LOCAL 10: Walk-In Help, Raider Football and Local Savings
Autumn colors frame The Confluence Hotel and Missi’s Sip & Savor in downtown Hastings, Minnesota, with the iconic orange arches of the Hastings Bridge rising above the historic riverfront building. AI-enhanced illustration based on an original photograph of The Confluence Hotel and Hastings Bridge by HastingsNow.
From Wednesday's walk-in assistance and an undefeated Raiders matchup to family deadlines, local fundraisers and shopping opportunities, here are ten useful things to know around Hastings.
Wednesday, October 21, 2026 | Hastings, Minnesota
Today's weather + On This Date
Weather + On This Date by HastingsNow.com
After patchy early-morning fog, Hastings is forecast to enjoy sunshine Wednesday with a high near 70°F. Wednesday night should be mostly clear, with temperatures around 47°F; explore the forecast and three moments from history in Hastings, MN Weather + On This Date for October 21.
Good morning, Hastings!
Wednesday brings a practical mix of opportunities around town: a chance to speak directly with Dakota County assistance staff, a home football game with an undefeated Raiders team, and a family RSVP deadline worth catching before the day ends.
The days ahead also bring a Rotary fundraiser, a school giving campaign, local shopping offers and youth activities. Some opportunities happen today; others require a little planning.
Here is your LOCAL 10 for Wednesday, October 21.
TOP 3 TODAY
1. Walk-in Dakota County resource assistance available in Hastings today
Sometimes the hardest part of getting assistance is knowing where to begin.
On Wednesday, October 21, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Hastings Family Service is hosting a Dakota County Community Resource Centers drop-in at 301 Second Street E. Community members can stop by without an appointment.
Dakota County Family Financial Assistance staff and an on-site resource navigator will be available to answer questions, discuss available resources and help residents understand possible next steps.
For anyone unsure which program or service might fit their circumstances, the opportunity to ask questions in person could be especially useful. Assistance is available on-site, although eligibility and approval for individual programs are not guaranteed.
Good to know: No appointment is required. See Hastings Family Service's event details before visiting.
2. Undefeated Raiders host Mankato East in Wednesday football finale
The Hastings Raiders have one more regular-season game to play—and an undefeated record to protect.
Hastings enters Wednesday, October 21, at 7–0, hosting Mankato East in a 6 p.m. matchup. For Raiders supporters, it is another opportunity to gather around a team that has won each of its first seven games this season.
The football program is also promoting a pregame fan rally at Dugarel's beginning at 4 p.m., giving supporters an earlier opportunity to connect before kickoff.
The story heading into the evening is straightforward: can Hastings finish its regular season unbeaten?
Fans can watch the Raiders' original game announcement and review the pregame rally details from Hastings Football.
Good to know: Kickoff is scheduled for 6 p.m. Wednesday. Tickets and seating are not guaranteed by the announcement.
3. Wednesday is the RSVP deadline for Mass, Pizza & Play
Families with little ones have a gathering to consider this weekend, but Wednesday, October 21, is the RSVP deadline.
St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Parish is inviting families with children age five and younger to Mass, Pizza & Play on Saturday, October 24.
The gathering begins with 4:30 p.m. Mass, followed by pizza and playtime in Mother Seton Hall. It is designed specifically for families with young children.
Parents and caregivers interested in participating should consult the parish's original announcement for RSVP instructions.
Good to know: This is a family-focused gathering with an RSVP deadline, not an unrestricted public drop-in event.
Local 10 Infographic by HastingsNow.com
QUICK HITS: SEVEN MORE THINGS TO KNOW
4. Hastings Chamber Lunch Mob meets at Culver's today
Lunch can also be an opportunity to strengthen local business connections.
The Hastings Area Chamber of Commerce's October Lunch Mob takes place Wednesday, October 21, from noon to 1 p.m. at Culver's, 1713 Market Boulevard.
The informal gathering gives Chamber members a chance to meet, share ideas and support a local restaurant. Attendees purchase their own lunch.
Good to know: This is a Chamber-oriented networking gathering. See the official event listing for participation information.
5. Hastings Rotary rose fundraiser approaches October 22–23 deliveries
A bouquet can brighten someone's week while supporting local service efforts.
The Hastings Area Rotary Club's annual flower sale is underway, with deliveries planned for Thursday and Friday, October 22–23, within Hastings city limits.
Traditional red roses are listed at $24.99 per dozen. One important update: Rotary's latest availability announcement says its mixed-color lollipop bouquets have sold out.
Good to know: Visit the official Rotary Flower Day page for ordering and delivery information, and use the newer announcement for availability updates.
6. Pine Harbor announces November 2–6 community giving week
Pine Harbor Christian Academy is looking ahead to a week of community support.
The school has announced its annual “Minute to Give It” giving week for November 2–6, 2026, inviting school families, alumni, friends and community supporters to follow the campaign as additional details become available.
For those who have a connection to the school, this is an early opportunity to learn about the upcoming effort.
Good to know: Follow Pine Harbor Christian Academy's original announcement. Specific donation methods and participation instructions have not yet been established in the announcement.
7. Rivertown Treasures offers 50% off select entertaining essentials
Preparing for holiday gatherings doesn't have to mean buying everything new.
Rivertown Treasures is advertising 50% off dinnerware, china sets and wine glasses as part of its current weekly promotion.
The thrift store is operated by Hastings Family Service, so shopping there also supports the organization's local programs.
Good to know: Selection depends on donated inventory, and an exact promotion end date has not been confirmed. Read the current sale announcement or learn more about Rivertown Treasures.
8. 2nd Street Depot promotes $5 off qualifying online orders
A downtown dining promotion may be worth a look before placing your next food order.
2nd Street Depot Bar & Grill is advertising $5 off online food orders of $30 or more with promo code Froogle.
The offer applies to qualifying online purchases, making the posted requirements important to review before ordering.
Good to know: An expiration date has not been confirmed, and successful application of the code has not been independently tested. Read the restaurant's original promotion for details.
9. Rivertown Eye Care hosts Friday fall frame event
Residents considering new eyewear have a special shopping opportunity coming up Friday.
Rivertown Eye Care's fall frame try-on event takes place October 23, from noon to 4 p.m., featuring eyewear from participating brands.
Shoppers can receive $150 off eligible complete pairs from the featured brands. The offer cannot be combined with insurance or other discounts, and the practice is requesting RSVPs by text.
Good to know: The discount does not apply to every frame or service. Visit Rivertown Eye Care's official website for qualifying terms and RSVP instructions, or watch the event announcement.
10. Hastings Dance Team registration remains open before Thursday meeting
For students interested in dance, teamwork and school spirit, the Hastings Dance Team Club has an upcoming start to its season.
The club is accepting registrations from eligible students in grades 7–12. Its current announcement identifies a parent meeting on Thursday, October 22, and the first practice on Monday, October 26.
Families should review the club's official school information for eligibility and registration guidance and consult the current Hastings High School announcement for the upcoming schedule.
Good to know: The parent meeting's time and location have not been confirmed in the announcement. This is a participant and family notice, not an invitation to a public performance.
If you only click one link today
Start with Hastings Family Service's October 21 Community Resource Centers drop-in. It offers residents a same-day opportunity to speak directly with Dakota County assistance staff and a resource navigator without making an appointment.
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