The Willmar Lakes Area has a tenacious music scene throughout the year, but during the summer months it’s even more plentiful. Warm weather, refreshing beverages, great company, and live music. What a great way to enjoy a Minnesota summer! Stop by these locations this summer (or anytime throughout the year) to enjoy a variety of live music!

If you’re looking for unique music, head to Goat Ridge Brewery in New London. They host Live and Unfiltered on the Riverside Stage on Thursday nights during the summer months and live music on some Saturday nights throughout the year. The folks at Goat Ridge try to curate some of the best original sounds from around the Midwest and beyond. Music lovers of all ages find their refuge amidst a flowing river, dappled shade, and a roaring fire. Don’t worry if you can’t make it there during the summer, they also are known for warming up Minnesota winters with rock-the-house-revelry in their taproom where dancers share the floor (and sometimes the mic) with the bands that are sending their feet flying.

You’ll find a variety of live acoustic music every Friday night throughout the year at Ruff’s Wings & Sports Bar in Willmar. During the summer months, enjoy their live music on their outdoor patio that has everything you could dream of with an outdoor bar, fire feature, and 3 TV’s including a 70″ HD TV. So start your weekend off right at Ruff’s with your favorite local craft beer and some amazing food.

O’Neil’s in Spicer is another local favorite for live music. During the summer months, O’Neil’s hosts live music every Friday, Saturday and Sunday. On those gorgeous summer nights, find a spot on their patio (with an amazing view of Green Lake), grab a bite to eat, and order your favorite beer (from 30 varieties on tap), mule, or cocktail! You’re sure to relax and unwind in this beautiful setting. Follow them on Facebook to find out their upcoming live music throughout the year.

Another place to find delicious food, refreshing beverages and live music is the New London American Legion. Every month you’ll find a variety of live bands performing on Saturdays, Thirsty Thursdays Karaoke with Dan Burns, and Bingo two Tuesdays a month.

Chances are, if you’re spending time on Green Lake during the summer, you’ll be drawn to Zorbaz on Green Lake at least once (if not multiple times). Easy access from the lake with multiple docks for you to tie up your boat. A sandy beach, outdoor fire, hanging lights, delicious pizza and Mexican dishes as well as a wide variety of beers on tap. Throw in some live music and you have the perfect night! Throughout the summer months, you’ll find live music on their patio every Friday, Saturday and Sunday. And if you’re feeling brave, you can even participate in their karaoke nights. During the colder months, you’ll find live music inside on the event side of the restaurant.

Enjoy free concerts at The Land by Model Citizen on Thursday evenings throughout the summer. Bring a friend and a chair and enjoy some really great food and drinks while you take in the sounds of live music on The Hill Stage! Whether they’re hosting a food truck or serving up something savory from the smoker, you’re sure to leave with a full stomach. This place tends to get pretty busy on Thursday nights, so get there a little early to ensure you can get a great spot to place your chairs.

Other fun locations you can find live music at throughout the year include Foxhole Brewhouse and VFW Post 1639 in Willmar, Max’s on the Green in Spicer, The Little Theatre Auditorium in New London, The Handle Bar in Atwater, and Cheers in Raymond.

Find out when and where live music is taking place in the Willmar Lakes Area by perusing our Event Calendar.