What Hastings Is Talking About Today (Arts Edition ▲ August 17, 2025)
Pictured: Hastings Prescott Arts Councils grand opening in historic downtown Hastings, Minnesota. Image by HastingsNow.com/ashley
The arts are alive in Hastings! From vintage cars on Second Street to new chorale voice‑screenings and pottery classes, our community is buzzing with creativity. Grab your calendar, because there are plenty of ways to sing, dance, paint and play this week.
News & Reviews
Black Dirt Theater Teases a Multiverse Take on Rosencrantz and Guildenstern (Black Dirt Theater)
Black Dirt Theater is preparing a fresh production of Tom Stoppard’s Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead. Director Steve Soler and his players are crafting an almost “multiverse” view of the play, combining colorful dialogue and innovative staging at Hastings Middle School in late September. The story follows Shakespeare’s side characters as they ruminate on existence while navigating the margins of Hamlet. Follow the theater’s social channels to watch rehearsals unfold and mark your calendar for the premiere.
👉 Link: Black Dirt Theater production update
Programs & Classes
Join the River Valley Chorale – Voice‑Screenings Ahead (HPAC)
The Hastings Prescott Arts Council (HPAC) is recruiting singers for the River Valley Chorale’s new season. Voice‑screenings are scheduled for August 28, August 30 and September 4, 2025 at HPAC’s Creative Space. Tenors and basses are especially needed, but all voices are welcome. The chorale offers a friendly, supportive environment for both experienced singers and newcomers. To sign up, visit the chorale’s website or follow the sign‑up link below. Auditions are free, and rehearsals begin later in September.
👉 Link: River Valley Chorale sign‑up
Ballroom Dance Classes Coming in September (Hastings Arts Center)
Have you ever wanted to learn ballroom dance? The Hastings Arts Center will offer ballroom dancing classes every Tuesday evening starting in September 2025. No partner is required, and instructor Cody Arndtson invites all ages to sign up. Classes take place at the Arts Center’s Creative Space on 2nd Street. For details or to reserve a spot, email arndtsonarts@gmail.com or call 651‑366‑7813 Spaces fill quickly, so don’t delay your two‑step!
👉 Link: Dance class event
Squeaky Wheel Pottery Unveils Fall & Winter Classes
The Squeaky Wheel Pottery studio is rolling out a full slate of hands‑on workshops for all ages. Mark your calendar for Grandkid & Grandparent Clay Date on September 7, Fall Favorites on September 15 and 28, Sweet Loaf Pans workshops on October 5 and November 17, MEA Kids Claytime on October 16, and Festive Evergreen Trees sessions running October through December. Projects range from pumpkins and ghosts to loaf pans and evergreen trees. Classes often sell out, so reserve your seat soon at the link below.
👉 Link: Squeaky Wheel Pottery classes
Paint Bold, Leave Inspired – January Watercolor Workshop (Andy Evansen)
Local watercolor master Andy Evansen invites artists to his popular “Bold & Beautiful Watercolors” workshop January 2026. A student testimonial calls Evensen’s 3‑day intensive “enlightening” and praises his down‑to‑earth teaching style. Participants receive lifetime access to recorded sessions and friendly moderator support on the Terracotta platform. Comment “BOLD” on the announcement post or visit the Terracotta website for details. Spaces are limited, so early registration is recommended.
👉 Link: Andy Evensen workshop announcement
Events & Key Dates
Historic Hastings Car Show Rolls Into Downtown (Historic Hastings Car Show)
Pictured: Historic Hastings Car Show. Image by HastingsNow.com/ashley
Polish your chrome and head downtown: the Historic Hastings Car Show returns on Sunday, August 17, 2025, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Second Street will be lined with classic cars and trucks from 1985 and earlier. The free, family‑friendly event features food trucks, a live DJ and plenty of vintage eye candy. Organizers are also seeking volunteers for the day. Bring your camera, grab a bite and enjoy one of Hastings’ biggest summer traditions.
👉 Link: Historic Hastings Car Show event
Save the Date: Coffee Concert & Main Event (Hastings Arts Center)
The Hastings Arts Center has teased its 2025‑2026 concert season. Mark your calendar for the first Tuesday Coffee Concert on September 23, 2025, at 10:30 a.m., followed by the first Main Event concert on Friday, October 24, 2025. Details on performers will be announced later this month, but the center promises an exciting lineup. Watch for ticket information and plan a fall morning of music and a special evening performance.
👉 Link: Hastings Arts Center concert season announcement
People & Community
New Brick‑and‑Mortar Fiber Shop Location on 2nd Street (MUSE2320 Fiber)
Textile lovers rejoice! MUSE2320 Fiber has moved to a new storefront in downtown Hastings. The brick‑and‑mortar shop is open Fridays and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sundays from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m.. Inside you’ll find yarn, fiber art supplies and handcrafted goods from local makers such as Alt Knots, Get Bentz Farm and Crafty Like A Monkey. Stop by to browse, meet fellow fiber enthusiasts and support small artisans.
👉 Link: MUSE2320 Fiber store post
Resources & Assistance
Support Local Arts: Hastings Arts Center Fundraiser for Concerts & Schools (HPAC)
The Hastings Arts Center is running a community fundraiser to boost its Coffee Concerts and Music and Munching programs in local schools. Every donation helps bring live music to residents of all ages. Contributions will fund artist fees, venue rentals and outreach efforts. If you believe in keeping the arts vibrant in Hastings, consider giving what you can. Visit Hastings Arts Center’s Facebook page for donation links and share the campaign with friends and neighbors.
👉 Link: HPAC fundraiser call
Book Your Newborn or Senior Photo Session Now (Kristen Calgaro Photography)
Kristen Calgaro Photography is booking newborn sessions for September 2025 through January 2026 and senior portraits for the Class of 2026. Prime time slots—especially golden‑hour evenings—fill quickly, so parents and families are encouraged to reserve now. Openings currently include two slots in September, two in October, one in November, two in December and four in January. Discounted associate‑photographer sessions are available for budget‑minded families. Contact the studio through their social posts to secure your date.
Capture precious milestones with a local artist who understands Hastings’ unique backdrops. For more local services and full LOCAL 10s, visit HastingsNow.com daily. If you spot a misstatement or have a hot tip, drop us a line at HastingsNow.com/contact—our newsroom loves neighborly notes!
