I don’t know about you, but October just flew by! There were so many events and activities that we were busy pretty much the whole month!
Now, although November slows down a little bit for community activities and events, I’m sure you’ll stay plenty busy planning your holiday festivities with friends and family! And if you’re looking for a place to host your family gathering (rather than cleaning your house & having everyone there) check out the many event facilities in our area that’ll help make your holiday planning a breeze!

Here are some of the events we’d like to highlight this month:
November 4 – Uffda Day
Come join the Celebration of Minnesota & Scandinavian heritage at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Atwater. There will be baked goodies, canned goods, and a quilt raffle!

November 4 – Dee’s Annual Deer Hunting Widow’s Tournament
Make sure to sign up for the annual Deer Hunting Widow’s dart tournament at the Willmar VFW! You’re sure to have a great time!

November 4 – Boogie Wonderland Band – The Ultimate Party Band
Purchase your tickets and join a night of non-stop fun and groovy tunes with the Boogie Wonderland Band – The Ultimate Party Band! Get ready to dance the night away as this incredible band takes the stage on Saturday, November 4, 2023 at 8:00 p.m. featuring our local favorite, Jason Christianson!

November 9-11 – 2023 Veterans Day Observance Display
Take time to stop by the annual display honoring the service and sacrifice of our nation’s veterans. There are over 7000 original military items on display from the Civil War Through Modern Day. Stories and histories of the veterans who used them will also be on display.And don’t miss the Veterans Day program on Nov. 11th at 7:30pm.

November 9-12 – Willmar High School Music Department Presents “Grease”
Get your tickets for this amazing performance of “Grease” by the Willmar High School students! Hear the hit songs “Greased Lightnin’”, “We Go Together”, “Mooning”, and more. Grease is among the world’s most popular musicals, especially among teens!

November 11 – West Addison Blues: Live Concert Recording
Be part of making history at this live concert recording of West Central Minnesota’s Premier Blues Brother Act, the West Addison Blues Band at the Little Theatre Auditorium in New London!

November 16 – Ladies Day at Elmquist Jewelers, Mr. B’s Chocolates, and Stacy’s Nursery
Join the fun at these three businesses to create your Christmas Wish Lists, do some shopping, sign up for giveaways, and much more!

November 16-18 – New London-Spicer High School Presents “The Sound of Music”
Get your tickets early for the New London-Spicer High School performance of “The Sound of Music”! The inspirational story, based on the memoir of Maria Augusta Trapp, follows an aspiring postulate who serves as governess to the seven children of the imperious Captain von Trapp, bringing music and joy to the household. But as the forces of Nazism take hold of Austria, Maria and the entire von Trapp family must make a moral decision. You’ll feel a sense of nostalgia when you hear the popular songs from this classic musical.

November 17-19 – MACCRAY High School Presents “Mary Poppins”
Come get swept away by MACCRAY High School’s cast of Mary Poppins as they tell the story of the Banks family. In desperate need of a nanny for their two uncontrollable children, Jane and Michael, the Banks family can hardly believe their eyes when, one day, a young peculiar woman mysteriously appears on their doorstep by the name of Mary Poppins. As the story unfolds, Mary Poppins uses her magical abilities to take the children on wild adventures and to teach them, and occasionally their parents, important lessons. It will be SUPERcalifragilisticexpialidocious!

November 17 – Adrian Washington & Friends at the Willmar VFW
Get ready for a night of pure entertainment during this awesome in-person event featuring Comedian Adrian Washington, Bianca Dennie, and Aidan McCluskey! Don’t miss out on this incredible opportunity to witness Adrian and his friends showcase their incredible skills and entertain you like never before. Purchase your tickets in advance to save money!

November 18-December 29 – Festival of Trees
Stop by The Barn Theatre in downtown Willmar to see a variety of lighted and decorated trees by different organizations in the community! The Barn Theatre will be open for the public to view the trees during regular business hours in November and December and during the holiday show “Toyland, the Holiday Family Musical Treat” in December.

November 18 – Willmar Wedding Expo
Have you or someone you know recently gotten engaged? Come to this new, FREE event showcasing a wide variety of vendors including Wedding businesses, crafts, and other local businesses. Your one stop shop for all things wedding related! You’ll also get to enjoy samples and giveaways from the vendors!

November 18 – Holidaze Event & Parade
Join the fun during this annual event in downtown Willmar! Enjoy a holiday movie, hot chocolate, cookies, activities and crafts, meet Santa and enjoy the very popular Holidaze lighted parade!

November 19 – Prairie Winds Concert Band Fall Concert
Enjoy an hour of beautiful music by the Prairie Winds Concert Band. Their fall concert is entitled “Dance!” featuring dance music from around the World!

November 19 – Prairie Arts Chorale Concert: “A Life in Song”
The Prairie Arts Chorale will be connecting generations through the magic of music in their fall concert entitled “A Life in Song.” Inspired by Shakespeare’s quote, “All the world’s a stage, and all the men and women merely players” (or in this case, singers), the Chorale will present music, both classic and contemporary, that explores the stages of our lives, including music of childhood, adolescence, middle age, old age, and death. The musical selections include; “Kid Song” by Stephen Caldwell, “Sixteen Going On Seventeen” from The Sound of Music, “It Takes A Village” by Joan Szymko, “When I’m 64” by The Beatles, and “I Remember It Well” from Gigi.

November 19 – West Central Singers Fall Concert
Enjoy another great performance by the West Central Singers as they present “A Sweet Slice of Gratitude” at 4pm at Calvary Lutheran Church in Willmar.

November 23 – Turkey Leg 5K Run
Join us for a fun start to your Thanksgiving, at the Turkey Leg 5K! This race is a 3.1 mile asphalt roadside race around Willmar streets. Walkers are welcome! Largest Family Group wins a medal. And get your Thanksgiving costumes on, as the best dressed will receive an award.

November 23-December 31 – Celebrate the Light of the World Christmas Light Display
Year after year, thousands of visitors flock to Robbins Island Regional Park for the long-lasting tradition of “Celebrate the Light of the World.” Robbins Island comes to life with light and color, drawing people young and old to the peninsula that juts into Foot Lake. Explore the park and admire the lights from the comfort of your car by driving through the area starting Thanksgiving Day and running through December 31st. You’re sure to find the perfect night to visit the amazing lights that can be seen from across the lake.

Celebrate the Light of the World

November 24-25 – 530 Farm Girls Christmas in the Country Sale
Stop by the 530 Farm Girls Christmas in the Country Sale for vintage finds, funky junk, unique filled Christmas planters with greens and much more! A perfect place to find that unique gift for that person that seems to have everything!

November 25 – Local Authors Book Signing
Come meet four local authors: Kari Trumbo, Zachariah Jones, Julie Johnson, and Forrest Peterson! Purchase books from them and have them signed by the authors!

And continuing throughout the month of November are Willmar WarHawk Home Games! 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.