What's Happening in Crosslake This Weekend & Next Week

Late August on the Whitefish Chain is something special. The days are still long and warm, the water is at its peak temperature for swimming, and the crowds start to thin just enough that you feel like you have the place to yourself. If you are in Crosslake this weekend or visiting for the week ahead, here is the inside scoop on everything worth doing. I have organized it by what is happening right now and what you can look forward to through the end of the month.

THIS WEEKEND: August 22-23

Girls Night Out at The Gathering

Kicking off the weekend early, Gathered Gals is hosting a Girls Night Out at The Gathering Event Center on Friday, August 21 at 5:00 PM. This is a fun evening out with friends featuring local vendors, drinks, and the kind of community vibe that makes Crosslake feel like a small town where everyone knows each other. If you are in town with a group or just looking to meet some new people, this is a great way to start the weekend.

Benny & The Jets at Crosslake Music In The Square

Saturday night, August 22 at 6:00 PM, head over to Crosslake Town Square for Benny & The Jets as part of the Music In The Square series. This is one of the best recurring events of the summer season. Bring a lawn chair, grab something from a nearby restaurant or pack a picnic, and settle in for a free live show under the stars. The square fills up early, so get there with time to find a good spot. There is something about live music outdoors on a warm August night that just hits different.

Live Music at Zorbaz Cross Lake

Zorbaz on Cross Lake keeps its live music Fridays going all summer long. Local acts play on the patio, the margaritas are flowing, and the menu is as dependable as ever. Great food, a lake-view party vibe, and the kind of casual atmosphere where you can stay for one drink or settle in for the whole evening. Perfect for a relaxed Friday night on the water.

Hit the Whitefish Chain

The weather forecast is prime for a last-of-summer pontoon cruise. The Whitefish Chain connects 14 lakes, giving you endless routes to explore. Anchor at the sandbar, jump in for a swim, and soak up the long August days. Late summer on the chain is when the water is warmest and the sunsets stretch into the evening. If you have a boat or know someone who does, this is the weekend to be on the water.

Cuyuna Mountain Biking

For the mountain bikers reading this, the Cuyuna Mountain Bike Trail system in nearby Crosby is worth the short drive. Grab your bike or rent one from Red Raven Bike Cafe and hit over 70 miles of red dirt singletrack. The mornings are best before the heat builds, and the views from the old mine pits are stunning. It is one of the best trail systems in the Midwest and a serious draw for riders from across the region.

NEXT WEEK: August 24-31

Crosslake Farmers Market

Saturday mornings in Crosslake mean the Farmers Market. Fresh produce, baked goods, local honey, and handmade products from area farms and artisans. It is a great tradition and a perfect way to stock your lake home kitchen with local ingredients. Get there early for the best selection, especially on late-summer weekends when the produce is at its peak.

Live Music in the Square

Saturday nights in the Town Square continue through the end of August. Check the Crosslake Chamber calendar for the full lineup. Even if you have already been once, the lineup changes week to week, and each show has its own atmosphere. It is the kind of community event that makes Crosslake feel like home.

Fishing at the Crosslake Dam

Late August fishing can be excellent from the pier at the Crosslake Dam. Walleye and northern pike start feeding aggressively before fall, and the dam structure concentrates fish in a way that makes pier fishing productive even without a boat. Bring a rod and spend an evening casting. It is a relaxing way to wind down after a busy day.

Crosslake Historical Society

For a quick, fascinating look at how the Whitefish Chain was built, visit the Crosslake Historical Society. The restored buildings from the logging era tell the story of the men who cleared these forests and opened the lakes to development. It is a short visit that gives you a deep appreciation for the land beneath the lake homes you see today.

Dining on the Chain

The dining options around Crosslake are endless, and late August is the perfect time to work through the list. Moonlite Bay for burgers and boat-up lakefront dining. The Wharf for nautical charm and a solid menu. Patrick's Cedar Chest for steaks in a warm North Woods lodge setting. Rafferty's for legendary pizza that has been a local staple for decades. And Norway Ridge for upscale dining when you want to dress it up a little. You could eat at a different spot every night for a week and still have places left to try.

Water Sports

Late August is prime time for waterskiing, tubing, kayaking, and paddleboarding. The water is still warm, the sun is still high, and the crowds start to thin after the peak weeks. That combination makes for effortless days on the water. If you have been meaning to get the kayaks out or teach someone to waterski, this is the week.

Scenic Drives on the Paul Bunyan Scenic Byway

The Paul Bunyan Scenic Byway is gorgeous in late August. Running 115 miles through lakes, forests, and small towns in the Brainerd Lakes area, it is a drive worth taking with no particular destination in mind. Roll the windows down, pick a direction, and explore. The byway connects you to the heart of what makes this part of Minnesota special.