Welcome to the exciting month of March in the beautiful Willmar Lakes area! As the winter chill starts to fade away, the region comes alive with a vibrant array of fun events and activities for all to enjoy. Whether you’re a local resident or a visitor exploring the area, March offers a diverse range of experiences to suit every interest and age group. From musicals to St. Patrick Day parties, there’s something for everyone to look forward to in this dynamic and bustling community. Join us as we dive into the plethora of engaging events happening in the Willmar Lakes area this March!

March 7-9 – WMS Presents: High School Musical Jr.
Don’t miss this fascinating production put on by the Willmar Middle School students. In this show, Troy, Gabriella and the students of East High must deal with issues of love, friends and family while balancing their classes and extra curricular activities. The show’s infectious, danceable songs are sure to engage performers and audiences alike. Get your tickets today!

March 8-9 – Annual Novice Bonspiel
Join the Glacial Ridge Curling Club for their 16th Annual Novice Bonspiel! Whether you’re participating in the bonspiel or there to watch, make sure you purchase a raffle ticket for a chance to win a 2024 Polaris Ranger XP 1000 Premium, a $5000 Vacation Package travel credit from Willmar Travel or ten cash prizes of $500!

March 14-16 – NL-S High School Presents: Barefoot in the Park
Neil Simon’s Barefoot in the Park is a classic comedy that follows two six-day newlyweds and a cast of wonderfully memorable characters who prove that love is both challenging and worthwhile. Come enjoy this heartwarming and hilariously funny comedy that continues to please.

March 15-16 – CCS Presents: The Wizard of Oz
The most beloved tale of all time comes to life on the stage by students of the Community Christian School. Dorothy and her three friends trot delightfully and tunefully down that fabled road of yellow brick in The Wizard of Oz. After a tornado whisks her away to the magical land of Oz, young Dorothy Gale teams up with a Scarecrow, a Tin Woodsman and a Cowardly Lion to find the mighty Wizard of Oz, who can send her home. Along the way, they must avoid the clutches of the Wicked Witch of the West, who is trying to steal the mysterious magic slippers that once belonged to her evil sister… but are now on Dorothy’s feet. Dorothy eventually learns just how magical friendship can be and how wonderful it can feel to go home again. Don’t miss this classic tale based off of the novel by L. Frank Baum!

March 16 – St. Patrick’s Day Red Beard Run/Walk
Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with a run! After the race enjoy soup, sandwich and a beer. Beer will be served in a keepsake Red Beard Run pint glass. Pint glasses are available for the first 200 runners. New this year, the Army will be giving away insulated thermos mugs to the top 20 male and female finishers. Register today and start planning your fun St. Patrick’s Day outfit to run in!

March 16 – St. Patrick’s Day Parties
There are a lot of ways to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day this year in the Willmar Lakes Area. Stop by Intuition Brewing for their celebration with green beer being served all day and live music with Chris Bertrand from 4-7pm. You can also head to The Handle Bar in Atwater for their St. Patrick’s Party with music, games, and drink specials all day long. Feelin’ lucky? Try your hand (or toss) at The Strong Garage’s ‘Beer, Bags and Buck Tournament’! Sign up at The Handle Bar anytime until Saturday, March 16th for either Bean Bags or Buck Euchre. Another fantastic way to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day is by dancing the night away to the music of Tripwire at the Willmar VFW!

March 17 – Willmar Area Symphonic Orchestra
Enjoy an afternoon of Celtic Folk Music with the Willmar Area Symphonic Orchestra. Starting at 2:00pm they’ll have tabletop “Highland Games”, St. Patrick’s Day trivia, St. Patrick’s Day selfie photo op, Minute to Win It shamrock games, limerick challenge, shamrock crafts, door prizes and more. Then starting at 3:00pm enjoy the “Celtic Carnival” concert in the auditorium.

March 22 – Comedy Night with Willy Olguin & Friends
Relax and unwind with a night of comedy at the Little Theatre Auditorium as they present Willy Olguin and his friends: Trey Charles and Jared Loberg. DJ Tozer will be supplying the tunes while The Auditorium Cocktail Bar & Barista will be creating your favorite cocktails and mocktails! Call up your friends and plan a night out with tons of laughs at this comedy show!

March 23 – Half Bushel Brewing One Year Anniversary Celebration
Come help us celebrate Half Bushel Brewing’s one year anniversary with music by CCL! This awesome duo previously performed at Half Bushel Brewing during their 90’s night and they’re back for some more fun! Check out CCL’s Facebook page to listen to some of their music.

March 30 – Studio 38 Presents: Hairball
Get ready for an electrifying night of rock ‘n’ roll at the Willmar Civic Center! Studio 38 is proud to present Hairball, a mind-blowing tribute to the greatest rock bands of all time. From the iconic costumes to the spot-on performances, this in-person event promises to transport you back to the heyday of rock. So grab your friends, put on your dancing shoes, and join us for an unforgettable night of headbanging and air guitar. Let’s rock!

March 30 – Fairy Tales on Ice Presents “The Adventures of Peter Pan and Wendy”
“Fairy Tales On Ice” will make magic come to life in venues you would never expect to see an ice skating show. YES, THEY REALLY ARE ICE SKATING – All done on a patented synthetic ice surface! Enjoy “The Adventures of Peter Pan and Wendy” as you have never seen it before! Be mesmerized by world-class pro champion ice skaters, live singing, and cirque from all ends of the globe as they spin through show-stopping sets, bedazzling costumes, and enchanting effects that are sure to delight and excite. Grab your tickets before this show sells out!

And continuing throughout the month of March are Willmar WarHawk Home Games, 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.