Entertainment - Hastings Journal

Folldal Chris Falteisek’s ancestor's home – Tøfthaugen.

Sons of Norway Valkyrien Lodge 53 presents ‘Norway 2026: A Concert Through the Eyes of a Photographer and Musician’

WOODVILLE — The Sons of Norway Valkyrien Lodge 53 invites the community to a special evening of music and storytelling featuring local musician and photographer Chris Falteisek. The event, … more

9/24/26

Fall Sports began this week

What do the Dakota County Fair, the Minnesota State Fair, trees beginning to lose their leaves and Hastings Raiders athletics starting practices all have in common? They all signal that summer is … more

By Bruce Karnick | 8/20/26

Dakota County Fair prepares for seven days of summer fun

The Dakota County Fair is ready to pack seven days of animals, music, carnival rides, friendly competition and grandstand action into one of the biggest celebrations of summer in the county. The … more

By Bruce Karnick | 8/7/26

Sharing stories at this year’s Dakota County Fair

The Dakota County Library will be featured in the Government Building’s Sharing Stories exhibit at the 2026 Dakota County Fair, which runs Aug. 10–16 at the county fairgrounds in Farmington. … more

8/7/26

Country star Dustin Lynch, left, and Cottage Grove native Hailey James perform “Thinking ’Bout You” Friday at Treasure Island Resort & Casino in Welch. The duet recreated the spontaneous 2021 Country Fest performance that helped introduce James to millions of viewers online.

Five years later, Hailey James reunites with Dustin Lynch on stage at Treasure Island Amphitheater

Five years after a spontaneous duet helped introduce Hailey James to millions of country music fans, the Cottage Grove native found herself standing beside Dustin Lynch again Friday night, singing … more

By Bruce Karnick and the Treasure Island Communications Department | 7/31/26

Some beautiful ‘Days”! The focus of Rivertown days has always been the downtown area. That is where most of the family fun takes place. This year’s musical lineup and other family friendly events did not disappoint. New this year was the sand volleyball court in the middle of second street. See the rest of the Rivertown Days coverage on the back page of this edition!

Rivertown Days offers a weekend of family fun across Hastings

For more than four decades, Rivertown Days has brought Hastings residents, businesses and visitors together for a summer celebration, and the 2026 festival continued that tradition with music, … more

By Bruce Karnick | 7/22/26

Two vintage military vehicles were showcased during the July Fourth Parade. Seeing the reaction of younger people witnessing historic vehicles is always fun for the older crowd.

Warm weather greets Hastings parade before rain arrives

The Hastings Fourth of July parade had sunshine, warm weather and just about the right amount of parade. Before rain moved into the area later in the evening, the parade enjoyed the best part of the … more

By Bruce Karnick | 7/10/26

Jason Aldean completes Treasure Island summer concert lineup

Treasure Island Resort & Casino has added a major country music name to its Labor Day weekend plans, with Jason Aldean set to headline the Treasure Island Amphitheater on Friday, Sept. 4. The … more

By Bruce Karnick | 7/10/26

Fireworks light up the rainy sky over Hastings Golf Club and Events during the Fourth of July celebration. The show, sponsored by Vermillion State Bank, was delayed by weather but still gave the night a colorful finish.

Rain does not stop Hastings Fourth of July fireworks

Rain did not stop Hastings fireworks show The weather gave Hastings nearly a full day of sunshine for the Fourth of July, then changed the plan just enough to make fireworks fans work for the finale. … more

By Bruce Karnick | 7/9/26

The annual fireworks show put on by Vermillion Bank is one of the highlights of the summer each year.

Hastings Fourth of July celebration returns with parade and fireworks

Hastings will celebrate Independence Day with an evening built around two hometown favorites, a Fourth of July parade and fireworks over Hastings Golf Club. The 2026 Fourth of July celebration … more

By Bruce Karnick | 7/1/26

Guests sample unique craft beer and cheese curd pairings, then vote for their favorite combination, during the Cheese Curd Festival's Craft & Curd: Paired event, one of several specialty tasting experiences offered in the festival's Taste of Wisconsin tasting tent.

From garlic truffle parm to craft beverage pairings, Cheese Curd Festival serves up flavor-filled weekend

ELLSWORTH — As the Cheese Curd Festival prepares to celebrate its 25th anniversary June 26-27, organizers are inviting visitors to come hungry. Named the No. 4 Best Specialty Food Festival in the … more

6/17/26

Olivia Girdeen, Retail Store Manager at Ellsworth Cooperative Creamery, serves cheese curds during a Taste of Wisconsin tasting event at the Cheese Curd Festival. The festival celebrates its 25th anniversary June 26-27 in Ellsworth.

Cheese Curd Festival celebrates 25 years of curds, community and WI tradition

ELLSWORTH — Twenty-five years ago, a group of community leaders had a simple idea: celebrate Ellsworth’s claim to fame as the Cheese Curd Capital of Wisconsin. What began as a small-town festival … more

6/10/26

Bjorn Briel will perform at 7 p.m. June 12 in a free concert at Christ Episcopal Church in Woodbury.

Acclaimed singer/songwriter to perform in Woodbury

WOODBURY – All are invited to attend Bjorn Briel’s “This Far” Concert at 7 p.m. Friday, June 12 at Christ Episcopal Church of Woodbury, (7305 Afton Road, Woodbury, MN). The concert will … more

6/3/26

The 2026 Senior Resource Expo took over the Hastings High School commons area for a two-hour window for families to gather valuable information to help make the aging process smoother for all. 68 different vendors and sponsors gave out information and goodies during the event.

Senior Resource Expo connects families with local services and support

More than 200 community members filled the commons area at Hastings High School last Wednesday evening as the annual Senior Resource Expo continued its steady growth, bringing together dozens of … more

By Bruce Karnick | 5/20/26

Wentworth Library reopens with community celebration

Wentworth Library in West St. Paul reopened after a year-long renovation Wednesday, May 6 with a celebration showcasing the building’s updated features and new gathering spaces. Dakota County … more

5/13/26

Official Prom activities begin with the Grand March at Hastings High School. Couples are announced as they walk across the stage of the HHS auditorium to cheers from friends and family. (L to R) Mark Svoboda escorts Delaina Kurtz, JD Minder-Broeckaert escorts Kora Odman, Gavin Korcherer escorts Mara Teter.

Prom 2026!

Students from Hastings High School spent the day Saturday celebrating one of the most anticipated events of the school year as they took part in the annual prom festivities. Throughout the … more

By Bruce Karnick | 4/29/26

Season Recap: Dance Team

The Hastings Raider Dance Team continued its steady rise during the 2025–26 season, building on the foundation established during the program’s first year competing under the Minnesota State High … more

By Bruce Karnick | 3/21/26

Show Choir caps another successful season with their post season show

On a chilly March evening, the Hastings High School auditorium filled with music, applause, and a sense of celebration as the school’s show choirs wrapped up their season with a special post-season … more

By Bruce Karnick | 3/16/26

Members of the Prairie Island Indian Community Tribal Council participate in the ribbon cutting ceremony at the newly remodeled Buffalo Tower at Treasure Island.

Buffalo Tower reopens at Treasure Island, marking new chapter for Prairie Island Indian Community

The sound of applause echoed through the lobby at Treasure Island Resort and Casino as tribal leaders, construction partners, employees and community members gathered to celebrate a fresh start for a … more

By Bruce Karnick | 2/18/26

The full SnoWeek court left to right: Freshmen Gabe Ferdig and Stella Thurmes, Sophomores Alexa Verhaagh and Ben Schwanke, Juniors Danzel Saliente and Peyton Engeldinger, Seniors Violet Schult and Matthew Maulucci.

Hastings High School celebrates SnoWeek 2026

The gym was full, loud, and smiling as SnoWeek pep fest 2026 unfolded with music, cheers, games, and plenty of school spirit. Students packed the bleachers Friday afternoon for a fast-paced program … more

By Bruce Karnick | 2/11/26