July 14-20, 2027 • Hackensack, Minnesota
Join us for Hackensack's beloved summer tradition started in 1952 honoring "The Lady by the Lake" Lucette Diana Kensack the sweetheart of Paul Bunyan.
Sweetheart Days has something for everyone! Flea Market, Lakeside Concert, Dachshund Derby, Duck Races, Car & Motorcycle Show, Food & Craft Vendors, Fireworks, Music Live on the Lawn, Cornhole Tournament, Sweetheart Days Parade and more.
2026 Schedule of Events
Wednesday, July 8
- All Day - Downtown businesses offer special sales and promotions
- 8:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. - Pancake Breakfast at Sacred Heart Catholic Church
- 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. - Pop-up Book Sale at the Hackensack Hub
- 6:00 p.m. - Bingo at the Hackensack Legion
Thursday, July 9
- 6:00 p.m. - Meat Raffle at the Hackensack Legion
Friday, July 10
- 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. - Community Coffee at the Hackensack Hub
- 5:00 - 7:00 p.m. - Lakeside Concert featuring Josh Duffee at Lions Pavilion, City Park
- 7:00 - 11:00 p.m. - Live music by Fool's Gold at the Hackensack Legion
Saturday, July 11 - Big Day of Fun
- 8:00 a.m. - Registration for Paws + Claws Furry 5K Run/Walk (Paul Bunyan Trail on Lake Avenue) • Race starts at 9:00 a.m.
- 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. - Lending Library Book Sale at Sun N Fun
- 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. - Craft Vendor Fair at City Park
- 11:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m. - Food trucks on 1st Street
- 12:00 p.m. - Dachshund Derby on the lawn by the 1st Street Pavilion
- 1:00 - 4:00 p.m. - Car & Motorcycle Show on 1st Street
- 2:15 p.m. - Duck Race registration at Boy River RV Park by Birchwood • Race at 2:45 p.m.
- 4:00 - 7:00 p.m. - Fire Department BBQ at the fire station
- 7:00 p.m. - Live music by Fool's Gold on the lawn by the 1st Street Pavilion
- Dusk - Fireworks over Birch Lake
Sunday, July 12
- 12:30 p.m. - Cornhole Tournament registration (near horseshoe pits by 1st Street Pavilion) • Play begins at 1:00 p.m.
Limited to 32 teams • $40 per team • Prizes: $300 / $200 / $100 - 1:00 - 3:00 p.m. - “Growing Up in Hackensack” at Rendezvous Brewing
- 5:00 p.m. - Meat Raffle at the Hackensack Legion
Monday, July 13
- 5:00 p.m. - Lions Meat Raffle at the Muni
- 5:00 p.m. - Dinner & Show at Union Congregational Church
Tuesday, July 14 - Parade Day
- 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. - Hackensack Hub Farmers Market
- 11:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. - Children's Fishing Contest at Birch Lake public dock
- 11:30 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. - Kids Games in City Park
- 4:00 - 8:00 p.m. - Food trucks on 1st Street
- 6:00 p.m. - Sweetheart Days Parade (1st Street from Whipple Avenue to Murray Avenue)
- 7:30 p.m. - Raffle Drawing at the Hackensack Legion
Parade Information
Sweetheart Days Parade — Tuesday, July 20, 2027 at 6:00 p.m.
Online pre-registration is recommended: Register here
Line-Up Details
- Line-up begins: 4:30 p.m.
- Be in line by: 5:00 p.m. to receive your number
Specific Group Line-Up Locations
- Color Guard, Lions & Grand Marshal
Line up on 1st Street at No Name and go North toward Whipple. - Fire, Police & First Responders
Line up on 1st Way behind the Coop (for emergency mobility). - General Floats
Line up on 1st Street at No Name and go South toward County Road 40.
First-come basis.
Schedule subject to change. For the most current information, visit the Hackensack Chamber of Commerce or contact the Chamber directly.
Come enjoy a classic Northwoods celebration — live music, fireworks, family activities, and the warm community spirit that makes Sweetheart Days special every year.