Winter Series 25/26

Outside the busy summer season, the Lakes Area Music Festival continues year-round with chamber music concerts in both Brainerd and Minneapolis. Single tickets on sale in early October!

Christmas at the Castle
Saturday, December 6, 2025, 6:00PM

Step into the magic of the season with Christmas at the Castle, a festive open house presented by the Lakes Area Music Festival. Gather inside the glowing halls of the historic Pillsbury Castle for an evening of warmth, wonder, and holiday cheer — a welcome escape from the snowy Minnesota night. Enjoy delicious food and …

LOVE'S CONSTANCY, with John Taylor Ward (Minneapolis)
Saturday, January 31, 2026, 7:30PM
LAMF artistic director John Taylor Ward and GRAMMY® winner Stephen Stubbs bring to life the music of 17th century composer Nicholas Lanier.
LOVE'S CONSTANCY, with John Taylor Ward (Brainerd)
Sunday, February 1, 2026, 3:00PM
LAMF artistic director John Taylor Ward and GRAMMY® winner Stephen Stubbs bring to life the music of 17th century composer Nicholas Lanier.
THALEA PLAYS RAVEL (Minneapolis)
Saturday, February 28, 2026, 7:30PM
The Thalea String Quartet explores the sounds and textures that inspired Ravel’s masterful string quartet in a performance that celebrates the rich musical and artistic influences of Asia.
THALEA PLAYS RAVEL (Brainerd)
Sunday, March 1, 2026, 3:00PM
The Thalea String Quartet explores the sounds and textures that inspired Ravel’s masterful string quartet in a performance that celebrates the rich musical and artistic influences of Asia.
FEELIN' BLUE (Minneapolis)
Saturday, April 18, 2026, 7:30PM
Join LAMF musicians and host/curator, Loki Karuna, in a special presentation of works inspired by the Blues and other folk traditions.
FEELIN' BLUE (Brainerd)
Sunday, April 19, 2026, 3:00PM
Join LAMF musicians and host/curator, Loki Karuna, in a special presentation of works inspired by the Blues and other folk traditions.

About the Pillsbury Castle

Built in 1903, the Alfred F. Pillsbury Castle is a 10,600 square foot English Tudor Gothic mansion crafted from local Platteville limestone. Highlights include: asymmetrical facade with projecting bays and a balustraded entrance to its grand interior spaces featuring Quartersawn Oak paneling, carved walnut arches, and ornate plaster ceilings. The Castle is owned by Matthew Trettel and Ryan Hanson who are generously opening up their home as an intimate venue for our Lakes Area Music Festival events. In 2024 it was transformed as the ASID (American Society of Interior Designers) Home. Nearly 10,000 attendees experienced the best of interior design and preservation craft as 30 ASID Designers came together to completely transform this historic property.

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Photo credit: Spacecrafting Photography