April Adventures: Must See Events in the Willmar Lakes Area

In April, the Willmar Lakes Area comes alive with a vibrant array of events, inviting residents and visitors to embrace a season of renewal and joy. The landscape transforms with blooming flora and the return of migratory birds, while community activities capture the essence of spring. This month, the region becomes a hub of diverse events – from outdoor escapades embracing the warmer climate to cultural showcases highlighting local talent and heritage. Whether you’re captivated by the glistening lakes, small-town festivities, or artistic expressions, April in the Willmar Lakes Area promises a plethora of experiences waiting to be explored.

Check out some of the larger and more unique events taking place below. To see a full schedule of events, got to our Events Calendar.

April 4 – Beer Inspired Cookie Flights
Sergeant Shortbread has made Minnesota’s first beer inspired shortbread cookies and is sharing the fun by showcasing them at Intuition Brewing! These are made with REAL hops from Hardebeck Farms in Raymond, MN. Each flight will include your choice of 4 beers and 4 shortbread cookies you’re sure to love! You will notice hints of bitterness in these unique cookies, which are the beer hops coming through! Not interested in hops? They will also have blueberry lemon and confetti cookies available for kids and adults, alike!

April 4-7 and April 11-14 – The Barn Theatre Presents: Arsenic And Old Lace
Arsenic And Old Lace is a hilarious dark comedy. Mortimer Brewster is living a happy life: he has a steady job at a prominent New York newspaper, he’s just become engaged, and he gets to visit his sweet spinster aunts to announce the engagement. Mortimer always knew that his family had a bit of a mad gene — his brother believes himself to be Teddy Roosevelt and his great-grandfather used to scalp Indians for pleasure — but his world is turned upside down when he realizes that his dear aunts have been poisoning lonely old men for years! Get your tickets today so you and your friends can enjoy a night of laughter at The Barn Threate!

April 5-6 – Home & Outdoor Living Expo
Come and check out the annual Home and Outdoor Living Expo at the Willmar Civic Center. Both the Event Center and the Cardinal Arena will be full of the best local businesses and vendors highlighting the latest trends and innovations from home building, remodeling and décor to landscape design, party vendors to green energy, boats and docks, storage buildings, outdoor fun and adventure. Bring the kids along to meet a Minion and have their picture taken with him. They can also color a picture for a chance to win a new bike. Winners will be randomly drawn from all entries.

April 8 – Eclipse Information Station at Sibley State Park
Stop by the interpreter table in the Interpretive Center parking lot to learn a little bit about the eclipse and what causes the phenomenal occurrence. There will be a discussion on safe viewing practices and a small craft for kids. Maximum eclipse viewing is expected to occur at approximately 2:02pm.

April 12 – Learn to Latin Dance
Learn to Merengue with John Salgado Maldonado of local non-profit, Purpose Artisans. John, a South American native from Chile, will guide us through some basic steps. Then after the session, try out your new moves to latin music. This is intended for all levels especially total beginners. Be ready to thaw those MN winter hips!

April 13 – Goat Ridge Brewery’s 9th Anniversary
Join the celebration at Goat Ridge Brewing Co. for their 9th Anniversary! They will have two beer releases, anniversary t-shirts, food & beer specials, and live music by a variety of bands!

April 13 – West Central Connection Chorus Spring Show
Enjoy an evening of music as the West Central Connection Chorus sings a variety of songs from the Beatles. You’ll love this tribute to the Beatles on their 60th Anniversary of coming to America! They will also be joined by the New Fangled Four and Sound Image. Get your tickets today by clicking on the event title.

April 13 – Deuces Wild Dueling Pianos
Clap, laugh, sing & drink along with the most sought after dueling piano show in the country – Dave & Ted: Deuces Wild Dueling Pianos at the Willmar VFW!! Their high energy mix of comedy, music and extensive audience participation makes this a show unlike any other! Get there early to catch a captivating half hour of original country music from the amazing Clayton Ryan! Purchase your tickets online before this show sells out!

April 13-14 – West Central Singers Spring Concert
If you love music, you’ll want to attend one of the West Central Singers shows this spring. On April 13th, they’ll be performing their spring show entitled “All in Good Time” at 4pm at the MACCRAY Performing Arts Auditorium and on April 14th, they’ll be performing at 4pm at Calvary Lutheran Church. Tickets are available at the door with adults being $10 and children and students being free.

April 18 – International Heritage Festival
All are welcome to attend this FREE event celebrating the many cultures of our area! Enjoy a parade of flags, cultural arts & entertainment including dance groups and music, voices of the community, and a special presentation by Just Move. Learn more by clicking on the event title.

April 20 – Earth Day Celebration
Join in on the Earth Day Celebration at Prairie Woods Environmental Learning Center. It’ll be a fun and educational experience for the whole family! They’ll have classes on macroinvertebrates, prairies, birds & herbs. There will be an indoor climbing wall, the Hemker Zoo – Live Animal Show “Zoo to You”, a variety of vendors and exhibits as well as a recycled outdoor gear sale. Make sure you check it out!

April 20 – “Rainy Days & Mondays” The Music of Carpenters
Aimée Lee leads a stellar cast of musicians – 13 in all – to present a stunning tribute to The Carpenters, the biggest-selling group of the 70’s. More than just the creators of beautifully crafted musical arrangements and wildly successful hit records, the Carpenters stole the hearts of an entire generation with their unique sound. This show features all of their most beloved classics, including Close To You, Yesterday Once More, We’ve Only Just Begun, Superstar, For All We Know, and many, many more! Get your tickets today!

April 20 – WillmarMania V
Midwest All Star Wrestling (MAW) returns to Willmar for an EPIC 5th anniversary show you won’t want to miss! Featuring former WWE superstars Swoggle & Gangrel, hall of fame Tito Santana, and WCW legend “Taskmaster” Kevin Sullivan. Kids under 18 get free general admission with a paid adult (1 kid per adult ticket). Plan to make a trip because this will be a great show you won’t want to miss!

April 20 – Adult Prom
Get ready to relive your high school glory days and dance the night away at the Willmar Conference Center! Adult Prom Night: “A Night in Hollywood” is a special event designed for adults to relive the excitement and charm of their high school prom. Set in a beautifully decorated venue, this elegant affair offers a night of dancing, music and nostalgia. Appetizers and spiked punch will be included. Dont miss out on the fun!

April 21 – Prairie Winds Concert Band Presents: A Musical Odyssey
Enjoy an afternoon of music by the Prairie Winds Concert Band featuring music from Out of this World! Children 18 and under are free and adults are only $10. Tickets will be available at the door.

April 21 – Prairie Arts Chorale Spring Concert
Prairie Arts Chorale, singers of southwestern Minnesota, invite you to attend one of their five area concerts this spring entitled “Earth, Wind & Choir.” In our area, they will be performing on April 21st at Faith Lutheran Church in Spicer at 4pm. You can purchase tickets in advance at Faith Lutheran Church for $12. Otherwise they will be $15 at the door. Children under 18 are free.

April 25-27 – Ridgewater College Presents: The Diary of Anne Frank
Enjoy the production of The Diary of Anne Frank put on by the Ridgewater College Theatre Department. The narrative focuses on Anne Frank and her family, residents of Amsterdam who go into hiding in 1942, during the Nazi occupation of the Netherlands. Anne Frank shares her experience and the story during her time of depression. General admission tickets are $10 and will be available at the door.

April 26 – Life Connections
Mark your calendars for the Annual Life Connection Event! It is filled with vendors, entertainment, fun, and time to connect with friends and make memories!

And continuing throughout the month of April are karaoke nights at area bars, trivia nights at area breweries, and live music at a variety of restaurants/bars. More events will be added to our community calendar throughout the month. So for the most udpated listing of events, please see our Events Calendar.

Fish our lakes

The possibilities are endless on our 30 recreational lakes…boating, swimming, fishing, water skiing, tubing, canoeing, kayaking, paddle boating, hydro biking, paddle boarding and so much more!

Fishing Report

Explore our Trails

Surrounded by beautiful lakes and scenery…who wouldn’t take a hike or a leisurely bike ride to enjoy the view? With miles of trials to choose from, you can always find new places to explore.

Trail Report