Get Out & Enjoy February!

Don’t hibernate this winter! Get out and explore the many arts and cultural experiences, lively entertainment, and invigorating outdoor activities that the Willmar Lakes Area has to offer. You’ll find plenty of events and activities that the whole family will enjoy this February. Read more about some of our larger events below, and check out our Event Calendar for even more ideas!

February 3 – Frozen 5K Walk/Run
This year might be one of the warmest on record for the Frozen 5K Walk/Run! Take advantage by signing up online for this scenic run around Spicer by February 1st! There is also same day registration at 8am if you decide to join the fun at the last minute.

February 3 – Willmar VFW Annual 701 ABC Draw Dart Tournament
Join the fun during this annual dart tournament that takes place at the Willmar VFW! This will be an average based tourney, so please have your averages when you sign up. It will be 701 stacked and the boards will be on free play (total of 8 boards). And while you’re competing at darts, you can also enjoy bucket and food specials!

February 3 – Youth in Harmony Festival Concert
Each year the West Central Connection Chorus puts on this event for young men in the local area to come for the day to learn four part harmony. They bring a clinician and a teaching quartet, plenty of food, lots of comradery, and a ton of great music! It all caps off with a free will donation concert at 6:30pm. Don’t miss it!

February 6 – Galentine’s Day Shop Hop
This Galentine’s Day Shop Hop is a day to get out with your favorite gal-friends and do some shopping at participating businesses. Visit all participating businesses with the galentines passport to be eligible to win the Grand Prize GIVEAWAY! Check out the event for more details as we get closer to the event.

February 8-11 & 15-18 – The Barn Theatre Presents: A Bad Year for Tomatoes
Lights, Laughter, Action! Get ready for a spectacular theatrical experience as The Barn Theatre presents “A Bad Year For Tomatoes” – a comedy that will have you rolling in the aisles with laughter. Don’t miss your chance to support our community theatre and laugh until your sides hurt. Tickets are on sale now for this hilarious comedy at The Barn Theatre!

February 10 – Galentine’s Day
Rustic Design Flower Farm, Goat Ridge Brewing, and Redhead Creamery have teamed up to host a Galentine’s Party! The party begins with a self-serve cheese and charcuterie grazing table set up by Alise of Redhead Creamery, followed by a floral bouquet arrangement workshop led by Mary of Rustic Designs Flower Farm. Each ticket holder will receive a token for one beverage to redeem at Goat Ridge Brewing. Tickets are limited! So tell your friends and get your tickets early!

February 10 – Michael Shynes & David Gerald Sutton Concert
Come and listen to the wonderful music of Michael Shynes and David Gerald Sutton as you enjoy a delicious meal at O’Neil’s to celebrate Valentines (or Galentines)! Tickets include entrance to the show and a 3-course meal. This duo is one you don’t want to miss!

February 11 – Winter Fun Day
Even though we didn’t get the snow we wanted for this event, we’ll still have fun doing non-winter activities! Enjoy a fun afternoon at Prairie Woods Environmental Learning Center with fun outdoor activities for everyone in the family including fat tire bikes. Indoors, warm up by the fire, learn about some winter hobbies and try your hand at the climbing wall. All are welcome!

February 15-23 – Save Our Tails Online Auction
Support the Hawk Creek Animal Shelter during their largest annual fundraiser: Save Our Tails. The funds are used to offset medical costs for their furrbabies. Annually, they assist with over 3000 animals; having them spayed or neutered, microchipped, given age appropriate vaccinations, dewormed, vet checked, and started on monthly preventives. They also go out into the community to educate the public on animal care, the human animal bond, and how to be a responsible pet owner. So pre-register for the auction (no cost) and check out the many amazing baskets and gifts available to bid on.

February 24 – West Central Week O
Experience the ingenuity of robotics teams from around the area during this free event! A week 0 event is comparable to a preseason event and its purpose is to test robot components, train drivers, and test game strategies for regular season competitions. If interested, they are also looking for volunteers to help them put on this event! Why not get a free lunch while watching robots all day! More details on the event listing.

February 24 – 2024 Winter Beerlympics
Who’s ready for a day filled with several rounds of games of skill during the 2024 Winter Beerlympics at Intuition Brewing? Register in advance to secure your spot as they can only take a limited number of teams. Winners will receive a $75 Intuition Gift Card! Now that’s worth playing for!

February 24-25 – Diamond Edge Figure Skating Annual Show
The Diamond Edge Figure Skating Annual Show will be held at the Willmar Civic Center. It will feature their talented DEFSC Skaters and a special guest performance from a talented Guest Skater. Come support these young skaters as they perform a show that is choreographed around the theme: Once Upon A Time.

And continuing throughout the month of February 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.

Fish our lakes

The possibilities are endless on our 30 recreational lakes…boating, swimming, fishing, water skiing, tubing, canoeing, kayaking, paddle boating, hydro biking, paddle boarding and so much more!

Fishing Report

Explore our Trails

Surrounded by beautiful lakes and scenery…who wouldn’t take a hike or a leisurely bike ride to enjoy the view? With miles of trials to choose from, you can always find new places to explore.

Trail Report