Spring has finally sprung in the Willmar Lakes Area, and May is bursting with events to celebrate the season! Whether you’re a music lover, a shopping enthusiast, or someone who enjoys a good, competitive run, there’s something for everyone this month. Let’s take a look at the exciting happenings you won’t want to miss!

May 1-3 – AAUW Willmar Used Book Sale
Looking for a good book to read? Then make sure you check out the AAUW (American Association of University Women) annual book sale May 1-3 at the Willmar Community Center. All proceeds fund two women scholarships at Ridgewater College, a donation to the Willmar Civic Scholarship Association for Willmar Senior High, and a contribution to AAUW’s National Fellowship Fund for Higher Education. Let your support impact our future!

May 3 – Kentucky Derby Parties
Dust off your fanciest hats and polish your mint julep glasses for the Kentucky Derby parties happening around the area! These gatherings offer a taste of Southern charm with races broadcast live, delicious food, and plenty of opportunities to place friendly wagers. Dress in your Derby best and enjoy a day of excitement, style, and community spirit. Click here for details to each event: The Handle Bar for their 2nd Annual Kentucky Derby Party and The Willmar Elks Lodge is also hosting a Kentucky Derby Party.

May 3 – AWF Presents Cardinal Chaos
The stars of American Wrestling Federation will be fighting at the Cardinal Chaos event on May 3rd! Including Kyle Pro, JDX, Damon Spriggle, Matt Honey, Urijah Upton and the one and only X and then Minnesota’s hottest tag team NDS! Come on out for family fun and an action packed wrestling event at the Willmar Civic Center!

May 4 – Prairie Arts Choral Spring Concert
Prairie Arts Chorale, singers of southwestern Minnesota, invite you to attend one of their five area concerts this spring entitled “Lights, Camera, Music!” In our area, they will be performing on May 4th at Faith Lutheran Church in Spicer at 4pm. You can purchase tickets in advance at Faith Lutheran Church for $12. Otherwise they will be $15 at the door. Children under 18 are free.

May 6 – Aaron Kerr’s Dissonant Creatures
Described as a mix of modern classical, free form jazz, heavy metal and atmospheric rock, Aaron Kerr’s Dissonant Creatures is the brainchild of cellist and composer Aaron Kerr. Catch Dissonant Creatures on the first stop of their Scorpio Rising Tour on Tuesday, May 6, at Little Theatre Auditorium! Tickets available in advance and at the door.

May 9-11 – Spring into Summer Shopping Event
Soak up the sunshine, explore local shops, and enjoy the charm of New London! Whether you’re looking to refresh your wardrobe, grab gifts, or just enjoy a day out around the pond, there’s something for everyone during the Spring into Summer event!

May 9 – Get Hooked on Habitat Benefit Concert
Purchase your tickets for Habitat of Humanity of West Central Minnesota’s Get Hooked Benefit Concert featuring Live Music by DiamondBack and Hors d’oeuvres. Buy Raffle Tickets to win prizes including the signature item of 8’x 12′ Fishing Shed donated by Heritage Exteriors. All proceeds benefit our work of changing lives and building communities one home at time. It is the greatest joy to mentor a family in need and help them become homeowners.

May 10 – MACCRAY NHS 5K Walk/Run
Ready to get moving for a good cause and have some fun? Whether you’re walking, running, or doing a little bit of both, this event is for YOU! Proceeds from this year’s run will go to the family of Brian Harper. We would love to invite all MACCRAY students, staff, families, and community to join us at Hawk Creek Golf Course on Saturday, May 10!

May 10 – 5th Annual Ox Cart 5K Walk/Run
Join us for Open Doors 5th Annual Ox Cart 5K at Decision Hills Campus on Saturday, May 10th at 9am. This 5k is held on the hiking trail not on a road system. This event is a free will donation and this year. All donations will help support The Link and the work they do in our community.

May 10-11 – Mother’s Day Events, Buffets & Brunches
Mother’s Day is a special time to honor the incredible women in our lives, and the Willmar Lakes Area has plenty of events to celebrate. Treat your mom to a lovely brunch, complete with mimosas and delectable dishes. Many local restaurants and venues offer special menus and events to help you make the day memorable. Be sure to make reservations early, as these events are popular! Or book a workshop on making your own succulent plants or a chunky blanket! Any of these events is a great way to celebrate the queen in your heart!

May 15 – KRA Speedway Racing Season Opener
Enjoy a night of racing action around the 3/8 mile semi-banked dirt track located on the south side of the historic Kandiyohi County Fairgrounds in Willmar. Watching mudslinging racing at KRA Speedway is a great way to spend your Thursday nights in the summer with family and friends!!!

May 15-17 – 530 Farm Girls Spring Sale
It’s a great weekend to check out the many fun vintage finds during the Annual 530 Farm Girls Sale! Check out their Facebook page to see sneak peeks of items that’ll be at the sale!

May 16 – Toby Keith Tribute Ranch Rodeo
Experience the thrill of the wild west at the Toby Keith Tribute Ranch Rodeo! This action-packed event brings some of the most talented riders into the coral to compete in a series of traditional racing challenges, putting both the horse & rider to their limits. Cheer on the cowboys and cowgirls as they showcase their skills and bravery. This must-see event promises fun for the whole family! Concessions & Bar Open, so come hungry, happy, & ready to smile all night long!

May 17 – Big Kandi Walleye Shootout
Anglers, grab your gear and get ready for the Big Kandi Walleye Shootout happening this month. The Willmar Lakes Area is known for its beautiful lakes and abundant fish, making it the perfect setting for a friendly competition. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a beginner, this tournament is a great way to enjoy the great outdoors and maybe even land the big one!

May 17 – Creekside Greenhouses Maker’s Market
Besides the flowers in the greenhouses we will spend the day with several local vendors selling items that are their own creations, you don’t want to miss this!

May 17 – Cinco de Mayo 2025
Join the fun on Saturday, May 17th on 4th Street in Downtown Willmar for an evening of live music, food, Bingo & games, Folkloric Dancers, drumming circle, mechanical bull rides and kids activities. Bring your friends, family, and festive spirit, as all are welcome — we’ll see you there!

May 18 – 20th Annual Sunburg Syttende Mai Celebration
Join the town of Sunburg as they celebrate their 20th Annual Syttende Mai Celebration! Come for the tractor pull, quilt raffle, boutique at the Community Center, Sunburg Trolls Car Club Car Display, Sunburg Lakers Baseball Game, Grande Day Parade and more!

May 21 – Cruise Night at the Country Stop
Come see 50 to 100 classic cars and hot rods that are displayed for everyone’s enjoyment. Enjoy an A&W Burger Basket special, live music by CJ Dafoe and door prizes. Fun for the whole family!!

May 24 – Memorial Day – Law Day 5K
Participate in the annual Memorial Day – Law Day 5K Run/Walk that starts at the Flags of Honor Memorial Park in Willmar and then winds you through Robbins Island Regionals Park. Take advantage of this early morning exercise opporunity that’ll have you enjoying the scenic views and beautiful natural landscape of Robbins Island Regional Park.

And continuing throughout the month of May are 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.