FEE: Free

Art & Craft Affair 2026

Saturday, August 8, 2026 | 9:00 AM–4:00 PM | Railroad Park, Battle Lake, MN

Celebrate creativity at the 2026 Art & Craft Affair, a beloved Battle Lake tradition presented by the Art of the Lakes Association. Since 1977, this one-day event has brought together artists, makers, and visitors for a day of shopping, discovery, and community in downtown Battle Lake.

Held annually on the second Saturday in August, the Art & Craft Affair features approximately 80 vendors offering original handmade art and fine crafts, attracting nearly 5,000 visitors each year. In addition to artist booths, attendees can enjoy food and beverages, a farmers market, creative activities for kids, and a welcoming atmosphere for all ages.

Location:
Railroad Park
MN Highway 78 & County Road 83
Battle Lake, MN

FEE: $30 Member, $35 Non-Member
$25 Member, $30 Non-Member by July 29
​MN State Park pass required for entry

Exploring Glendalough With a Camera

Instructors: Jackie Henning, Greg Gerhart
Glendalough State Park
August 12, 9:00am - 11:30am

Join Jackie Henning, Greg Gerhart, and other photographers from the Evansville Arts Coalition as they take you through Glendalough State Park to their favorite photo spots. Jackie will have "point & shoot" cameras for your use or bring your own camera, cell phone, and equipment. Learn techniques & tips for taking great photographs from the local experts. All skill levels are welcome! Meet at the old lodge dining hall. Students under 16 need to be accompanied by a parent.

FEE: $35 Member, $40 Non-Member
$30 Member, $35 Non-Member by July 30
A $20 materials fee is due to instructor at class

Pies! Pies Pies!

Instructor: Kate Mudge
First Lutheran Church Kitchen
August 13, 4:00pm - 7:00pm

What if you could cut into your pie knowing…
It will taste nostalgic—like home, like a hug from your grandma’s kitchen. A deep golden butter-and-shortening crust, tender and flaky, layered just right and filled with the flavors of summer.

In this hands-on class, you’ll learn how to make a reliable, delicious pie crust from scratch, create a perfectly balanced fruit filling, and prepare a luscious summer cream pie. We’ll share practical tips and “baker’s secrets,” including blind baking and a few tips that make all the difference.

You’ll leave with one finished pie of your own creation—and an extra crust you’ve prepared yourself, ready to fill and bake at home. If time permits, we'll also cover hand pies and "pie crust cookies.

FEE: $50 Member, $55 Non-Member
$45 Member, $50 Non-Member by August 7
$5 for materials payable to instructor at class

Chip Wood Carving

Instructor: Joe Hauger
Art of the Lakes Gallery
August 21, 10:00am - 4:30pm

This will be an introductory class into the fun art of chip carving. Chip carving involves taking small chips out of a flat piece of wood to make a geometric design, and is one of the easiest forms of woodcarving for beginners to try. It can also be used to embellish things like wooden spoons.

In this class, students will learn basics such as laying out a design and keeping the knife sharp, then will work on a practice board to learn basic chip carving cuts. Students will have the opportunity to finish a small project such as a coaster or Christmas ornament to take home. No prior woodcarving experience needed, but as with other types of carving some degree of hand grip strength is necessary. Experienced carvers are welcome as well. Tools are available to use during this class.

FEE: Free (Freewill offering appreciated)

1st Annual Eagle Lake Summer Concert Series – The Purple Hulls

Wednesday, August 26, 2026 | 6:00 PM | Eagle Lake Lutheran Church, Battle Lake, MN

The 1st Annual Eagle Lake Summer Concert Series concludes with a performance by The Purple Hulls, identical twin sisters Katy Lou and Penny Lea Clark. Their authentic, uplifting acoustic sound blends bluegrass, Americana, and folk music, earning audiences across the United States and Europe.

The evening begins with performances by local Eagle Lake musicians at 6:00 PM, followed by The Purple Hulls at 6:30 PM.

Bring a lawn chair and enjoy an evening of live music in a beautiful outdoor setting. Free ice cream floats will be available, and a freewill offering supports future concert programming. Concerts will move indoors if weather requires.

Location:
Eagle Lake Lutheran Church
15456 County Highway 81
Battle Lake, MN 56515

FEE: $15 Member, $20 Non-Member |$10 Member, $15 Non-Member by August 13
Supply fee of $15 payable to instructor at class

3D Pumpkin Needle Felting

Instructor: Jill Beithon
Art of the Lakes Gallery
August 27, 1-4 PM

Join Jill as she takes you through the process of creating 3D pumpkins to use in your fall decor. Participants will create up to 3 small felted pumpkins. Beginners and participants of all skill levels are welcome!

FEE: Adults $20 | Children $5

Woodstack – Benefit Concert for the Prospect House & Civil War Museum

Saturday, September 19, 2026 | 5:00–9:00 PM

Celebrate the music and spirit of Woodstock at Woodstack, a benefit concert supporting the Prospect House & Civil War Museum in Battle Lake.

Enjoy an evening of live music featuring Darren Quam & Friends, performing sounds inspired by Woodstock. Food and drinks will be available from The Shoreline, and guests are encouraged to get into the spirit of the evening with hippie attire.

Bring your own lawn chair and settle in for an evening of music while supporting the Prospect House & Civil War Museum.

Date: Saturday, September 19, 2026
Time: 5:00–9:00 PM
Location: 403 Lake Ave. N., Battle Lake, MN
Admission: Adults $20 | Children $5

Hippie attire encouraged!

FEE: $10 Member, $15 Non-Member | $5 Member, $10 Non-Member by September 21
Supply fee of $35 payable to instructor at class

Winter Scene on Light-Up Ornament Using Alcohol Ink

Instructor: Sue Kalseim
Art of the Lakes Gallery
October 5, 6-8 PM

Impress your friends by making this light-up alcohol ink ornament. Join Sue Kalseim and make this beautiful ornament that you'll be proud to hang on your tree or give as a gift.

FEE: $45 Member, $50 Non-Member | $40 Member, $45 Non-Member by Sept. 22
$5 materials fee payable to instructor at class

Let's Make Lefse!

with Sandra Thimgan
October 6, 4:30 - 7:30 PM
First Lutheran Church kitchen, Battle Lake

Using the recipe from Battle Lake’s champion lefse maker, Ruth Ukkelberg, Sandy Thimgan will teach you to make lefse with ease. Using potato flakes (they are REAL potatoes, by the way) that lend consistency to the recipe. No worries about how much moisture is in this year’s potato crop, whether more or less flour will be needed, no more boiling pans of water, mashing, ricing… just mix it together and it is perfect every time. Let’s make lefse!

(This class will be repeated in November if the October date does not work for you.)

FEE: $50 Member, $55 Non-Member
$45 Member, $50 Non-Member by Oct. 24
$5 materials fee payable to instructor at class

Snowman Woodcarving and Paint

Instructor: Joe Hauger
Art of the Lakes Gallery
November 7, 9:30am - 4:00pm

It's that time of the year for winter fun! What better way to start the season than with a woodcarving lesson of a snowman. Joe Hauger will introduce the best and safest knife stroke techniques as well as give you a chance to try different carving knives. We'll briefly touch on topics including carving "with the grain", how to keep the knife sharp, and painting techniques. Knives & gloves provided by the instructor, but feel free to bring your own carving tools. ("Flat plane" style carving knives will work best.) Students will get to take home a completed snowman about the size of a pop can.

This class is open to all adults, and minors 12 & older if accompanied by an adult. (The adult wouldn't need to pay if he/she does not carve.)

FEE: $45 Member, $50 Non-Member | $40 Member, $45 Non-Member by Sept. 22
$5 materials fee payable to instructor at class

Let's Make Lefse!

with Sandra Thimgan
November 18, 10:30 AM - 1:30 PM
First Lutheran Church kitchen, Battle Lake

Using the recipe from Battle Lake’s champion lefse maker, Ruth Ukkelberg, Sandy Thimgan will teach you to make lefse with ease. Using potato flakes (they are REAL potatoes, by the way) that lend consistency to the recipe. No worries about how much moisture is in this year’s potato crop, whether more or less flour will be needed, no more boiling pans of water, mashing, ricing… just mix it together and it is perfect every time. Let’s make lefse!

(This class is available in October if the November date does not work for you.)

FEE: $50 Member, $55 Non-Member | $45 Member, $50 Non-Member by Nov. 21

Hannukah Latkes & Traditions

with Kim Konikow
December 5, 12-3 PM
First Lutheran Church kitchen, Battle Lake

Make and eat! Share Jewish traditions from Hannukah, the Festival of Lights, including stories, songs and making latkes (potato pancakes), then join in a community meal.