October is when the Willmar Lakes Area really comes alive with fall fun! From Oktoberfest celebrations and autumn markets to live music, hockey, horse shows, haunted attractions and family-friendly Halloween events, there’s no shortage of ways to make the most of the season. Whether you’re looking for a fun weekend outing, a reason to gather with friends, or a festive adventure with the whole family, you’ll find plenty happening throughout the Willmar Lakes Area this October.

October 1-30 – Coming Home Exhibition at the Kandiyohi County Historical Society
Discover the inaugural exhibition from the Cogelow Art Center, featuring remarkable woodcarvings by internationally renowned artist Fred Cogelow alongside works from area artists Jesse Garcia, Mary La Patka, Shalese Sands and Ana Serrano. The exhibition also brings two of Cogelow’s masterpieces back to the area on long-term loan.

October 3 – Willmar Senior Expo
Start your morning with free coffee, local connections and helpful resources at the Willmar Senior Expo. Designed for adults 55+, caregivers and families, the event features more than 30 local exhibitors, special presentations and resources covering everything from wellness and housing to finance, home care and more.

October 3 – 6th Annual Atwater Oktoberfest
Grab the family and head to Atwater for a full day of Oktoberfest fun! Enjoy a Kids Color Fun Run/Walk, pumpkin painting, hayrides, a car show, food vendors, inflatables, live music, tournaments, a bake sale and plenty more activities to keep the whole crew entertained.

October 3 – CatPAC Series Presents Key of G Live! A Tribute to Garth Brooks
Get ready for a high-energy tribute to one of country music’s biggest stars. Key of G Live! brings Garth Brooks’ iconic hits, heartfelt ballads and larger-than-life live-show energy to the stage, led by Minnesota native AJ Bisto, whose experience performing as Garth Brooks helped inspire the tribute.

October 9-10,16-17, 23-24, 30-31 – Kryptic Acres Haunted House
Ready for a serious scare? Step into the shadows of Kryptic Acres and make your way through fog-shrouded trails where something has gone terribly wrong. With twists, turns and terrifying surprises around every corner, this haunted attraction is not for the faint of heart.

October 9 – Home Opener for the Willmar WarHawks
Hockey season is back! Cheer on the Willmar WarHawks as they hit the ice for their home opener and get ready for another season of exciting hockey action.

October 9-11 – NCSA Harvest Moon
Fall is in the air and the cattle are ready! Head to Smilin’ D Arena for three days of NCSA Cutting and Ranch Sorting action, fresh cattle, competition and $1,000 in added money throughout the weekend.

October 10 – Promise 5K Bensky’s Race
Run, walk or roll for a great cause during the Promise 5K. Enjoy a scenic route around Willmar Lake while supporting Children of the Promise in Northern Haiti, then stick around for pie, Haitian-made artwork and updates on the organization’s projects. Kids can join the fun with Bensky’s Fun Run, and a virtual option is available for those participating from afar.

October 10-11 – Zero Tolerance Fall Firearm-Knife-Coin Show
Browse more than 159 tables of related merchandise at this annual fall show. Food and concessions will be available, making it easy to spend some time exploring everything the event has to offer.

October 10 – Barntoberfest
Fall fun takes over 4th Street in downtown Willmar for the second annual Barntoberfest! Start the afternoon with the new Kindertoberfest from 2–3 p.m., featuring family-friendly activities like caricatures, rock painting, henna, games and characters from The Barn Theatre. Then stick around for Barntoberfest from 3–7 p.m., with a beer garden, food trucks, local vendors, live music, a stein-holding contest and more. With a suggested $5 donation benefiting The Barn Theatre, it’s a fun way to celebrate fall while supporting the local arts!

October 16-18 – Fall Freedom Fest
Calling all off-road enthusiasts! Freedom Ridge’s first event under its new ownership brings a weekend of mud trucks, trail trucks, side-by-sides, four-wheelers, camping and plenty of fun activities.

October 17 – Spicer Autumn Market
Soak up the sights, flavors and cozy feeling of fall at the Spicer Autumn Market. Shop local vendors, discover handmade goods, browse fresh produce and indulge in seasonal treats during this festive harvest-season outing.

October 17-18 – Halloween Bash at Kandi Acres
Costumes, games and treats make this family-friendly Halloween celebration one the whole crew can enjoy. Come dressed up, embrace the Halloween spirit and make some seasonal memories at Kandi Acres.

October 17 – Stand Up Comedy at Intuition Brewing
Looking for a night of laughs? Next Stop Comedy brings a fresh lineup of comedians to Intuition Brewing for an intimate evening of big laughs, great drinks and good vibes. Grab a ticket, arrive early for a good seat and make it a night out with friends or a date.

October 22 – Great Annual Halloween Haunt
Halloween fun meets outdoor adventure at Prairie Woods Environmental Learning Center! Dress up and explore the enchanted trail, encounter whimsical creatures, play games, decorate cookies and even climb the indoor wall. It’s a Halloween adventure the whole family can enjoy.

October 24 – Spooktacular at Intuition Brewing
Bring the family to Intuition Brewing for an afternoon packed with Halloween fun! Kids can enjoy trick-or-treating, face painting and spooky treats while the whole family gets in on the fun with costumes, food and a family costume contest.

October 24 – The Great Lutefisk Reunion
Celebrate a beloved Scandinavian tradition with a hearty feast of lutefisk, meatballs and classic accompaniments. Good food and good company make this annual gathering a memorable part of the fall season.

October 25 – Barks & Boos Bash
Don’t leave your four-legged family members out of the Halloween fun! Dress up your pup for a tail-wagging afternoon featuring a pet costume contest, photo booth, toy stations, Musical Sit, bobbing for hot dogs and more. Registered pets even receive a Halloween goodie bag!

October 25 – Willmar Area Symphonic Orchestra Presents “Dance!”
Get ready for an energetic afternoon of music and movement as the Willmar Area Symphonic Orchestra presents “Dance!” This family-friendly concert features everything from Strauss waltzes and Latin-inspired rhythms to Earth, Wind & Fire and music from KPop Demon Hunters. Arrive early for pre-concert activities and dance demonstrations.

October 30 – Night of the Horse
Experience the grace, power and beauty of the horse at Night of the Horse. The evening features draft teams, working cowhorses, cutting horses, reining, Gypsy Vanner performances, barrel racing, live mounted shooting and more.

October 30-31 – Hayloft Players Children’s Theatre Presents Gravestone Manor
Looking for Halloween fun without the scares? Step inside Gravestone Manor for a hilarious, fast-paced comedy filled with quirky vampires, lovable monsters, mischievous witches, awkward werewolves and plenty of outrageous mysteries. It’s spooky, silly and designed for the whole family.

October 30-November 1 – Freedom Ridge Spooktacular
Turn Halloween weekend into an outdoor adventure at Freedom Ridge! Enjoy open wheeling, camping and a free family Halloween event featuring truck-or-treat, hayrides, kids’ activities and more.

October 31 – Spooky Dungeon at the Pennock Community Center
Dare to venture into the Spooky Dungeon for an evening of eerie surprises and Halloween fun. And if you need a little break from the scares, cookies and cider will be waiting to help you recover!

More October Fun

The fun doesn’t stop with the events above! Throughout the month, you can find karaoke nights at local bars, trivia nights at area breweries, live music and Willmar WarHawks home games. New events and details are added regularly, so be sure to check the Willmar Lakes Area Events Calendar before you make your plans.

October is a great time to get out, explore and experience everything the Willmar Lakes Area has to offer. From celebrating the harvest and enjoying live entertainment to embracing your spooky side and making memories with family and friends, there’s something happening around nearly every corner. So grab your calendar, pick your favorites and make this October one to remember in the Willmar Lakes Area!