Entertainment - Hastings Journal

Three girls from the Hastings Just for Kix dance studio performed on New Year’s Eve Day at the ReliaQuest Bowl in Tampa, Florida. L to R Katelynn Qualy of Hastings and Ella Therrien and Elisa Stoeckel of Prescott represented at Raymond James Stadium.

Local dancers perform in the ReliaQuest Bowl on New Year’s Eve Day

A group of dancers from Hastings Just For Kix Dance Studio recently performed in the pre-game and halftime shows at the ReliaQuest Bowl in Tampa Bay, Florida on December 31st, 2025. The game was … more

2/4/26

Hastings Pubic Schools to Host All-District Band Concert

The Hastings Public School is excited to present its All-District Band Concert on Tuesday, February 10th, at 7:00 pm in the high school gymnasium. This special event will feature all their … more

2/4/26

Lions 5th Annual Super Breakfast to benefit Hastings Fire Department and First Responders

On Saturday, Feb. 7, the Hastings Rivertown Lions Club will again host its 5th Annual “Super Breakfast” benefitting the Hastings Fire Department and First Responders. Since this weekend is … more

2/4/26

Educator of the Year Christy Baum; Joby Nolan, co-owner of Precision Landscaping; Volunteer of the Year Karin Grossman and Josh Fox, co-owner of Precision Landscaping, were all recognized at the Hastings Area Chamber of Commerce Annual Awards Dinner Jan. 29.

Chamber of Commerce annual awards dinner celebrates educators, volunteers and businesses

Despite freezing weather last week, for one night it was Derby Night for the Hastings Area Chamber of Commerce Annual Awards Dinner on Jan. 29. The annual dinner celebrates “those who make a … more

By Graham P. Johnson | 2/3/26

Hastings sophomore Nolan St. Sauver dropped the ceremonial puck for the Hastings/Park game on Saturday.

Hockey Day Minnesota

When Hockey Day Minnesota was publicly announced to be coming to Hastings during January 2024, the event required a huge amount of preparation, a challenge that didn’t faze Mayor Mary Fasbender: … more

By Graham P. Johnson and Bruce Karnick | 1/28/26

The entrance to Hockey Day MN brings you to the north side of the village near both the Treasure Island Entertainment Tent and Rinkside Grill.

The 20th anniversary of Hockey Day MN is underway at United Heroes League

Hockey Day MN has turned into a full week spectacle of hockey, music, food, and fun. The week kicked off on Jan. 17 with the MN Warriors team scrimmage before a Saturday full of great varsity hockey … more

By Bruce Karnick | 1/21/26

Author Anton Treuer will speak at this year’s Hastings Reads author visit. The theme for 2026 is Water, Wilderness, and Wisdom: Coming together through Native American Teachings.

20th Hastings Reads features author Anton Treuer

For 20 years, Hastings Reads has highlighted books, hosted events and brought authors to Hastings to speak to students and community members about their work. This year, the program will highlight … more

By Graham P. Johnson | 1/21/26

Hastings Resident and former City Councilor Joe Balsanek has been restoring the University of Minnesota’s model 221B Baker Street, the home of Sherlock Holmes, for the past three years due to water damage it received during the COVID-19 Pandemic. It is set to return to the University in 2026.

Elementary at one foot per inch: Model 221 B restored after years of work

Portraits of 19th century rulers line the walls of the drawing room, their faces no bigger than a fingernail. The letters “VR” have been shot into the wall, but the bullet holes are barely bigger … more

By Graham P. Johnson | 12/30/25

Black Dirt Theater Improv returns for eight shows in 2026 starting Jan. 3 at The Confluence Hotel at 7 p.m.

Black Dirt Improv returns in 2026

Black Dirt Theater’s Improv is set to return in 2026 in eight shows from January through May. The troupe began in the winter of 2011 and has been hosting shows during the winter and spring since. … more

By Graham P. Johnson | 12/30/25

The LeDuc Historic Estate hosted its second annual Winter Solstice event which welcomed visitors inside the estate for the occasion.

LeDuc hosts second-annual Winter Solstice event

For a second year, the LeDuc Historic Site opened its doors to visitors on the shortest day of the year for its second annual winter solstice event. The event started last year by former Site … more

By Graham P. Johnson | 12/30/25

Students and staff were excited to win the fundraising contest for Merchants Bank’s 10 days of giving for the third year in a row. Culvers sponsors the winning school’s rewards, custard for every student and lunch for the staff.

Pinecrest students lead the way in Merchants Bank 10 Days of Giving Campaign

Students at Pinecrest Elementary wrapped up this year’s Merchants Bank 10 Days of Giving campaign with smiles, celebration, and a well-earned custard treat from Culver’s, after once again leading … more

By Bruce Karnick | 12/22/25

This year’s Hastings Lights Tour is spread across three different routes: Sparkling Spruce Grotto, Santa's Warmup Lap, and Reindeers' Runway. The full list of addresses and map can be found on the City of Hastings’ website.

Hastings Light show tour brings holiday cheer

The 2025 Hastings light show tour is officially up! Spread across three different routes, homes and businesses decorated for the holidays can be found across the city ready for viewing. From string … more

By Graham P. Johnson | 12/17/25

The Gutsch family had a picture with Santa on the stage.

O-W Booster Club Santa Day and Craft Show

The O-W Booster Club held another successful Santa Day and Craft Show on Saturday, December 13. The gym, Forward Center, IMC, and hallways at the Owen-Withee School were full of vendors. About 16 … more

By Cindy Cardinal | 12/17/25

Resident Andy Bauer shared video and photos of the CPKC Holiday Train from his place in the Lake Isabel Flats Apartments as it approached downtown Hastings. The apartments provide a unique vantage point to see events going on in downtown.

CPKC Holiday Train donates $4,500 to Hastings Family Service

Windchills into the negative 20s did not stop a crowd from gathering in and around Depot Park for the Canadian Pacific Kansas City Holiday train’s annual stop in Hastings. Bundled beneath … more

By Graham P. Johnson | 12/16/25

The Hastings Prescott Art Council hosted its annual gala at The Confluence Hotel last week, raising over $40,000 to support next year’s programming and art grants.

HPAC Gala raises $40,000 for 2026 programming

The Hastings Prescott Art Council (HPAC) celebrated its annual gala last Sunday, raising just over $40,000, which allows for several programs next year “to be already funded,” said HPAC … more

By Graham P. Johnson | 12/16/25

The CPKC Train is set to arrive in Hastings on Dec. 12 at 8:45 p.m. Attendees are asked to bring a non-perishable food item

Holiday Train to arrive in Hastings Dec 12 at 8:45 p.m.

The Canadian Pacific Kansas City Holiday Train is already en route to Hastings! Residents can expect the train to stop in town this Friday, December 12 around 8:45 p.m. As usual, the free event … more

12/9/25

The City of Hastings and the City of Prescott will be awarded the Arts Hero Award by the Hastings Prescott Arts Council.

Hastings Prescott Arts Council Arts Heroes announce 2025 recipients

Hastings Prescott Arts Council Arts Heroes announce 2025 recipients In advance of the Sunday, Dec. 14 Hastings Prescott Arts Council (HPAC) Gala at The Confluence, HPAC’s Arts Heroes are … more

11/27/25

The Raider Dance team competed at their first meet of the season where they placed second in the Jazz routine behind perennial dance powerhouse Two Rivers.

Raider Dance Team earns second place at first contest of the season

The Raider Dance Team opened its 2025-26 season on a high note, taking second in Varsity Jazz at its first competition of the year. The meet focused solely on jazz routines, and Hastings delivered a … more

By Bruce Karnick | 11/27/25

Four Hastings players modeled the new jerseys designed by the Prairie Island Indian Community and Hastings Hockey Association. (L to R): Boys head coach Matt Klein, Lukas Niederkorn, Carter Hanson, Prairie Island Tribal Council Treasurer Michael Childs Junior, Allison Werner, Sophie Thorkelson, Girls head coach Jim Joseph.

Treasure Island hosts jersey reveal party for Hockey Day MN 2026

Treasure Island Resort and Casino had the warm hum of a midseason celebration on Thursday, November 20, as the Hockey Day Minnesota (HDM) 2026 Committee and the Prairie Island Indian Community hosted … more

By Bruce Karnick | 11/26/25

Ring in the Season with the Hastings Community Band's Annual Christmas Concert

The festive spirit is set to soar as the River Valley Band prepares to host its annual Christmas concert, an event designed to usher in the holiday season with a delightful mix of traditional carols … more

11/26/25