Join Us for Annual End of Summer Luau Event Featuring Live Music from GB Leighton
Summer in Minnesota always seems to go by a little too quickly. Long days on the lake, warm evenings around the fire, boat rides, bare feet in the sand and then before we know it, Labor Day weekend arrives. At Grand View Lodge, we think summer deserves a proper sendoff.
This Labor Day weekend, Sept. 4-6, join us on the shores of Gull Lake for our annual End of Summer Luau, recognizing when the beach closes, we celebrate everything we love about summer on Gull Lake's private beach at Grand View Lodge.
Gather your family and friends, embrace the communal spirit, and join us close out another unforgettable season at Grand View Lodge. Fun will be had at Tanque Verde Cantina, located on Gull Lake beach at Grand View Lodge. Admission is free and everyone is welcome, whether you're staying with us throughout the holiday weekend or driving over from a cabin, your home or down the road.
One Last Summer Celebration on Gull Lake
There's something special about Labor Day weekend in the Brainerd Lakes Area. The days are still warm, the lake is calling, and everyone seems to savor those last moments of summer just a little bit more.
The End of Summer Luau brings that feeling together for an afternoon of lakeside fun. Here's what's waiting for you:
- Live music from GB Leighton. Minnesota's own, performing near Tanque Verde Cantina on the beach. It's the type of atmosphere that moves people out of their chairs and into the warm sand.
- Food stations.
- Station One: Whole Roasted Pig
- Station Two: Assorted Ice Cream Treats
- Station Three: Raw Bar
- Station Four: Premium Beers, Cocktails and NA beverages
- A bags tournament. Grab a partner, pick your lane, and settle the family rivalry once and for all. Bragging rights until next summer are on the line.
- Dress it up! Tropical everything. Grass skirts, Hawaiian shirts and the loudest print you own are all strongly encouraged.
Make it a long holiday weekend celebration
The Luau may be the celebration, but Labor Day weekend is your chance to soak up everything that makes summer at Grand View Lodge so memorable. Rooms fill quickly over the holiday so reserve yours today, or call us at 866-801-2951.
Spend the morning on the water. Tee off for a round of golf at The Pines or The Preserve. Slow things down with a relaxing visit to The Spa at Grand View Lodge. Grab lunch at the Northwoods Pub or Freddy's Sports Grill, explore the beautiful surrounding of the resort filled with stunning flowers or simply find a spot by the lake and enjoy having nowhere else to be.
Then, when Sunday afternoon rolls around, trade your lake-day attire for something tropical and head down to the beach for the summer sendoff. With the party wrapping up at 3:00 PM, you'll still have the whole golden-hour stretch of the evening and all of Labor Day Monday ahead of you.
It's the kind of weekend that's hard to fit into a day trip. Which is exactly why we'd suggest staying a while.
Until Next Summer
The end of summer is always a little bittersweet. But maybe that's what makes Labor Day weekend at the lake so special. It's one more sunset. One more afternoon together. One more story to tell when someone asks what you did this summer.
So grab your favorite Hawaiian shirt, gather your crew, and join us as we say aloha to another incredible summer at Grand View Lodge.
End of Summer Luau Event Details
When: Sunday, September 6, 2026 | 12:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Where: Tanque Verde Cantina at Grand View Lodge, 23521 Nokomis Avenue, Nisswa, MN 56468
Cost: Free to attend—food and beverages available for purchase
Featuring: Live music by GB Leighton, beachside food stations, and a bags tournament
Attire: As tropical as you're willing to go
Ready for one last summer escape? Book your Labor Day weekend stay on Gull Lake and make the Luau the centerpiece of your long weekend. Rooms fill quickly over the holiday so reserve yours today, or call us at 866-801-2951.
Just joining us for the afternoon? No ticket needed. Come as you are, dressed like you mean it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the End of Summer Luau free?
Yes. Admission to the Luau is free and open to the public. Food and beverages are available for purchase at stations along the beach.
Do I need to be a resort guest to attend?
No. The Luau is open to everyone—resort guests, Brainerd Lakes locals, and anyone spending Labor Day weekend in the area.
Is the Luau family friendly?
Absolutely. The beach, the music and the bags tournament are all designed for a crowd of every age.
Do I need to sign up for the bags tournament in advance?
Grab a partner and join us at the beach and stop by the event tent when you arrive to get in on the bracket.
What happens if it rains?
Weather updates will be shared on the Grand View Lodge events page and our social channels. Call 866-801-2951 with any questions.
Where is Grand View Lodge?
Grand View Lodge sits on the north shore of Gull Lake at 23521 Nokomis Avenue in Nisswa, Minnesota—about a 2.5-hour drive north of the Twin Cities.