Entertainment - Hastings Journal

Hastings residents celebrated National Parks and Recreation Month at the Party in the Park that featured recreational activities from around the Hastings community.

Party in the Park celebrates Hastings rec activities

Lines for facepainting, henna art and balloon animals stretched across Levee Park during the Party in the Park on Tuesday, July 8. The event celebrated National Parks and Recreation Month and focused … more

By Graham P. Johnson | 7/16/25

The 27-foot-long Wienermobile turns heads outside Cub Foods in Hastings during its cross-country tour stop. The rolling hot dog, with its gleaming mustard-yellow bun and friendly “Frankfurters” on board, made for an unmissable summer photo op.

Oscar Mayer Wienermobile visits Hastings Cub

So many of us remember the commercial song “My bologna has a first name…” in fact, you probably completed it before continuing to read, and that’s just fine, but why did that … more

By Bruce Karnick | 7/16/25

Marian Winter holding her miniature model of the Henry Sibley House.

DAKOTA COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY TO HOST SEASONAL MINIATURES EXHIBIT AT SIBLEY HISTORIC SITE

SOUTH ST. PAUL – The Dakota County Historical has opened a new seasonal exhibit called “Crafting History: The Marian B Winter Collection” at the Sibley Historic Site. The exhibit is … more

Submitted by Dakota County Historical Society | 7/16/25

The Luxury Hillbilly Hideaway Podcast Hosts Bullet (L) and Lux (R) were invited to Hastings Golf Club as Celebrity Beverage Cart Boys for the clubs Thursday night group called “Gals on the Greens”. The two will be donating the tips earned during their time on the beverage cart to a local charity.

The Luxury Hillbilly Hideaway Podcast gives back

What started as two friends hanging out in a garage has turned into a successful podcast featuring humor, emotion and local Hastings businesses. The Luxury Hillbilly Hideaway Podcast is a great blend … more

By Bruce Karnick | 7/16/25

National Night Out planned for Aug. 5

The City of Hastings invites all community members to take part in National Night Out on Tuesday, Aug. 5 joining neighbors across the country in strengthening community ties and promoting public … more

7/16/25

Hastings downtown will soon be overrun with carnival rides, food trucks, and music-lovers of all stripes.

'It’s something you don’t want to miss;’ What's new for Rivertown Days 2026

While the preparation for Hastings Rivertown Days takes the majority of the year, the runup to the event is when the rubber hits the road for Hastings Chamber of Commerce President Kirsty Barse: The … more

By Graham P. Johnson | 7/14/25

Fireworks lit up the sky over the Hastings Golf Club on July 4. The show is sponsored annually by Vermillion Bank.

Celebrating the Fourth of July, Hastings style

This year’s Fourth of July celebration was the 249th anniversary of the United States. Hastings was filled with private parties and their own fireworks shows in between the Hastings Golf Club … more

By Bruce Karnick | 7/10/25

Cast members review music for Black Dirt’s Anything Goes which opens July 25 at 7 p.m.

Black Dirt’s ‘Anything Goes’ takes shape

Actors ran lines and practiced blocking during week four of rehearsals for Black Dirt Theater’s “Anything Goes” even as the set was being built up around them. Cole Porter’s … more

By Graham P. Johnson | 7/10/25

The Dakota County Historical Society begins its celebrations for the upcoming 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence with a 14-part presentation series on American History starting July 17.

Dakota County Historical Society unveils America’s 250th Lecture Series

In preparation for the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence which will occur on Aug. 2, 2026, Dakota County Historical Society has announced a 14-part presentation … more

Submitted by Dakota County Historical Society | 7/10/25

Dakota County Historical Society to host outdoor painting workshop

The Dakota County Historical Society will host an “En Plein Air” painting event at the Sibley Historic Site from noon to 4 p.m. Sunday, July 27. Admission for this event is $50 per … more

Submitted by Dakota County Historical Society | 7/10/25

‘Norman Rockwell & World War II Masculinity’

SOUTH ST. PAUL - Historical Society will host their “Mendota After Hours” presentation at the Sibley Historic Site at 6 p.m. Friday, July 18. The presentation “Norman Rockwell and … more

Submitted by Dakota County Historical Society | 7/10/25

The muralists have been working to paint top-to-bottom in order to avoid streaking due to recent heavy rains.

‘There is a real sense of home here;’ New Hastings mural takes shape

The weight of replacing the 26-year-old mural that has welcomed visitors downtown for a generation was not lost on muralists Dena Young and Kada Groalen. The final design that passersby can see … more

By Graham P. Johnson | 6/25/25

Brio Brass was the final act of six performances at the Rotary Pavilion at Levee Park in Hastings. Brio Brass played several different genres of music, Classic Rock, Pop, R&B and Jazz.

Make Music Day 2025 a success despite near record high temperatures

World Music Day 2025 was scheduled for June 21, 2025, and this is Hastings ninth annual year hosting, so they were not going to let the threat of some heat change their minds. Little did the event … more

By Bruce Karnick | 6/25/25

Hastings Police held an open house on Tuesday, May 13 on Sibley Street.

Hastings PD hosts public open house

Hastings Police blocked off Sibley Street and opened their doors on Tuesday, May 13 for their open house as part of Police Week in Hastings. The event showcased the equipment across Hastings Fire … more

By Graham P. Johnson | 5/23/25

Black Dirt Theater sets sail with a local star-studded cast for "Anything Goes"

This summer, the local stage will light up with toe-tapping tunes, comedic chaos, and classic Broadway flair as Black Dirt Theater announces the cast for its 2025 summer production of Anything Goes. … more

By Bruce Karnick | 5/14/25

Treasure Island team helping out!

Last week Treasure Island Resort & Casino employees were at the Carpenter St. Croix Valley Nature Center in Hastings for their new Island Impact social responsibility program. Over 30 Treasure … more

5/14/25

Jonah Conway played in the crowded Busted Nut during Saturday’s Hootenanny in downtown Hastings.

The 16th annual Hootenanny raises $21,000

From Country Road to Don’t Stop Believing to Learn to Fly, Second Street echoed with music for the 16th annual Hootenanny. The event provides live music across various bars, breweries and … more

By Graham P. Johnson | 4/30/25

Attendees sang “This Little Light of Mine” and other hymns at the Hops and Hymns event.

10 Years of music and art: Hastings Arts Center celebrates 10 years

The Hastings Arts Center celebrated its 10-year anniversary with events ranging from open mic nights to concerts to masses in the old Guardian Angels Church. Founded in 2014 to better house the piano … more

By Graham P. Johnson | 4/16/25

River Valley Band gears up for a spectacular ‘Pops Concert’

Hastings is buzzing with anticipation as the River Valley Band prepares to take the stage for its "Pops Concert". The concert, set to take place on Sunday April 27 at 1 p.m. at the Hastings Middle … more

4/16/25

‘Steamboats, Towboats, and River History Exhibition’ Will Open at the Prescott History Center on Saturday, May 3

"Steamboats, Towboats, and River History Exhibition" will be opening the weekend of May 3, 2025 at The Prescott History Center. It will bring Prescott’s river history to life through river … more

4/9/25