What annual Brainerd Lakes area event, featuring live music, artisan vendors, and local treats, officially kicked off the holiday shopping season at The Crossing Arts Alliance on November 14, 2025?

Looking for a simple way to stretch your grocery budget? Don’t miss the food revolution happening right here in Brainerd. At Ruby’s Pantry, anyone can show up—no paperwork, no income requirements—and for just $25, drive away with a trunk full of fresh groceries.

It’s all happening every second Tuesday of the month at the Northern Pacific Center, transforming lives and building community. Learn how Ruby’s Pantry is simplifying access to affordable groceries and giving back where it counts.

This food giveaway isn’t your average pantry. Run by volunteers and powered by donations, it provides a share of fruits, vegetables, meats, and pantry staples to anyone who needs it.

Whether you arrive by car or bike, you’re welcomed with kindness—and leave with enough food to make a real difference. Discover why hundreds trust Ruby’s Pantry to keep their tables full and support local programs like Operation Sandwich and Timber Bay. Don't let this opportunity pass you by!

Act now to be part of this affordable grocery solution—it’s quick, easy, and open to all. Find schedules, details, and everything you need at this full article about Ruby’s Pantry.

Helping neighbors has never been easier—or more rewarding. Tell your friends, spread the word, and see for yourself how Ruby’s Pantry is changing lives in Brainerd.

Join the movement, share a smile, and let’s build a stronger, healthier community together. Hungry for hope? It starts right here. See how you can get involved today.

Weather Forecast

Tuesday, Nov 18
45 °F 🌡️ 30 °F | ⛅ Partly sunny | 💨 WNW 10 mph
Intervals of clouds and sunshine.

Wednesday, Nov 19
43 °F 🌡️ 38 °F | 🌥️ Mostly cloudy | 💨 NW 12 mph
Cloudy skies dominate, staying mild.

Thursday, Nov 20
45 °F 🌡️ 28 °F | 🌧️ Showers/rain in the morning | 💨 WNW 15 mph
Morning rain and drizzle, then cloudy.

Friday, Nov 21
39 °F 🌡️ 28 °F | ⛅ Partly sunny | 💨 NW 8 mph
Cooler day with dry conditions and some sun.

Saturday, Nov 22
43 °F 🌡️ 29 °F | ❄️ Flurries possible afternoon | 💨 WNW 14 mph
Sun and clouds; a chance of flurries later.

Sunday, Nov 23
42 °F 🌡️ 28 °F | 🌧️ A few showers in afternoon | 💨 WNW 13 mph
Variable clouds and a chance of afternoon showers.

Monday, Nov 24
35 °F 🌡️ 27 °F | 🌧️ Rain or snow showers possible | 💨 WNW 18 mph
Cloudy with a possible mix of rain and snow as temps drop.

Radio Garden is a Dutch non-profit digital platform that lets users explore live radio from across the world through an interactive 3D globe.

Launched in December 2016 by the Netherlands Institute for Sound and Vision alongside major European universities, it quickly gained global attention.

By 2024, over 40,000 radio stations were accessible on its rotating globe interface, each marked with a green dot representing a different city or town.

Listeners can easily discover and tune in to local voices and music from any region simply by clicking on these markers.

Native apps for iOS and Android were introduced in 2018 to boost mobile access, and updates in 2019 brought handy features like a search tool and station favorites.

Noted for its immersive design—created with Studio Puckey and Studio Moniker—Radio Garden continues to connect people worldwide, making global cultures just a click away.

LAKES AREA KIDS BUZZ

Share with a child you know :)

In the enchanting land of Paul Bunyan, a mighty lumberjack and his blue ox, Babe, embark on a quest to help local villages prepare for Thanksgiving.

When a colossal tree blocks the trail, they inspire children who doubt their abilities to contribute. Together, they learn that even small actions matter.

With teamwork, they clear the path, allowing the towns to unite for a joyous feast. Paul teaches that true greatness lies in community spirit and gratitude.

Upcoming Events

Tuesday, November 18

8:00 AM — The Center (social, games & activities) — The Center, Brainerd

10:00 AM — WonderTrek Free PLAY at the Library (kids & families) — Brainerd Public Library, Brainerd

4:00 PM — Sushi Tuesdays — Notch 8 Bar & Grill (NP Event Center), Brainerd

5:00 PM — Confident Kids: It’s a Puzzling Time! — Confidence Learning Center, East Gull Lake

8:00 PM — Reese Glover Live Music — The Side Track Bar & Restaurant, Brainerd

Wednesday, November 19

8:00 AM — The Center (social, games & activities) — The Center, Brainerd

4:00 PM — Premium Series: Old Fashioned Wednesdays — Sunshine’s Summerhouse, Lake Shore

5:00 PM — Pints for a Purpose (Relationship Safety Alliance fundraiser) — Jack Pine Brewery, Baxter

5:30 PM — Wednesday Night Horse Races — b*merri at The Woods, Merrifield

6:00 PM — TAP Guided Painting — 5Rocks Distilling Co., Brainerd

Thursday, November 20

4:30 PM — ★ Celebration of Excellence (awards dinner & community recognition) — Cragun’s Resort on Gull Lake, Brainerd

5:30 PM — Meat Raffle — b*merri at The Woods, Merrifield

6:00 PM — Porch Pot Workshop — The Side Track Bar & Restaurant, Brainerd

6:30 PM — Holiday Wine & Food Pairing — Cana Wine Bar, Crosby

6:30 PM — Taylor Swift Trivia Night — Roundhouse Brewery, Nisswa

Friday, November 21

4:00 PM — Build Your Own Bourbon/Whiskey Flight — The Shante, Pillager

5:00 PM — Brainerd HS Robotics Club Spaghetti Dinner (all-ages fundraiser) — Brainerd VFW Post 1647, Brainerd 

5:00 PM — ★ Deuces Wild Dueling Pianos: Dinner & Show — Gather on 3 Event Center, Brainerd 

6:00 PM — Grand Brewfest Beer Dinner — Grand View Lodge, Nisswa

6:30 PM — Grassroots Concerts: Weary Ramblers — Live Well Nightclub & Coffee Bar at the Journey Church, Nisswa

Saturday, November 22

9:00 AM — Craft Fair — Pequot Lakes American Legion Post 49, Pequot Lakes

9:00 AM — Holiday Rock & Craft Sale — Franklin Arts Center, Brainerd

11:00 AM — Bingo & Brunch — Manhattan’s, Crosslake

5:00 PM — Live Music: Jordan Messerole — Roundhouse Brewery, Nisswa

5:00 PM — ★ Grand Brewfest Tasting — Grand View Lodge, Nisswa

Sunday, November 23

9:00 AM — Breakfast at Sunshine’s — Sunshine’s Summerhouse, Lake Shore

9:30 AM — Fresh Citrus Truckload Sale — Planet Fitness, Baxter

2:00 PM — DIY Small Batch Mini-Sota Soap Class — Purple Fern Bath Company, Brainerd

3:00 PM — Meat Raffle (Heroes Helping Heroes benefit) — 14 Lakes Pub & Brewery, Crosslake

3:30 PM — St. Mathias CCW Turkey Bingo — St. Mathias Church, Fort Ripley

Monday, November 24

8:00 AM — Day at the Northland Arboretum (trails & visitor center open) — Northland Arboretum, Baxter

4:30 PM — Ruby's Pop-Up Pantry Little Falls — Tractor/Fleet Supply parking lot, 15615 Highway 27, Little Falls

5:00 PM — Epilepsy & Seizure Disorders: Awareness, Networking & Mentoring — Location TBA, Brainerd 

6:00 PM — Books Burgers and Brews: *Crow Mary* (community book club) — Brainerd Eagles Aerie 287, Brainerd

The Kringle Market Opening Reception at The Crossing Arts Alliance. This festive event features artwork, fine crafts, light snacks, and holiday treats—bringing together the community to celebrate and shop for the holidays.

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.