August is the perfect time to squeeze every last bit of summer fun out of the Willmar Lakes Area. As the days get a little shorter, the calendar gets even busier with community festivals, exciting competitions, live entertainment, and signature events that bring visitors and locals together.

From the thrill of the Kandiyohi County Fair and the historic New London to New Brighton Antique Car Run to outdoor concerts, theater performances, races, and hometown celebrations, August offers endless ways to create lasting summer memories. Whether you’re looking for a weekend adventure, a fun day trip, or one more reason to gather with family and friends, you’ll find plenty to explore throughout the Willmar Lakes Area.

July 29 – August 2 – Lake Lillian Fun Days
Celebrate community spirit during Lake Lillian Fun Days, a multi-day festival filled with small-town charm. Visitors can enjoy games, food vendors, a street dance, bean bag tournament, parade, tractor pull, worship service, and activities for all ages. It’s a classic Minnesota summer celebration the whole family will love.

July 31 – August 2 – Pennock Fun Days
Experience hometown hospitality during Pennock Fun Days, a weekend packed with family-friendly fun. Enjoy a parade, car show, tractor pull, bean bag tournament, street dance, delicious food, and activities for all ages. It’s the perfect chance to experience the traditions and welcoming spirit of a Minnesota small town.

July 31 – August 2 – Willmar Pride
Celebrate love, diversity, and community during Willmar Pride Weekend. Festivities include a kickoff celebration, drag show, Pride in the Park featuring vendors, live entertainment, food trucks, family activities, and a community worship service, finishing with a relaxing self-care event. It’s an uplifting weekend that welcomes everyone.

August 1 – Annual Jared Anez Memorial Race
Run, walk, or cheer during this meaningful annual event honoring Jared Anez. Choose from a Half Marathon, 5K walk/run, or kids’ one-mile race while enjoying scenic views around Eagle Lake. Best of all, proceeds help provide STEM scholarships for local students, making every mile count.

August 4 – Rockin’ Robbins
Spend a summer evening at Robbins Island Regional Park enjoying free live music, local food trucks, craft vendors, family activities, a beer and wine garden, and more. Bring a lawn chair, gather with friends, and enjoy one of the area’s favorite outdoor concert experiences.

August 5-8 – New London to New Brighton Antique Car Run
Watch automotive history roll through the Willmar Lakes Area during this internationally recognized event. Vintage automobiles built in 1908 or earlier travel from New London to New Brighton, offering visitors a rare opportunity to see these incredible vehicles up close. Stop by New London throughout the week to admire the cars before they begin their journey.

August 5-8 – Kandiyohi County Fair
Experience one of the biggest events of the summer at the Kandiyohi County Fair. From thrilling carnival rides and live entertainment to livestock shows, tractor pulls, bull riding, demolition derby, delicious fair food, and family activities, there’s excitement around every corner for visitors of all ages.

August 7-10, 14-17 – The Barn Theatre Production of “A Little Piece of Heaven”
Enjoy an evening of live theater with this heartwarming production at The Barn Theatre. Filled with humor, friendship, and unexpected connections, A Little Piece of Heaven tells a touching story that will leave audiences smiling. Reserve your tickets and enjoy one of the region’s favorite summer theater traditions.

August 8 – Annual Salvation Army Classic Car Show
Spend the day admiring beautifully restored classics, custom builds, and vintage favorites while supporting a great cause. With food, family-friendly fun, and hundreds of impressive vehicles on display, this annual show is a favorite gathering for car enthusiasts and casual visitors alike.

August 8 & 9 – Annual Green Lake Kids Triathlon & Green Lake Triathlon
Challenge yourself or cheer on athletes during this exciting weekend of competition in Spicer. The kids take center stage on Saturday before adult participants swim, bike, and run through the beautiful Green Lake area on Sunday. It’s an inspiring event for competitors and spectators alike.

August 8 & 9 – West Central Bow Hunter 60 3-D Shoot
Test your skills at one of the region’s premier archery events. This challenging 60-target 3-D shoot welcomes experienced archers and outdoor enthusiasts for a weekend of friendly competition, skill-building, and camaraderie in a beautiful outdoor setting.

August 16 – Old Log Church of Norway Lake Anniversary Celebration
Celebrate the area’s rich Norwegian heritage during this special anniversary event at the historic Old Log Church. Visitors can enjoy a traditional worship service, musical performances, and a gathering that honors one of the region’s treasured historic landmarks.

August 20 – Cruise Night at the Country Stop
Car lovers won’t want to miss this relaxed evening of classic cars, custom rides, great food, and community fun. Whether you’re showing off your own vehicle or strolling through the lineup, Cruise Night offers a perfect summer evening for automotive enthusiasts.

August 21-22 – Raymond Harvest Festival
Celebrate the season during Raymond Harvest Festival, a fun-filled weekend featuring parades, a kids carnival, food vendors, a bean bag tournament, and the popular Amazing Race Around Raymond. It’s the perfect way to experience small-town Minnesota at its finest.

The fun doesn’t stop with special events! Throughout the month, you can also catch Willmar Stingers Home Games, KRA Speedway Racing Nights, Thursday Night Music Series at The Tasting Grove, Little Crow Ski Show, Spicer’s Music in the Park, and scenic public cruises aboard Green Lake Cruises!

No matter when you visit in August, you’ll find plenty of ways to soak up the final weeks of summer in the Willmar Lakes Area. Mark your calendar, invite your family and friends, and start planning your next adventure. We can’t wait to see you enjoying all the festivals, fairs, live music, outdoor recreation, and unforgettable memories that make August one of the very best times to visit!