City of Hastings Community Halloween Party 2026. Image by HastingsNow.
Early-voting hours, children’s winter coats and a Gobble Gait deadline lead today’s updates, followed by Raiders recognition, seasonal business changes and November plans.
Saturday, October 31, 2026 | 10 a.m. Central
Weather + On This Date
Hastings is expecting a cloudy Halloween with a high near 58°F, a 50% chance of daytime rain and southeast winds around 5 mph. Saturday night stays mostly cloudy with a low around 50°F; read the October 31 Weather + On This Date companion for today’s weather and history.
For Saturday, October 31, several useful local updates come with a clock or a change in routine: a weekend voting window, a short coat distribution and a registration deadline tonight.
This edition begins with those immediate decisions, then looks ahead to November dates and seasonal changes around Hastings. Each item includes a source link to help you take the next step.
TOP 3 TODAY
1. Weekend early voting is available at Hastings City Hall
Eligible voters who live within the city of Hastings can vote early at Hastings City Hall, 101 Fourth Street East, from 9 a.m.–3 p.m. on Saturday, October 31, and Sunday, November 1.
The Dakota County Administration Center, 1590 Highway 55 in Hastings, offers the same weekend hours for eligible voters from anywhere in Dakota County. Choose the location that serves your residence: City Hall’s option is for Hastings city voters, while the county location serves voters countywide. Review Dakota County’s early-voting locations and eligibility information before your visit.
2. Free children’s winter coats available October 31 at SEAS Church
Families seeking children’s winter coats can attend Coats for Kids on Saturday, October 31, from 11 a.m.–12:30 p.m. at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Church, 2035 15th Street West. Knights of Columbus Council 1600 will distribute free coats in sizes from 12 months through teen XL.
Hastings Family Service is sponsoring winter accessories. All are welcome, and no appointment is required; coats and accessories are available while supplies last.
3. Gobble Gait early-bird pricing ends October 31 at 11:59 p.m.
Gobble Gait image by HastingsNow.
Runners and walkers planning to join Hastings’ November 26 Gobble Gait have until 11:59 p.m. Central on Saturday, October 31, to register at early-bird prices. The event benefits Hastings Family Service.
Early-bird registration is $40 for the 8K, $25 for the 2K or $40 for the Family 2K. The family option covers up to six family members in the same household. Visit the official Gobble Gait information and registration page to choose an option before the deadline.
Local 10 infographic by HastingsNow.com
MORE TO KNOW
4. Rivertown Treasures holds its last regular Saturday opening before winter hours
Rivertown Treasures in Hastings is open Saturday, October 31, from 10 a.m.–3 p.m., before its winter Saturday closures begin November 7.
Two special Saturday shopping dates remain on the schedule: November 28 and December 12, both from 10 a.m.–3 p.m. Check the Rivertown Treasures hours and shopping information when planning a visit.
5. Three Raiders earn individual state cross-country berths
Hastings Raiders Athletics has recognized Clara Hochmuth, Elliana Lucking and David Tireman as individual state cross-country qualifiers. The state meet is scheduled for Saturday, November 7.
Raiders families, friends and supporters can read the school-athletics announcement recognizing the three qualifiers.
6. Youngren’s downtown storefront will close December 31; his creative work will continue
David Youngren inside Youngren Art Studio in downtown Hastings, MN. Image by HastingsNow.
David Youngren has announced that his downtown Hastings storefront will close December 31, 2026, as he moves his creative work to a dedicated home studio. He plans to continue photographing the community and sharing his artwork on Facebook.
Customers and followers can read Youngren Art Studio’s original announcement and follow the page for updates about special studio liquidation sales before the storefront’s final day.
7. United Heroes League offers SCHEELS Rink reservations for the coming season
Teams, leagues and event organizers can request ice time at United Heroes League’s SCHEELS Rink, 2800 Ravenna Trail in Hastings. The 2026–27 rink rental page lists a rate of $290 for 60 minutes.
Youth and high-school teams, adult leagues, and tournament or event organizers can use the page’s ice-time request link to inquire about a reservation. Specific available slots must be confirmed through the reservation process.
8. Whistling Well’s main farm ends its season October 31; Red Barn continues
Whistling Well Farm says Saturday, October 31, is the main farm’s final day of the season, with pumpkins and apples available at the farm store. Its season update also confirms that the Red Barn will continue operating daily from 9 a.m.–5 p.m. until Thanksgiving.
The farm is at 8973 St. Croix Trail South in Hastings. Visit Whistling Well Farm’s information page when planning your stop.
9. Order Hastings Hockey apparel through November 8
Hockey families and fans can order from the current Hastings Hockey apparel shop through Sunday, November 8, at 11:59 p.m. Central. The collection includes hoodies, jackets, caps and winter hats, with printed and embroidered designs.
Personalization is advertised, with additional charges potentially applying. Review sizing and Lettermen Sports’ ordering FAQs before purchasing: custom products are not returnable or exchangeable.
10. Wexford plans a free wedding show for November 8
People planning weddings and their accompanying guests can visit The Wexford’s wedding show on Sunday, November 8, from noon–4 p.m. at The Wexford at Emerald Greens, 14425 Goodwin Avenue in Hastings.
Admission is free. The official event page also offers prize registration for visitors.
If you only click one
Start with the City of Hastings’ early-voting guide if you are deciding when and where to vote this weekend. It is the responsible local source for the City Hall option and gives Hastings city voters a practical place to check the details before making the trip.
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