Discover Exciting Events Taking Place This November

Hello, dear readers! As the cozy autumn air transitions into the crispness of winter, the Willmar Lakes Area becomes a hub of excitement and festive gatherings. November is packed with events that promise both fun and warmth, perfect for families and individuals alike. Let’s dive into some of the highlights of this enchanting month!

October 31-Nov. 3 – Holmstrom Haunt Presents Collection of Nightmares
Holmstrom Haunt Presents Collection of Nightmares, The Final Curtain! This will be showing off a 13 year collection of haunted Halloweens. All are welcome, but 12 years old and older are recommended for regular haunt nights! There will be a special family day for the younger crowd on Sunday, November 3rd from 12-3pm.

November 1-2 – Murder Mystery Dinner Theatre Experience
This murder mystery is not a normal stage play. It is part scripted – part improv – all fun. Join The Barn Theatre as Eddie Cheek hosts a gala shindig to look for backers for his new (and terrible) movie. In return for funding, he’s promised them parts in his motion picture. A colorful cast of characters arrive, each with their own checkered past and poorly kept secrets. The action takes place not on stage, but in the lobby. Cast will mingle around guests, seated at their tables. The action unfolds around you as your dinner is served, through conversation, arguments, acusations, and yes, murder.

November 1-3 – ACGC Presents: The Little House on the Prairie
Little House on the Prairie is a musical based on Laura Ingalls Wilder’s book series that tells the story of the Ingalls family as they settle in De Smet, South Dakota in the 1880s. Enjoy this production put on by the students of ACGC High School!

November 2 – Willmar Elks Hoop Shoot Contest
The Elks Hoop Shoot is a free throw contest open to kids ages 8-13. Kids of all skill levels are welcome to participate. No affiliation with the Elks or a basketball team is required. Winner of the local contest advances to the District level, and could go on the State, Regional and National levels. This is a great program that teaches kids about perseverance, determination and working to achieve your goals.

November 2 – Hillybilly Halloween Scramble
Join the fun on November 2 for the first annual Hillbilly Halloween Par 3 Scramble tournament at Willmar Indoor Golf! Golfers of all ages and skill levels welcome. Costumes ENCOURAGED! (you already bought it, you might as well wear it) Prizes for best dressed team & individual. Register your spooky self (we’ll pair you up) or team today!

November 7 – Ladies Day Out at Elmquist Jewelers, B’s Chocolates, and Stacy’s Nursery
Join the fun at these three businesses to create your Christmas Wish Lists, do some shopping, sign up for giveaways, and much more!

November 7-10 – WHS Presents: Annie
Get your tickets for this amazing performance of “Annie” by the Willmar High School students! The show features some of the most well-known musical theater songs, including “Tomorrow”, “Maybe”, “It’s the Hard Knock Life”, and “You’re Never Fully Dressed Without a Smile”.

November 8-9 – Deer Hunters Widow Night
Enjoy a night out with your friends as the men are away hunting! Create a 10” outdoor planter at Foxhole Brewhouse, then recieve a drink ticket and get to stay at the coolest establishment in town to start your deer hunting weekend off right!

November 9-11 – 2024 Veterans Day Observance Display
Take time to stop by the annual display honoring the service and sacrifice of our nation’s veterans. There are over 7000 original military items on display from the Civil War Through Modern Day. Stories and histories of the veterans who used them will also be on display. And don’t miss the Veterans Day program on Nov. 11th at 7:30pm.

November 21 – Ladies’ Night Out Paint & Sip
Come out for a night of painting with your girl friends at Intuition Brewing on November 21! You’ll be able to create a folk art style holiday painting with step by step instructions from Rebecca Trongaard. The level of this is for beginners and all supplies are included. Afterward, enjoy a 10 oz beverage of your choice from the brewery. Sign up today for this fun ladies’ night out!

November 21-23 – New London-Spicer High School Presents “Elf the Musical”
Get your tickets early for the New London-Spicer High School performance of “Elf The Musical.” Elf the Musical is the hilarious tale of Buddy, a young orphan child who mistakenly crawls into Santa’s bag of gifts and is transported back to the North Pole. Unaware that he is actually human, Buddy’s enormous size and poor toy-making abilities cause him to face the truth. With Santa’s permission, Buddy embarks on a journey to New York City to find his birth father, discover his true identity, and help New York remember the true meaning of Christmas. This modern-day Christmas classic is sure to make everyone embrace their inner Elf.

November 23-December 27 – Festival of Trees
Stop by The Barn Theatre in downtown Willmar to see a variety of lighted and decorated trees by different organizations in the community! The Barn Theatre will be open for the public to view the trees during regular business hours in November and December and during the holiday show “Fruitcakes” in December.

November 23 – Willmar Wedding Expo
Have you or someone you know recently gotten engaged? Come to this new, FREE event showcasing a wide variety of vendors including Wedding businesses, crafts, and other local businesses. Your one stop shop for all things wedding related! You’ll also get to enjoy samples and giveaways from the vendors!

November 23 – Holidaze Event & Parade
Join the fun during this annual event in downtown Willmar! Enjoy a holiday movie, hot chocolate, cookies, activities and crafts, meet Santa and enjoy the very popular Holidaze lighted parade!

November 24 – Prairie Winds Concert Band Fall Concert
Enjoy an hour of beautiful music by the Prairie Winds Concert Band. If you’ve been to one of their indoor concerts then you know how good they are. If this will be your first time, be prepared to be amazed that they have this quality of music in the Willmar Area. Their fall concert is entitled “Music Around the World!”

November 24 – Prairie Arts Chorale Concert: “The Sounding Joy”
The Prairie Arts Chorale is excited to present their upcoming Holiday performance of “The Sounding Joy.” You’ll enjoy a variety of holiday favorites including Vivaldi’s “Gloria” and “The Twelve Days of Christmas.” Get your tickets in advance for only $12.00.

November 28 – Turkey Leg 5K Run
Join us for a fun start to your Thanksgiving, at the Turkey Leg 5K! This race is a 3.1 mile asphalt roadside race around Willmar streets. Walkers are welcome! Largest Family Group wins a medal. And get your Thanksgiving costumes on, as the best dressed will receive an award.

November 28-December 29 – Celebrate the Light of the World Christmas Light Display
Year after year, thousands of visitors flock to Robbins Island Regional Park for the long-lasting tradition of “Celebrate the Light of the World.” Robbins Island comes to life with light and color, drawing people young and old to the peninsula that juts into Foot Lake. Explore the park and admire the lights from the comfort of your car by driving through the area starting Thanksgiving Day and running through December 29th. You’re sure to find the perfect night to visit the amazing lights that can be seen from across the lake.

November 30 – CATPAC Series “Christmas with the Celts”
Aired on over 200 PBS channels and across the U.S., Canada, and on the BBC in Ireland, “Christmas with the Celts” perform a wonderful combination of timeless, ancient, Irish Christmas carols and thrilling Irish dance with contemporary songs using Irish instrumentation. Audiences will have a most memorable Christmas experience so don’t miss out! Get your tickets today!

And continuing throughout the month of November are Willmar WarHawk Home Games! 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.

November in the Willmar Lakes Area is truly a magical time. With events that cater to all interests, there’s no shortage of activities to fill your calendar. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, these events offer a wonderful opportunity to connect with the community and embrace the seasonal spirit. So grab your coat, gather your loved ones, and enjoy all that November has to offer in our charming area!

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