Thrilling Happenings in the Willmar Lakes Area This June

June in the Willmar Lakes Area is bursting with exciting events and activities that you won’t want to miss. From music festivals and community gatherings to unique artistic experiences, there’s something for everyone. Here’s a look at some of the standout events happening this month.
June 1 – GLLM Summer Kick Off
Kick off your summer with a warm welcome at the Green Lake Lutheran Ministries Summer Kick Off. Join in a day of fellowship and fun at the Green Lake Bible Camp. Enjoy a delicious French toast breakfast and partake in family-friendly activities by the lake. This event is perfect for connecting with the local community and embracing the summer spirit.
June 1 – Stonewall Farms Experience
Spend a delightful afternoon at the Stonewall Farms Experience, where you can enjoy local vendors, food trucks, live music, and yard games. The event is open to everyone, whether you’re planning a special event or simply want to enjoy the beauty of Stonewall Farms. Don’t miss the chance to meet the horses and explore the venue.
June 5 – The Land Summer Music Series
Music lovers rejoice! The Land Summer Music Series returns, offering live music every Thursday. Starting at 5:30 PM with food trucks and followed by performances at 6 PM, this event promises an evening of melodies, delicious food, and good company. Check out the full lineup of musicians for an unforgettable summer music experience.
June 5-8, 12-15, 19-22 – The Barn Theatre Presents: Young Frankenstein
Catch the electrifying musical adaptation of Mel Brooks’ classic film, Young Frankenstein, at The Barn Theatre. This hilarious production is intended for mature audiences and is sure to have you laughing from start to finish. Reserve your seats and enjoy the comedic genius of this beloved tale.
June 6 – Little Crow Ski Show
Enjoy the first Little Crow Ski show of the 2025 season for FREE on Friday, June 6th! They’ve been working hard this off-season to put together a great show and they can’t wait for you to see it. Can’t make it to their first show? No worries! They perform most Friday nights June-August. Click the event title to see the full schedule of home shows.
June 7 – Porchfest
Celebrate Bill Gossman Day at New London’s 5th Annual Porchfest! This all-day, all-ages free outdoor event features live music on porches and stoops up and down Main Street and all-around town! Enjoy local musicians performing around town starting at 11:00 AM. Don’t forget to check the map for locations and times for each performance.
June 7 – Willmar Pride in the Park
Celebrate Willmar Pride with Vendors, Exhibitors, Crafts, Food Trucks & Drag Queen story time at Rice Park! Then get your tickets to the Pride Drag Show at Spurs Bar & Grill starting at 8pm. This event is a wonderful way to celebrate diversity and community spirit.
June 7 – Smokin’ for the Link Rib Fest
Gather with friends and family for Smokin’ for the Link Rib Fest. Enjoy live music, a silent auction, raffles, and mouth-watering ribs and pie. This charity event supports The Link’s programs, making it a fun and fulfilling day out.
June 11 – Prairie Winds Summer Band Concerts
Head to Rice Park for the Prairie Winds Summer Band Concerts starting June 11th. Bring a lawn chair, enjoy free popcorn and water, and listen to the community band play a variety of tunes. Concerts continue every Wednesday night through July 9th.
June 9-10 – Kandi is Dandy Days
Enjoy two days full of family fun activities that everyone is sure to love including a medallion hunt, a kiddie parade, a Fire Department Waterball Fight, family movie night in the park, pancake breakfast, kiddie karnival, tractor pull, bean bag toss tournament, and a grand day parade! Click the event title to see the full schedule and the event poster.
June 13-14 – Studio Hop
Explore local artistry at the Studio Hop, where artists open their creative spaces to the public. This free event showcases paintings, jewelry, sculpture, and more. Take the opportunity to meet artists, watch demonstrations, and purchase unique artwork.
June 14 – Crow River Fishing Tournament
Anglers, pack up your fishing gear and stock up on bait as you head to the annual Crow River Fishing Tournament on Saturday, June 10th! Registration starts at 6:30am and the tournament starts at 7:00am. Whether you’re a seasoned angler or just love a good day on the water, this is your chance to compete for cash prizes, trophies, and bragging rights!
June 14 – 7th Annual Redhead Creamery Curd Fest
Join the cheesy fun at the 7th Annual Curd Fest! Take a leisurely walk, shop around, have a drink, or bust a move. Watch the Hand Milking Competition, see the super cool robotic milkers in action, and snuggle with a fluffy calf at Cow Camp. Don’t forget to sign up for their newsletter for a chance to bottle feed a calf during afternoon chores. With delicious Pan-Fried Curds and Curd Kabobs, this event is a dairy lover’s dream!
June 14 – Carden Glow Circus
Enjoy three rings of absolutely unforgettable family fun at the Circus Spectacular! Be amazed with all new, never-before-seen acts! Experience the laughter & wonder, stunning contortionists, the music & magic, amazing aerialists and see the Magnificent Carden Circus camels & more!! Shows are at 3:00pm and 6:30pm. Get your tickets today!
June 14 – Sunburg Fire Department Waterball Fight & Concert
You’ll love watching the Annual Waterball Brawl in Sunburg as area fire departments compete for a traveling trophy. And afterwards, stay to enjoy the Street Dance featuring Kentucky Thunder!
June 18-22 – Willmar Fests
Celebrate community pride at Willmar Fests, a blend of four festivals: International Fest, Aqua Fest, Frameries Fest, and Kaffee Fests. Enjoy a variety of activities and events that highlight the cultural richness and creativity of the Willmar area. Check out the full schedule of events by clicking on the event title.
June 18 – 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 Josie Sanken and door prizes. Fun for the whole family!!
June 18 – Little Show on the Crow
This summer, enjoy food, beverages, and music at Neer Park in New London from 6:30-8:30 PM. Shows are on June 18, July 16, and August 20th. Don’t forget to bring your lawn chair!
June 19-22 – Atwater Festival Days
Enjoy the many fun events taking place during this year’s Atwater Festival Days! Events usually include a Fire Department Fun Night at the Atwater Community Center, City-Wide Garage Sales, Craft Vendors, Food Booths, Kiddie Parade, Kids Pedal Pull, Fire Department Waterball, Turtle Races, Bed Races, Bean Bag Tournament, Basketball Tournament, Sand Volleyball, Street Dance, Golf Scramble and much more!!!
June 19 – Miles 4 Mentors Fun Run – Willmar Fests Block Party
Register your kids for the Miles 4 Mentors Fun Run taking place during the Willmar Fests Block Party on June 19th. Runners in grades K-5 who register by May 25th will receive a free t-shirt at the Willmar Fests event. Children 4 and under must be accompanied by an adult during the event. Only children aged 4-11 years old will receive medals. Bring the whole family, celebrate our community, get healthy, and have some healthy fun.
June 21 – Foot Lake 4 Walk/Run
The Foot Lake Four Walk/Run is a fun event for the whole family that takes place each year during Willmar Fests. It is a four-mile, USATF-certified course that starts in downtown Willmar, winds along beautiful Foot Lake and the scenic trails of Robbins Island, then passes over the First Street bridge before returning to the hospital. Gather your family and friends to join the race, people are invited to run or walk, create a group name and be in the runnings to be the largest group. Each group member of the largest group will receive a medal.
June 21 – Kandiyohi County Rescue Squad Car Show
Enjoy a day filled with a variety of cool cars. No limit on year class. All cars are welcome! Show car entry fee is $10. The event is free to all spectators! Come and see who takes home the Custom Rescue’s pick trophy!
And continuing throughout the month of June (and most of the summer) are farmers’ markets, karaoke nights at area bars, trivia nights at area breweries, and live music at a variety of restaurants/bars. Also, Willmar Stingers Home Games, KRA Speedway Racing Nights, and public cruises on Green Lake Cruises!
For the most udpated listing of events, please see our Events Calendar.
Enjoy the vibrant community and diverse activities the Willmar Lakes Area has to offer this June!
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!
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Explore our Trails
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Trail Report
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