Two verified Brainerd Lakes plans bookend the midweek: a lunchtime chili cook-off in Brainerd today, and the Northland Arboretum Haunted Trail opening tomorrow night in Baxter.
Lakes Area United Way Chili Cook-Off (today)
The Lakes Area United Way Annual Chili Cook-Off is Wednesday, Oct. 14, 2026, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the Northern Pacific Center, 1511 Northern Pacific Road, Brainerd.
This year’s theme is “Community Heroes.” Admission is $10 and includes samples from participating teams plus dessert. The Brainerd Dispatch and the United Way both report that local firefighters, law enforcement, EMS, dispatch and corrections personnel can attend free through a Lakes Area Heroes partnership. Proceeds support Lakes Area United Way and its partner programs.
Haunted Trail opens Thursday in Baxter
The Northland Arboretum’s Haunted Trail runs Thursday–Saturday, Oct. 15–17, from 7:00–9:00 p.m. at 14250 Conservation Drive, Baxter. Tickets and scare-level options are on the Arboretum’s event page and TicketSignup.
Sources: Lakes Area United Way — Chili Cook-Off; Brainerd Dispatch — Chili Cook-Off; Explore Brainerd Lakes — Chili Cook-Off; Northern Pacific Center; Northland Arboretum — Haunted Trail 2026; TicketSignup — Haunted Trail 2026. Checked Oct. 14, 2026.
We do our best to keep these details accurate, but dates, times and locations can change. Please check with the venue or organizer before you go.
Music by illuminet: Watch “Choose Love” (official music video) by Seven No 6 on the illuminet Creative YouTube channel.
Brainerd Lakes Area Buzz is brought to you by Dan DeMark, Realtor | LPT Realty (goldenrulerealestateservices.com), illuminet and StarShot.
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