What Hastings Is Talking About Today (Downtown Edition ▲ August 2, 2025)
AI image by Local Pigeon.
Neighbors, there’s something about summer in Hastings that makes every story sparkle. From show tunes to bike rides, ice cream to big‑hearted bargains, our downtown is buzzing, and we’re here to spill the news with a grin all day long.
Arts & Culture
🎭 Anything Goes – Final performance takes its bow
Black Dirt Theater’s summer musical ends with a splash: Cole Porter’s Anything Goes wraps up its run with a final matinee at 2 p.m. on Saturday, August 2, at Hastings High School. The company has been performing the classic since July and still has seats available. Tickets range from $25 for adults to $10 for children under five; seniors and students enjoy discounted rates. The production—which mixes song, dance and a boatload of local talent—is licensed through Concord Theatricals, and the troupe reminds audiences that no videography is allowed. If you’ve been humming “You’re the Top” in your kitchen, this is your last chance to see the show live. As your neighbor, I’m telling you: don’t miss the boat!
👉 Link: Black Dirt Theater Facebook post
🍻 Live music & local brews at Spiral Brewery
Hastings’ own Spiral Brewery is invited everyone down to the taproom for live music. On Friday night, musician Daniel Roberts serenaded guests from 7–10 p.m.. The brewery suggested ordering a pint of your favorite local brew and settling in for an evening of #LiveMusic and #DrinkLocal camaraderie. There’s nothing like hearing a singer strum while Main Street hums outside, and the invitation to drink locally produced beer with friends gives Friday night an authentic Hastings feel. If you needed an excuse to kick off the weekend early, this was it.
👉 Link: Spiral Brewery Facebook post
Business & Food
🍨 Crème de la Crème gets a sweet community welcome
The sweet shop Crème de la Crème celebrated its opening night with a chorus of small‑business supporters. Owners of Legacy Hair Studio and Rivertown Barbers, along with friends, ended their casual Friday outing by sampling the desserts at Aubrey’s new venture. The shout‑out on social media shows how much our business community cheers each other on. This collective effort to indulge in gourmet treats after work is a reminder that downtown isn’t just for shopping; it’s for celebrating each other’s successes. Congratulations to Aubrey—we’re thrilled to have a new place to satisfy our sweet tooth!
👉 Link: Legacy Hair Studio Facebook post
🧸 Tippy’s Collectibles unleashes Funko Friday deals
Calling all collectors! Tippy’s Collectibles announced the final hour of its Funko Friday sale with jaw‑dropping discounts: 50 % off all Funko Pops under $50 and 25 % off those over $50. From Marvel heroes to classic Munsters, the store promises unique, autographed and chase figures at prices that won’t make your wallet cry. As fans know, Hastings’ pop‑culture hub is the place to find that elusive vinyl figurine—so if you’re a collector or have a kid who keeps begging for Groot, hustle over before the shelves are bare. Honestly, do you really need a reason to treat yourself?
👉 Link: Tippy’s Collectibles Facebook post
👗 Beloved Boutique’s End‑of‑Summer Customer Appreciation
Beloved Boutique is throwing a Customer Appreciation Bash on Saturday, August 16, and it’s pulling out all the stops. The boutique is offering a “5 for $50” deal on select items and 20 % off apparel while supplies last. They’re inviting shoppers to sip mimosas, browse new arrivals and celebrate the end of summer in style. Boutique owners say the sale is their way of thanking patrons for supporting local businesses. So mark your calendar, grab your bestie and come ready to score some bargains—because looking good doesn’t have to break the bank when your neighbors have your back.
👉 Link: Beloved Boutique Facebook page
Sports & Recreation
⚾ Legion state tournament wrap‑up
Hastings Post 47’s baseball team battled hard at the Legion state tournament, finishing with a 1‑2 record. Coaches praised the players for their sportsmanship and effort. Even though the boys didn’t bring home the trophy, the community is proud of their dedication and teamwork. If you see a player around town, give them a high‑five; they deserve it. As any athlete knows, it’s not always about the wins—it’s about the relationships built on the field. Go Raiders!
👉 Link: Legion state tournament Instagram post
🦃 Gobble Gait turns 27 and adds a new helper
It wouldn’t be Thanksgiving in Hastings without the Gobble Gait fun run, and the tradition turns 27 years old this year. Organizers Jay, Brian and Mayor Mary—known affectionately as “The Terrific Trio”—are joined by newcomer Matthew, who’s helping to make the 5K bigger and better. Proceeds support Hastings Family Service, and the organizers are thrilled to see participants of all ages join the pre‑turkey workout. If you’re looking to burn calories before the feast or just enjoy a scenic trot through downtown, this is your sign to lace up those sneakers. Gobble gobble!
👉 Link: Hastings Family Service Facebook post
Community & Wellness
🚲 Pedal 4 Recovery: a 2,700‑mile ride for healing
Hastings cyclist Ernest has embarked on Pedal 4 Recovery, a daring 2,700‑mile bike ride from Banff, Canada, to Antelope Wells, New Mexico. The ride traverses some of North America’s toughest dirt trails and aims to raise awareness for addiction recovery and mental health. Supporters can follow Ernest’s progress through a tracking website and are encouraged to tune into Rise Up Recovery’s updates. As someone who still gets winded riding up Ramsey Street, I find Ernest’s journey both humbling and inspiring. Let’s cheer him on and remember that every mile he pedals shines a light on those fighting personal battles.
👉 Link: Pedal 4 Recovery information
💉 Mobile Vaccine Clinic keeps Hastings healthy
Health and community go hand in hand, which is why Hastings Family Service has partnered with Dakota County Public Health to host a Mobile Vaccine Clinic on Monday, August 4, from 3:00–5:30 p.m.. The clinic at 301 2nd St. E offers free vaccinations to people of all ages—no appointment necessary. Organizers hope the event will make immunizations more accessible, particularly for children preparing for school. Bring your kids, grandparents and neighbors; vaccines help keep our town healthy so we can enjoy events like Gobble Gait and Funko Friday without worry.
👉 Link: Hastings Family Service event page
Partnerships & Fundraising
🚗 Car dealers team up with Rise Up Recovery to buy a van
Rise Up Recovery isn’t just organizing a bike ride; it’s also partnering with Hastings Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram and Hastings Ford for a nine‑day fundraising extravaganza. From July 25 through August 2, the dealerships offer food, prizes and bargains on nearly 400 vehicles, with $100 donated for every purchase and $20 for each test‑drive. The goal is to raise $10,000 to buy a van that will transport program participants to appointments and recovery meetings. It’s a brilliant example of local businesses using their clout for good. Stop by, enjoy the fun and help drive recovery forward—literally.
👉 Link: Rise Up Recovery fundraiser page
Conclusion
Our downtown is alive with music, sportsmanship, sweet treats and service. Whether you’re clapping along to Anything Goes, scooping up Funko Pops, cheering on Ernest’s epic ride or signing up for the Gobble Gait, remember that Hastings thrives when neighbors cheer each other on. For more stories like these, visit HastingsNow.com for the full LOCAL 10. If you spot a misstatement or have a hot tip, drop us a line at HastingsNow.com/contact—our newsroom loves neighborly notes!
