BRAINERD LAKES AREA: Winter Event Guide 2026
January 13, 2026
Winter up here isn’t something you “get through” — it’s something you plan around. Think frozen-lake festivals, downtown celebrations, snowmobile weekends, fat bike races, and the kind of cozy nights back at your cabin that make you want to extend your stay “just one more day.”
We pulled this together as your Book the BLA / Woods to Water Vacation Homes winter resource — part events guide, part excuse to book a Brainerd Lakes getaway and actually do the season.
(Pro tip: weather can shift schedules, so always double-check the official event link before you head out.)
If you’re looking for a “starter pack” winter weekend, this is it — family-friendly fun, music, games on the ice, and full-on resort energy.
EVENT INFO: https://breezypointresort.com/event/ice-fest-3/
*photo courtesy of Blaze Air
North Loon Cabin Co: https://bookthebla.com/vrp/unit/North_Loon_Cabin_Co-18-15
The Stone House: https://bookthebla.com/vrp/unit/The_Stone_House-6-15
The Hilltop Retreat: https://bookthebla.com/vrp/unit/The_Hilltop_Retreat-40-15
Vintage sleds, true up-north tradition, and a weekend that feels like a throwback in the best way. If you love small-town winter culture (or just want an excuse to watch beautiful machines glide through the snow), put it on the calendar.
EVENT INFO: https://vintagesnowmobilemagazine.com/event/pequot-lakes-mn-snowmobile-rendezvous/
The GetAway: https://bookthebla.com/vrp/unit/The_GetAway-13-15
Shady Pines: https://bookthebla.com/vrp/unit/Shady_Pines-11-15
Blue Haven: https://bookthebla.com/vrp/unit/Blue_Haven-37-15
JANUARY 31, 2026 (Noon–3 PM) | Hole-in-the-Day Bay, Gull Lake
This is the bucket-list ice fishing event — even if you’re not angling, it’s iconic winter energy on the ice.
EVENT INFO: https://www.icefishing.org/events/
Birch Bay: https://bookthebla.com/vrp/unit/Birchbay-30-15
Love Lake Manor: https://bookthebla.com/vrp/unit/Love_Lake_Manor-9-15
The GetAway: https://bookthebla.com/vrp/unit/The_GetAway-13-15
FEBRUARY 5–7, 2026 | Crosslake, MN
Three days of classic winter fun spread across town — the kind of weekend that makes you want to do everything (and then come back next year and do it again).
EVENT INFO: https://www.exploreminnesota.com/event/2026-winterfest-crosslake/10217
Manhattan Point: https://bookthebla.com/vrp/unit/Manhattan_Point-31-15
Sundance Ridge Unit 825: https://bookthebla.com/vrp/unit/Sundance_Ridge_Unit_825-42-15
The Lodge at Wolf Trail: https://bookthebla.com/vrp/unit/The_Lodge_at_Wolf_Trail-61-15
FEBRUARY 12, 2026 | Mount Ski Gull, near Brainerd
Mattress racing, community energy, and a feel-good mission — it’s becoming a can’t-miss winter night out.
EVENT INFO: https://business.brainerdlakeschamber.com/events
Love Lake Manor: https://bookthebla.com/vrp/unit/Love_Lake_Manor-9-15
Courtside Cabin: https://bookthebla.com/vrp/unit/Courtside_Cabin-20-15
The Hilltop Retreat: https://bookthebla.com/vrp/unit/The_Hilltop_Retreat-40-15
FEBRUARY 13–15, 2026
Downtown Nisswa, MN
Small-town winter magic. Parades, traditions, and the kind of weekend that reminds you why everyone loves Nisswa.
EVENT INFO: https://business.nisswa.com/events/details/nisswa-winter-jubilee-2026-55152
The Lake Haus: https://bookthebla.com/vrp/unit/Nisswa_Lake_Haus-21-15
Cullen Cove: https://bookthebla.com/vrp/unit/Cullen_Cove-38-15
Anchor Bay on Mayo Lake: https://bookthebla.com/vrp/unit/Mayo_Lake_Cabin-22-15
FEBRUARY 14, 2026 | TIOGA RECREATION AREA
A fat bike race that’s equal parts grit + winter joy. Even if you’re not racing, it’s a fun watch — and a great excuse to spend Valentine’s weekend outside.
EVENT INFO: https://www.bikemn.org/events/fat-forest-14-tioga-2026/
Loonstar Lodge: https://bookthebla.com/vrp/unit/Loonstar_Lodge-8-15
FEBRUARY 28, 2026 (10:00 AM–6:00 PM) | Around Gull Lake / East Gull Lake
Pub-crawl style winter weekend with games, themed stops, and peak “winter weekend with friends” vibes — for a great cause.
EVENT INFO: https://campconfidence.com/event/gull-lake-frozen-fore/
Birch Bay: https://bookthebla.com/vrp/unit/Birchbay-30-15
Love Lake Manor: https://bookthebla.com/vrp/unit/Love_Lake_Manor-9-15
The GetAway: https://bookthebla.com/vrp/unit/The_GetAway-13-15
If one of these events is calling your name, let’s turn it into a full-on Brainerd Lakes winter getaway. Our Book the BLA collection is curated, locally managed, and built for the kind of winter weekends you actually remember — from cozy lake cabin rentals to elevated vacation home rentals.
Browse all Book the BLA vacation rentals: https://bookthebla.com
