What Hastings Is Talking About Today (DOWNTOWN Edition ▲ July 21, 2025)

Rivertown Days 2025. Image by HastingsNow.com/ashley

Hey neighbor! Summer in downtown Hastings is humming with group support, steamy mugs and cool pints, spirited games and galleries, plus more quirky news from Rivertown Days. Grab a lemonade and explore what’s making locals smile today.

Community & Wellness

All Recovery Group brings people together

An open group at Rise Up Recovery invites anyone touched by addiction to meet every Friday and Saturday at 10 AM. Participants share journeys, find encouragement and discuss everything from early sobriety to personal growth. The group fosters a safe space to connect and heal. Whether you’re just starting or supporting a loved one, the organizers “welcome you with open arms”.

👉 Link: Rise Up Recovery

A support group for healthier relationships

Romance and friendship can be complicated, especially after addiction. Rise Up Recovery also hosts a weekly group to break cycles of toxic relationships and co‑dependency. Participants gather Thursdays at 4 PM to share stories and learn strategies for building healthier connections. The warm environment encourages mutual support and self‑love, helping people navigate those tricky bonds with grace.

👉 Link: Rise Up MN

IV therapy and a money tornado at the festival

Between craft fair stalls and carnival rides, The Integrated Body Center offered festival‑goers a quirky wellness break. Staff demonstrated IV drips like Quench and Repair & Recover to hydrate visitors before the night’s fun. In a lighthearted twist, they set up a “money tornado” where participants could step inside, grab flying vouchers and spin a prize wheel for giveaways and discounts. The live events turned wellness into an attraction and introduced many locals to hydration therapy.

👉 Link: The Integrated Body Center

Local Buzz & Eats

Froth & Cork brings their coffeehouse wheels to Little Log House

After a busy weekend serving espresso and treats downtown, mobile café Froth & Cork announced its next stop: the Little Log House Pioneer Village Show just ten minutes south of Hastings. The owners invite everyone to “step back in time” at this annual fair, offering coffee, smoothies and community vibes. Patrons are encouraged to share memories of past visits to the historic village and to bring their families for a nostalgic outing.

👉 Link: Froth & Cork

Spiral Brewery hosts a hydration pop‑up

On Sunday, Spiral Brewery partnered with wellness outfit Beyond Remedi to help festival‑goers recover from the heat. Visitors could sip craft beer while receiving hydration therapy at the taproom. The pop‑up, running until 4 PM, promised relaxation and relief from summer fatigue. Organizers encouraged patrons to support local breweries and try the unique combination of pints and IV therapy.

👉 Link: Spiral Brewery

Rivertown Days car show, carnival and sweet treats

Hastings Family Service captured the festive spirit with an update from Rivertown Days. They urged families to watch the YMCA Duck Race on the Vermillion River, then stroll downtown for a classic car show, carnival rides, music and food trucks. The nonprofit recommended trying the deep‑fried brownie pops at G&G food truck for an indulgent treat. The post radiated excitement for community fun and encouraged everyone to experience everything the festival had to offer.

👉 Link: Hastings Family Service

G&G Petite Sweets Deep‑fried brownie pops at Rivertown Days 2025. Image by HastingsNow.com/ashley

Events & Entertainment

Rubber ducks race down the Vermillion

The beloved YMCA Duck Race splashed into action as hundreds of yellow rubber ducks floated down the Vermillion River. Festivities began at 1:00 PM, with the main race starting at 1:30 PM. Participants purchased raffle tickets for a chance to win prizes, cheering on their adopted ducks along County Road 46 near 31st Street. The event, part of Rivertown Days, raised funds for youth programs and energized the crowd with community spirit and playful competition.

👉 Link: The Studio Downtown

“Anything Goes” sets sail with discounts and previews

Community theater fans were thrilled as Black Dirt Theater promoted its upcoming production of Anything Goes. Cast members performed preview numbers at the Rivertown Days Arts & Crafts Fair and encouraged visitors to stop by their booth. A special promo code “RTD2025” offered $2 off tickets through Sunday midnight. The show opens July 25 and runs through August 2 at Hastings High School, bringing classic Broadway tunes and high‑seas hijinks to local audiences.

👉 Link: Black Dirt Theater

Disc golfers chase an ace pot

Rivertown Days introduced its Second Annual Disc Golf Tournament, drawing teams to compete for prizes, bragging rights and a growing ace pot on Hole 2. Organizers promised an even bigger event in year two, celebrating both competition and community. Participants were encouraged to bring their energy and enjoy friendly rivalry while supporting local sponsors. The tournament added an athletic element to the weekend’s festivities.

👉 Link: The Studio Downtown

Arts & Culture

Create your own masterpiece at a Paint‑by‑Numbers class

For those craving creativity, Miss Daisy’s Mercantile and Impressive Windows & Interiors hosted a Paint‑by‑Numbers class. Recent attendees described the experience as a blast filled with laughter, creativity and impressive masterpieces. The workshop welcomes beginners and seasoned artists alike, offering a low‑pressure, social setting where participants can unwind and produce floral‑themed artwork. Upcoming classes are filling fast, and organizers urge would‑be artists to reserve a seat.

👉 Link: Impressive Windows & Interiors

Wrap‑up

Downtown Hastings continues to buzz with life—from recovery groups offering hope, to caffeinated road trips and hydration pop‑ups, to car shows, duck races and disc golf. We’re savoring treats (hello, brownie pops), prepping for big musical theatre, and painting our own masterpieces. Your neighbors are making it all happen and inviting you to join the fun.

Remember, this “Local 10” is just a sample of today’s conversation; visit HastingsNow.com for the full list of stories and more community news. If you spot a misstatement or have a hot tip, drop us a line at HastingsNow.com/contact—our newsroom loves neighborly notes!