August Events You’ll Want on Your Calendar

Make some memories before summer ends. These local events offer a little fun for everyone – and one huge reason to add an extra stop on your next road trip!

August 1-6 – Lake Lillian Fun Days
Join in on the family fun during Lake Lillian Fun Days the first weekend in August! Events include a scavenger hunt, bean bag tournament, pancake breakfast, kids’ tractor pull, BINGO, a Grand Day Parade and more! Don’t miss this year’s Fun Days as Lake Lillian celebrates 100 years! Click the event name to see the full schedule.

August 1 – Rockin’ Robbins
Rockin’ Robbins is a free outdoor concert series presented by the Willmar Rotary Club. It takes place Tuesday evenings at Robbins Island Regional Park starting July 11th, 2023 and running through August 1st. The event includes free kids activities, food trucks and vendors, a beer and wine tent, local craft market, and a free shuttle from four convenient park and ride locations. Pack a lawn chair and join us for the opening act at 5pm out at Robbins Island in Willmar!

August 3-6, 10-13 – The Barn Theatre Production of “Who’s in Bed with the Butler?”
Get ready for a night full of laughs with this comedic production of “Who’s in Bed with the Butler?” A California billionaire has bequeathed all his assets to his only daughter, Constance – except the $22 million yacht he wanted Josephine to have, a $25 million art collection left to Renee, and some priceless antique automobiles willed to Marjorie. When Constance arrives with her lawyer and finds the boat, art and cars have all been sold to the Bimbo Corporation she starts to get suspicious. Could the Butler be behind it? And who are all these other women? Find out be attending this talented production. Get your tickets today!

August 4-6 – Pennock Fun Days
Come and join the celebration for Pennock’s Fun Days August 4-6th! Events include a street dance, hog roast, bean bag tournament, grand parade, antique tractor parade, tractor pull, craft show, vendors, musical entertainment, children’s activities, scavenger hunt, and much more! Click the event name to see the full schedule.

August 5 – Annual Jared Anez Memorial Race
Welcome back to the 6th annual Jared Anez Eagle Lake Race Series! The Half Marathon (13.1 miles) is included in the Glacial Lakes Championship Running Series and each finisher will be awarded points in the series along with a finisher’s medal and gift. For anyone who would like to participate but cannot attend in-person on August 6th or would prefer to race on their own, we are offering a virtual race for both the Half Marathon and the 5k. We are proud to celebrate Jared’s legacy with the proceeds of the race funding scholarships awarded to Willmar High School students pursuing post-secondary education in a STEM-related field. We couldn’t make this contribution to high school students each year without the donations from our community partners and all of the participants who choose to run with us!

August 9-12 – New London to New Brighton Antique Car Run
The New London to New Brighton Antique Car Run is a 120-mile tour of the Minnesota countryside. The Run starts in the rural town of New London and makes its way to New Brighton. All vehicles up through 1908 and any 1- or 2-cylinder vehicles up through 1915 are eligible to participate. This includes bikes, motorcycles, steam, and electric cars as well. Come to New London throughout the week leading up to the run to see and take pictures with these rare antique cars!

August 9-12 – Kandiyohi County Fair
Willmar is home to the annual Kandiyohi County Fair. Held in August each year, the fair features agricultural, domestic and industrial exhibits from throughout the County. The fair offers something for everyone–from baking and flowers to livestock and antique tractors. The kids will love the rides! Come enjoy the contests, food, singing, food, dancing, food, races and other grandstand entertainment and, of course, the food! Click the event name to see the full schedule.

August 12 & 13 – Annual Green Lake Kids Triathlon & Green Lake Triathlon
The Green Lake Kids Triathlon event of this family weekend (taking place on Saturday) is produced and managed by an area age group swim team that benefits youth of the surrounding communities. This race is for ages 12 and under. All proceeds and donations to the GLKT go to this organization. On Sunday, the Green Lake Adult Triathlon will take place for ages 13 and up. Events include Individual Sprint or Olympic course and Sprint or Olympic Relays. So gather your family and friends and sign up for these fun races!

August 12-13 – West Central Bow Hunter 60 3-D Shoot
Archery FUN for Everyone! Come to enjoy the rolling hills and grasslands of the Prairie Woods Environmental Learning Center. Little Crow Archers of Willmar & Swift County Archers of Benson have teamed up to host this annual 60-Target 3-D shoot. Shoot it in one day, or make a weekend of it and shoot both days!

August 16 – Cruise Night at the Country Stop
Come see 50 to 100 classic cars and hot rods that are displayed for everyone’s enjoyment. Enjoy an A&W Burger Basket special, live music by CJ Dafoe and door prizes. Fun for the whole family!!

August 19 – Foxhole Brewhouse’s 8th Anniversary Celebration
Join in the celebration of Foxhole’s 8th Anniversary and their last anniversary celebration on 4th Street! Past anniversary celebrations have consisted of 2 new beer releases, live music and food trucks! Details of this year’s event are yet to come. The brand new facility is scheduled to open in the fall of 2023 along Highway 71, across from Robbins Island Regional Park.

August 19 – The Fortress’s One Way Festival/Ribfest
Join us for a family-friendly day of live Christian worship music, food, and ribs in support of ATLAS and The Fortress, two ministries working together to bring the hope of Jesus Christ to hurting lives in west Central Minnesota. This is an family friendly, non-alcoholic event and is free to attend!

August 20 – Old Log Church of Norway Lake Anniversary Celebration
On the third Sunday in August, we celebrate the anniversary of the completion of the replica of the Old Log Church. Everyone is invited to the Log Church of Norway Lake for this annual celebration!

August 25-27 – Raymond Harvest Festival
Come celebrate the 54th year of the Raymond Harvest Festival August 25-27th! Events include: Annual Hawk Creek Run 5K, Craft & Flea Market, Art in the Park, Pony Rides, Tractor Pull, Ninja Anywhere, Kiddie Parade, Grand Day Parade, Amazing Race Around Raymond, Bean Bag Tournament, Knocker Ball, Bingo, Street Dance and MORE!!! Click the event name to see the full schedule.

And continuing throughout the month of August is Willmar Stingers Home GamesKRA Speedway Racing NightsThe Land Summer Music SeriesLittle Crow Ski Show and public cruises on Green Lake Cruises!

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