Entertainment - Hastings Journal

The view from above as the Spin Doctors were finishing their portion of the Rivertown Days concerts in downtown Hastings. The riverfront provides the perfect backdrop for the carnival rides and midway games.

The 45th annual Hastings Rivertown Days took place last weekend featuring carnival rides, craft fairs, events across the community and live music with Saturday headliner the Spin Doctors. While the … more

By Graham P. Johnson and Bruce Karnick | 7/25/24

The Miesville Fire Department held their first annual Water Wars Saturday afternoon in their parking lot. Eight teams from around the region competed in this fun event. The goal is to push the empty keg that is suspended on the cable with via a pulley to the opponent’s end of the ‘arena’ using the water from the fire hose.

Miesville holds first annual ‘Water Wars’

The history of fire departments having water wars is not well documented, but the rumor floating around the crowd at Miesville’s first annual ‘Water Wars’ event on Saturday was that … more

By Bruce Karnick | 7/25/24

American Association of University Women (AAUW) Wine Soirée IV

Wine Soirée IV is scheduled for Thursday, Aug. 8 at 5:30 pm at the Hastings Public House. This year’s theme is ‘A Taste of Tuscany’ Get ready for an amazing evening! Plan to … more

7/25/24

Crowds from the 2023 Rivertown Days gather downtown.

Spin Doctors headline Rivertown Days 2024

Rivertown Days has long been the biggest event on the Hastings calendar. Live music, a craft fair, carnival rides, and events from the medallion hunt to the car show draw residents from across the … more

By Graham P. Johnson | 7/17/24

The Hastings area Boy Scouts and Cub Scouts led the parade with their color guard.

Despite the threats of rain, Hastings shows up big for Fourth of July celebration

Mother Nature has been messing with the region a lot recently. Just as the flood waters were beginning to recede, more rain entered the forecast and threatened to put a damper on the Fourth of July … more

By Bruce Karnick | 7/11/24

Author Frank White alongside part of the black baseball exhibit at the Sibley Historic Site.

Dakota Co. Historical Society hosts Historian Frank White to discuss MN’s black baseball roots

On Friday, June 28, the Dakota County Historical Society hosted Frank White, author of They Played For the Love of The Game: Untold Stories of Black Baseball in Minnesota to speak about … more

By Graham P. Johnson | 7/4/24

Vermillion State Bank, the longtime fireworks show sponsor, is proud to bring the Fourth of July celebration to Hastings each and every year. The show typically lasts 20-25 minutes and is held at Hastings Public House on the Hastings Golf Club course, which is the best spot to view the show.

Fourth of July fun includes parade, fireworks

What is happening on the Fourth of July in Hastings and the surrounding area? It is a good bet that there will be a lot of celebrating this great country’s independence with friends and family! … more

By Bruce Karnick | 6/27/24

Twelfth Night: Theatrical Performance in the Park

The Hastings Arts and Culture Commission is excited to announce a theatrical performance in the park. The Classical Actors Ensemble presents Twelfth Night by William Shakespeare, directed by Joseph … more

6/20/24

Hastings Family Aquatic Center Opens June 7

Opening Day for the Hastings Family Aquatic Center is Friday, June 7, 12:00 Noon to 7:00 p.m.! Don’t forget to buy your season pass or punch card in advance: Stop by the pool from 7:00 … more

6/7/24

Treasure Island Resort & Casino hosts Minnesota Timberwolves playoff watch parties featuring local media personalities and playoff ticket giveaways

For the first time in 20 years, the Minnesota Timberwolves have advanced to the Western Conference Finals where the team will take on the Dallas Mavericks. To celebrate, Treasure Island Resort & … more

5/23/24

Hastings Memorial Day observances planned throughout community

Hastings Community Memorial Observances are planned for Monday, May 27, 2024, at the Minnesota Veterans Home, Roadside Park, Soldiers and Sailors Cemetery, and the Veterans Memorial at Levee Park. … more

5/22/24

Hastings Veteran - ‘Concertinaguy’ - chosen to attend the National Veterans Creative Arts Festival

Hastings Air Force Veteran Gary Erickson has been selected as a first-place winner in the 2023 National Veterans Creative Arts Competition. Erickson will be playing the Concertina at the 43rd … more

By John McLoone | 5/16/24

The Lions presented a $3,000 donation to Helping Paws. From left are Tony Craidon of Helping Paws, Hastings Rivertown Lions Linda Molenda, Joann Vaughn and Mike Molenda, and Alyssa Golob of Helping Paws.

Rivertown Lions donate $3,000 Helping Paws

The Hastings Rivertown Lions donated $3,000 to Helping Paws, a Twin City Assistance Dog organization which has a Certification in training dogs to work with veterans who suffer from Post-Traumatic … more

5/16/24

Hootenany 15 Raises over $20,000 for local school music programs.

The last Saturday in April for many is a time to get out and get things ready for summer. For those in Hastings, it’s time to HOOT it up at the Hootenany. To what? The who? The Hootenany. … more

By Bruce Karnick | 5/2/24

Senior Expo set for May 8

Hastings area seniors, take note! The Hastings Senior Expo will be held on Wednesday, May 8 from 5-7 p.m. at the Tilden Community Center. Admission to the event is free and it will be an opportunity … more

Staff Report | 5/2/24

‘Well, That’s Funny’

The Hastings High School spring theater production is something new this year. Under the direction of four seniors, along with Janelle Ranek and Molly McElroy co-directing and mentoring, along with … more

5/2/24

Hastings River Valley Band Concludes its Season

Spring has finally sprung, and music is in the air as the River Valley Band concludes its 12th season. The band invites you to a FREE concert on Sunday, May 5t at 1 p.m. at Hastings Middle School … more

4/24/24

Benefit concert April 21 at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church

A benefit concert will be held Sunday, April 21 at 3 p.m. at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in Hastings. The concert will, in part, benefit organizations that serve refugees in Minnesota. The … more

4/10/24

The Spin Doctors will headline the Saturday night lineup at Hastings Rivertown Days, held in downtown Hastings from July 19-21. The alternative rock band had several big hits in the 1990s.

Rivertown Days 45th anniversary lineup announced

This year is the 45th anniversary of Rivertown Days, the largest festival of the year in the area, organized annually by the Hastings Area Chamber of Commerce & Tourism Bureau. There’s lot … more

Staff Report | 3/27/24

Kiss Me Once: Stories from the Homefront

HASTINGS, Minn. – The Hastings Concert Association Board of Directors will be hosting a Food and Fund Drive to benefit Hastings Family Service at a concert on March 14 at the Hastings Middle … more

3/13/24