Destination Downtown Brainerd

02/21/2026

Today is the day for this awesome Youth Maker's Market at The Sweet Spot. There are six talented youth makers there until 5pm today. Head to Downtown Brainerd today and check it out.

01/08/2026

Check out this author and book-signing event at CatTale's Books & Gifts this Saturday, Jan. 10, at 11:00 a.m.

This Saturday I'll be at Cat Tales Books and Gifts starting at 11 AM. I'll have all my titles ready to sign and sell, including my brand new novel, "The Reality Reaction Team." See ya there!

01/07/2026

Check out Passport Brainerd in Downtown Brainerd for a unique dining experience. Each month they feature a global menu for you to try. January is "Taste of Nigeria." Find them at 606 Laurel Street.

🌍✈️ New month, new destination!
This month, our culinary passport is stamped Nigeria
Bold flavors, rich spices, and a little 🔥—come taste the journey!

01/01/2026

Put Second Saturdays on your calendar this winter and head to Downtown Brainerd.

Keep us on your calendar! We have more FUN indoor winter markets coming up!!❄️ Please come spend the 2nd Saturday of each month with us! Hang out. Shop. Eat. Play. ☃️❄️☃️
"Winter Wonderland" is our next market theme. Stay tuned for all the FUN we have planned for you!! ❄️⛄️❄️⛄️❄️⛄️❄️

12/23/2025

Congratulations to the Window Walk winners! There was a TIE between The Olde Open Window and Chick N Rice for the Judges' Choice. Little Threads - Preloved Kidswear won best new business. Elysium Hair Studio was the winner of the Peoples Choice. Thank you to all the businesses that participated and to the people who visited and voted.

12/11/2025

Shop Small and Win Big this Holiday Season

1. Pick up a Passport at a Participating Business.
2. Shop downtown until Dec. 20.
3. Collect stamps in your passport. A $10 purchase earns a stamp (only one stamp per purchase). 10 stamps fills a passport.
4. Turn-in your passport at Visit Brainerd or Knotty Pine Bakery no later then Dec. 20 to be registered to win.
5. There are three $500 gift card bundles up for grabs!

Participating Businesses:
American Legion Brainerd
Big Jay’s Pizza Arcade
Blue Oyster
Brekken's
CatTale's Books & Gifts
Chick N Rice
Coco Moon
Copper Cat Escape Games
Crazy Plant Company
Crow Wing Food Co-op
Dragon Forge Games
Drunken Noodle
EL Menk Jewelers
Ectothermic Nirvana
Elysium Hair Studio
Fusion Jewelry Studio
Knotty Pine Bakery
Last Turn
Little Threads - Pre-loved Kidswear Boutique
Passport Restaurant
Play N Trade
Purple Fern Bath Company
Shep's on 6th
Slice On Oak
Thairapy
The 218 UrbanNest
The Crossing Arts Alliance
The Gallery of Brainerd
The Olde Open Window
The Sweet Spot
Visit Brainerd
Ya Sure Kombucha
Yesterday's Gone

12/11/2025

Don't forget to vote for your favorite Downtown Brainerd Window! Scan the QR code below and vote by 5pm on Friday, Dec. 12.

12/09/2025

Tuesday, Dec. 9, the inclement weather is causing some businesses to close early. Check before heading out. Stay safe, everyone!

12/05/2025

Downtown Brainerd tonight!

12/05/2025

Head to Downtown Brainerd tonight, Friday, Dec. 5, for an evening full of fun!

1. 5:00 p.m. City Hall Tree Lighting
—Lighting starts at 5:00 p.m. sharp.
—Rumor is there will be a Santa sighting.
—Carolers by Legacy Chorale of Greater Minnesota.
—Brainerd City Hall, 501 Laurel St.

2. 5:00–7:00 p.m. Downtown Window Walk
—Check out the windows of more than 20 businesses and vote online for your favorite.
—Many retails shops open late for your shopping needs!
—Grab dinner and drinks while you're out and about.
—Warm-up with carolers, hot chocolate and a fire courtesy of First Lutheran Church of Brainerd, MN. Find them at the parking lot on 8th and Maple Street (near The Office Shop, First Lutheran Church and Anderson Cleaners).
—Thank you to B. Johnson & Associates for sponsoring the Window Walk.

3. Fill-out your Holiday Shopping Passport as you're out and about.
—Pick-up a passport at a participating business.
—$10+ in purchases earns you a stamp and 10 stamps gets you registered for a chance to win one of three $500 gift card bundles!
—Shop until Dec. 20 to fill-up your passport.

11/07/2025

Details for Saturday's Shop Hop Event! 👇