Summer is officially in full swing in the Willmar Lakes Area, and June is packed with exciting events for visitors and locals alike! From community festivals and live music to theater productions, fishing tournaments, car shows, and family-friendly activities, there’s something happening almost every day throughout the region. Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway, searching for family fun, or simply looking for a new way to enjoy the sunshine, these June events are sure to make your summer unforgettable.

June 4 – Thursday Night Music Series at The Tasting Grove in Spicer
Music lovers rejoice! The Tasting Grove Summer Music Series returns with live music every Thursday evening throughout the summer. Food trucks begin serving at 5:30 PM, followed by live performances at 6 PM. Gather your friends, enjoy delicious food and drinks, and kick back with great live music in a beautiful outdoor setting.

June 4–7, June 11–14 & June 18–21 – Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Cinderella at The Barn Theatre
Step into a fairytale as The Barn Theatre presents Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Cinderella! Enjoy an enchanting evening filled with classic songs, magical moments, and a beloved story the whole family will love.

June 5 – Little Crow Ski Show at Neer Park
Enjoy the first Little Crow Water Ski Show of the 2026 season on Friday, June 5th! The team has been working hard all offseason to put together another exciting summer performance. Can’t make opening night? No worries — shows take place most Friday nights throughout the summer.

June 6 – Smokin’ for the Link Rib Fest in New London
Gather with friends and family for Smokin’ for the Link Rib Fest featuring mouth-watering ribs, pie, live music, raffles, and a silent auction. This fun-filled community event supports The Link’s important programs while serving up delicious food and entertainment.

June 10 – Prairie Winds Summer Band Concert Series in Willmar
Head to Rice Park for the Prairie Winds Summer Band Concert Series beginning June 10th. Bring a lawn chair, enjoy free popcorn and water, and listen to the community band perform a variety of musical favorites. Concerts continue Wednesday evenings through July 1.

June 12-13 – Kandi is Dandy Days in Kandiyohi
Enjoy two days packed with family fun during Kandi is Dandy Days! Activities include a medallion hunt, kiddie parade, Waterball Fight, family movie night, pancake breakfast, kiddie carnival, tractor pull, bean bag tournament, grand parade, and more.

June 12-13 – Studio Hop throughout Kandiyohi County
Explore local artistry during Studio Hop, where artists open their creative spaces to the public. This free event features paintings, jewelry, sculpture, pottery, woodworking, and more. Meet local artists, watch demonstrations, and shop for one-of-a-kind artwork.

June 13 – Crow River Fishing Tournament on the Crow River in New London
Anglers, pack your fishing gear and head to the annual Crow River Fishing Tournament on Saturday, June 13th! Registration begins at 6:30 AM with the tournament starting at 7:00 AM. Compete for cash prizes, trophies, and bragging rights during a fun day on the water.

June 13 – Sunburg Fire Department Waterball Fight & Street Dance
Watch area fire departments battle it out for a traveling trophy during the annual Waterball Brawl in Sunburg! Afterwards, stick around for the street dance featuring live music by Kentucky Thunder.

June 13 – Kandiyohi County Rescue Squad Car Show at the Willmar Community Center
Spend the day checking out classic cars, trucks, and custom rides during the Kandiyohi County Rescue Squad Car Show. All makes and years are welcome, and spectators can enjoy the event for free.

June 17 – Cruise Night at the Country Stop in New London
Classic car fans won’t want to miss Cruise Night at Country Stop! Browse 50–100 classic cars and hot rods while enjoying live music, door prizes, and delicious food specials. Fun for the whole family!

June 17-20 – Atwater Festival Days
Enjoy several days of family fun during Atwater Festival Days! Festivities include craft vendors, food booths, kiddie parade, turtle races, bean bag tournaments, Waterball competitions, street dances, golf scramble, and much more.

June 20 – Adaptive Water Skiing at Neer Park
The Little Crow Water Ski Team is once again offering an Adaptive Water Skiing event, giving individuals of all abilities the opportunity to experience the excitement of water skiing in a fun and supportive environment.

June 20 – Porchfest (Music Festival) in New London
Celebrate Bill Gossman Day at New London’s 6th Annual Porchfest! This free, all-day outdoor music festival features local musicians performing on porches, patios, and outdoor spaces throughout town beginning at 11:00 AM.

June 20 – 8th Annual Redhead Creamery Curd Fest
Join the cheesy fun during the 8th Annual Curd Fest at Redhead Creamery! Enjoy live music, shopping, delicious food, robotic milking demonstrations, baby calves, and plenty of cheese curds. It’s the perfect summer event for all ages.

June 20 – Carden Glow Circus in Willmar
Experience unforgettable family fun at the Carden Glow Circus! Enjoy incredible aerialists, contortionists, comedy, music, camels, and more during two exciting performances at 3:00 PM and 6:30 PM.

June 24-27 – Willmar Fests Community Celebration
Celebrate community pride during Willmar Fests — a combination of International Fest, Aqua Fest, Frameries Fest, and Kaffee Fest. Enjoy a variety of events and activities that highlight the culture, creativity, and community spirit of the Willmar Lakes Area.

June 25 – Miles 4 Mentors Fun Run – Willmar Fests Block Party
Kids in grades K–5 are invited to participate in the Miles 4 Mentors Fun Run during the Willmar Fests Block Party. Participants who register early will receive a free t-shirt, and medals will be awarded to eligible participants. Bring the whole family out for a fun and active community event!

June 27 – Foot Lake 4 Walk/Run in Willmar
The Foot Lake 4 Walk/Run is a fun annual tradition during Willmar Fests! This four-mile USATF-certified course winds through downtown Willmar, around scenic Foot Lake, and along the trails of Robbins Island before finishing near Rice Memorial Hospital.

And that’s just the beginning! Throughout June and all summer long, you’ll also find farmers markets, karaoke nights, trivia events at local breweries, live music throughout the region, Willmar Stingers baseball games, KRA Speedway racing nights, and scenic cruises on Green Lake with Green Lake Cruises and Rentals.

No matter what kind of fun you’re looking for this summer, you’ll find plenty of ways to celebrate, explore, and make memories throughout the Willmar Lakes Area this June. Be sure to mark your calendars, gather your family and friends, and enjoy everything our communities have to offer this season.

Looking for even more events, activities, and summer fun? Visit our Events Calendar for the most updated listings happening throughout the Willmar Lakes Area!