As the summer sun begins to give way to the crisp embrace of autumn, the Willmar Lakes Area comes alive with a vibrant array of events that celebrate the beauty and bounty of the season. September is a particularly exciting month, offering a perfect blend of cultural festivities, cozy fall traditions, and captivating music performances. Whether you’re a local resident or a visitor looking to explore, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Let’s dive into some of the highlights you won’t want to miss!

September 2 – 15th Annual Trolls Classic Car Show
Enjoy this annual classic car show put on by the Trolls Car Club every year on Labor Day. There will be food available for purchase, craft and homemade items for sale and cash drawings with door prizes.

September 6 – Raymond Fire Department Night Golf
Sign up for the Raymond Fire Department NIGHT GOLF 18-hole scramble on Friday, September 6th! This event is limited to the first 17 teams to pay, so register early. The first 9 holes start at 5:30 pm with a light meal provided. Glowing golf balls & accessories are included for the second 9 holes!

September 6-7 – Monson Lake Opry Festival
The Monson Lake Opry Festival is back with an amazing lineup of artists and an additional day of music and fun this year! The event will kick off on Friday, Sept 6th with music by Kentucky Thunder, Alex Miller, & Darryl Worley. Saturday, Sept 7th will feature The Mark Peterson Band, Josh Hedley, The Bellamy Brothers, & The Kentucky Headhunters. Camping is available. Click the event name for more details.

September 7 – Prairie Pothole Day
Everyone looks forward to this annual event celebrating outdoor sports! Attendees have the opportunity to participate in events ranging from shooting sports to Dock Dogs fun to educational seminars. FREE kids events include kids archery, BB gun shoot, environmental learning activities, and a climbing wall. There will also be over 20 vendors, seminars, axe throwing outback, dog jump competition, sporting clays, trap shooting, archery… so many things you don’t want to miss!!

September 7-8 – Atwater Threshing Days
Bring along the entire family for a fun weekend at the Atwater Threshing Days! This event is a historical representation of agricultural and farming practices in the mid-twentieth century. Threshing grain, gas engines, hot air engines, saw mill, wheat grinding and much more will be on display. There are women’s activities including food demonstrations, quilting, and rug making, as well as kids activities include rope making, barnyard, and a playground. There will also be live music, a treasure hunt, and the State Sanctioned Kids’ Pedal Pull on Sunday. Definitely an event you won’t want to miss!

September 14 – Welcoming Week in Willmar
You are invited to this year’s Welcoming Week event in Downtown Willmar! Come and enjoy music, dancing, food, kids’ activities and community resources. The goal is to share and learn from each other about the cultures and heritages we have living in Willmar.

September 14 – Roll On: The Music of Alabama
“Roll On” is a tribute to country music’s all-time greatest band… ALABAMA! This show is fronted by lead vocalist Tom Uecker (Outside Recess) whose Randy Owens vocal likeness will no doubt leave the Alabama fan in awe! With over 40 number one hits to choose from and backed by phenomenal instrumentation and vocals, you’re guaranteed to sing along and enjoy every moment of this show! The show starts at 7pm in the NL-S Performing Arts Center in New London. Tickets are $30. Purchase yours today by clicking on the event title.

September 14-15 – Willmar Gun Show
Enjoy the 27th annual Willmar Gun Show at the Willmar Civic Center September 14-15th. General admission is $10 (good for attendance both days) and women, children under 16 and current military are FREE! Make sure you enter for the door prizes as they will be drawn for every half hour.

September 15 – 5th Annual Harvest Fest at Rustic Designs Flower Farm
Bring the whole family along to the 5th Annual Harvest Fest at Rustic Designs Flower Farm. Wander the flower field and cut your own flowers to take home or shop the pumpkins, gourds, Indian corn, broom corn, flower bundles, and fall mums in the shop. And don’t forget your camera to keep memories of this event forever!

September 19-22, 26-29 – The Barn Theatre Presents: Greetings!
The Barn Theatre is rounding out the summer season with a comedy/drama that will be sure to get you thinking and wondering ‘what if’. Check your calendars and get your tickets for “GREETINGS” by Tom Dudzick. This production is beautifully written with mystery, witty dialogue and a message for everyone.

September 20 – TABLE by Sod House Theatre
Sod House Theatre proudly presents TABLE, a unique Harvestfest event that celebrates the coming of Autumn Equinox in New London. Immerse yourself in the magic of this in-person gathering, where friends, family, and community come together to savor the flavors of the region. Indulge in a delightful culinary experience showcasing the finest local produce and culinary artistry by Krewe Restaurant’s Chef Mateo Mackbee. He has crafted a menu that highlights the vibrant flavors of the harvest, including apples picked on location to create a feast that will tantalize your taste buds. As you dine, enjoy captivating performances by talented artists, who will bring stories and music to life, adding a touch of enchantment to this unforgettable evening. Get your tickets today!

September 21 – Harvestfest Puppet Parade
Celebrate the first day of fall with a larger than life puppet parade on the streets of New London! After the parade, head over to Neer Park for the Parade Finale including The Autumn Equinox Water Ceremony with Ballet Folklorico de Willmar and drum ensemble Cimarròn Batucada! The rest of the afternoon and evening, enjoy food vendors, mocktails & cocktails, artists & makers market and a variety of live music!

September 21 – SpiceFest for Vets
SpiceFest for Vets is a community event dedicated to honoring and supporting our veterans and their families. It’s a full day of fun for the whole family including live music, craft vendors, chili feed & contest, cornhole tournament, softball tournament and lots of fun activities for the kids! Come and check it out!

September 21 – Foxtoberfest
Get your lederhosen and dirndls ready for the annual Foxtoberfest event taking place at Foxhole Brewhouse! Come hungry as Heglund Catering will be serving up some delicious German grub. There will also be live music, bean bags, a stein holding contest and of course hammerschlagen!

September 27 – 11th Annual Mayor’s Bike Ride
Register ahead of time for this FREE annual community bike ride and picnic. Meet at the starting location in your community at 5:00pm. Mayors from Spicer, New London and Willmar will be leading a ride in each of their communities from their starting point to Lion’s Shelter in Spicer for a picnic.

September 28 – Oktoberfest at Goat Ridge Brewing Co.
Join Goat Ridge Brewing Co. for a fun day of live music, food specials, games, and of course the Mad Goat Märzen!

September 28 – Hoptoberfest at Intuition Brewing
This year, Intuition is taking Oktoberfest and putting an Intuition-spin on it with Hoptoberfest! If you like hoppy beer (or an outdoor party), this is the event for you! This event has everything including a food truck, craft beer, live music, kids activities, prizes, hop-infused cookies, pop-up tattoos with Rooted Ink, temporary tattoos for the kids and much more!

And continuing throughout the month of September is Little Show on the Crow, The Land Summer Music Series, public cruises on Green Lake Cruises, 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.

September in the Willmar Lakes Area is a time of celebration, community, and natural beauty. With Oktoberfest events that bring a taste of Germany to Minnesota, fall festivals that honor the harvest season, and music performances that showcase local talent, there’s no shortage of things to do and see. So, gather your friends and family, and come experience the magic of September in the Willmar Lakes Area. Whether you’re dancing to country music, savoring a warm bowl of chili, or picking your own flowers, you’re sure to create memories that will last a lifetime.

Happy September, and we hope to see you at one of these fantastic events!