August Adventures in the Willmar Lakes Area: Festivals, Fairs & Fun All Month Long!
Summer isn’t slowing down in the Willmar Lakes Area—it’s heating up! August is jam-packed with exciting events for every kind of adventurer. Whether you’re chasing antique cars, dancing in the streets, sampling local brews, or just looking for some small-town charm, there’s a celebration waiting for you. Here’s your ultimate August event guide—mark your calendars and join the fun!

July 29 – August 3 – Lake Lillian Fun Days
A whole week of small-town celebration! Lake Lillian Fun Days is filled with games, a street dance, a bean bag tournament, a parade, and activities for the whole family. From food stands and tractor pulls to a community worship service and kids’ games, this is classic summer fun at its finest.

August 1 – Street Dance & Beer Garden Benefit
Kick off the month with good tunes and great brews! This street dance and beer garden benefit brings the community together for live music, cold drinks, and local flavor—all while raising funds for a worthy cause. Don’t miss the chance to dance under the stars!

August 1-3 – Pennock Fun Days
The town of Pennock rolls out the welcome mat with a weekend of family-friendly fun. Highlights include a parade, car show, tractor pull, bean bag tournament, street dance, and plenty of hometown food and hospitality. Perfect for all ages!

August 2 – Annual Jared Anez Memorial Race
Run for a reason at this heartfelt annual race honoring Jared Anez. Choose from a Half Marathon, 5K walk/run or a 1-mile kids’ run and enjoy a scenic course around Eagle Lake. All proceeds fund scholarships for high school students pursuing post-secondary education in a STEM-related field. Register early to guarantee a commemorative T-shirt!

August 2 – Annual Salvation Army Classic Car Show
Come admire classic rides, custom builds, and community favorites—all while supporting a great cause! Bring the whole family for a day of fun, food, and horsepower! With a fun, relaxed atmosphere, this event supports the Salvation Army and draws car enthusiasts from all around the region.

August 5 – Rockin’ Robbins
An iconic summer concert series you won’t want to miss! Grab your lawn chair or blanket and enjoy a night of live music, delicious food truck eats, and family activities, all set against the scenic Robbins Island backdrop. It’s the perfect summer night out!

August 6-9 – New London to New Brighton Antique Car Run
This internationally known event features vintage vehicles (1908 and earlier!) traveling 120 miles from New London to New Brighton. Watch history come alive as these beautiful antique cars roll through town—perfect for history buffs and car lovers alike. Come to New London throughout the week leading up to the run to see and take pictures with these rare antique cars!

August 6-9 – Kandiyohi County Fair
Don’t miss one of the biggest events of the summer! The fair features livestock shows, carnival rides, tractor pulls, demolition derby, bull riding, tractor pull, concerts, a beer garden, and tasty fair food galore. There’s something for every member of the family!

August 7-10, 14-17 – The Barn Theatre Production of “Drinking Habits”
This laugh-out-loud comedy follows two nuns secretly making wine to keep their convent afloat. Full of mistaken identities and hilarious misunderstandings, it’s the perfect light-hearted night out. Local talent + big laughs = a show you won’t forget. Get your tickets today!

August 9 – Stand Up Comedy at Intuition Brewing
Need a good laugh? Head to Intuition Brewing for a night of live stand-up comedy, craft beer, and good vibes. With a rotating lineup of regional comedians, this event brings the laughs in a laid-back setting. Cheers to that!

August 9 & 10 – Annual Green Lake Kids Triathlon & Green Lake Triathlon
This two-day athletic event starts with a kids’ triathlon on Saturday and follows with the adult triathlon on Sunday. Participants swim, bike, and run through the scenic beauty of Spicer and Green Lake. Whether you’re racing or cheering, it’s an inspiring and energetic weekend.

August 9-10 – West Central Bow Hunter 60 3-D Shoot
Archery fans, this one’s for you! Take part in a challenging 60-target 3-D shoot hosted by Little Crow Archers of Willmar & Swift County Archers of Benson. It’s a great opportunity to practice your aim, meet fellow hunters, and enjoy the great outdoors.

August 16 – Foxhole Brewhouse’s 10th Anniversary Celebration
Celebrate a decade of delicious brews with this milestone bash! Enjoy live music, special anniversary beer releases, games, and a vibrant community vibe. Come raise a glass to ten amazing years and many more to come!

August 17 – Old Log Church of Norway Lake Anniversary Celebration
Step back into history at the beautiful Old Log Church. This special anniversary celebration includes a traditional worship service, musical performances, and a gathering that honors the rich Norwegian heritage of the area.

August 20 – Cruise Night at the Country Stop
Cool cars, great eats, and a laid-back atmosphere make this a must-attend for auto lovers. Show off your ride or come admire others as the parking lot fills with vintage and custom vehicles. It’s car culture at its best!

August 20 – Little Show on the Crow
Bring your favorite lawn chair and get ready to go back in time with this epic vibe machine of New London’s finest musicians and party starters. Enjoy entertainment by Darren Quam & Friends as well as the incredibly talented Benjamin Domask-Ruh. Art by Red Fox Design Studio, food by New London Food Co-op and Pink Apron Bakery and beverages by LTA Cocktail Bar and Spurs Bar & Grill will be available for purchase. This month’s theme is Flower Power Night. Dress to impress for this one folks – there are prizes to be had!

August 20 – Rumble on the River
Sign up for this NEW event taking place (in coordination with the Little Show on the Crow) on Wednesday, August 20th at Neer Park! They’re seeking teams of 6 for RUMBLE ON THE RIVER: an off-the-wall, person-powered boat parade & relay race in honor of our beloved Crow River! Find out more by clicking on the event title.

August 22-24 – Raymond Harvest Festival
End the month with a bang at this beloved community festival! With parades, kids carnival, food vendors, bean bag tournament, Amazing Race Around Raymond, and the annual Annual Hawk Creek Run 5K, there’s no shortage of entertainment. It’s a weekend full of small-town joy and community pride.

And continuing throughout the month of August is Willmar Stingers Home Games, KRA Speedway Racing Nights, The Land Summer Music Series, Little Crow Ski Show, Spicer’s Music in the Park, and public cruises on Green Lake Cruises!

If you’ve been waiting for the perfect time to visit the Willmar Lakes Area—or to rediscover your own backyard—August is it! With something happening almost every day, it’s the ultimate month to soak up summer and celebrate everything that makes this region shine.

For the most udpated listing of events, please see our Events Calendar.