 County Road 66, Crosslake, MN, 56442

Thanks a bunch for reading Lakes Area Buzz today! If you spotted something handy, go ahead and pass it along to a neighbor or a friend—ya never know, it might make their day too.