July in the Willmar Lakes Area is bursting with fun, family-friendly events and festive summer vibes! From small-town charm to lakeside adventures, this month is packed with celebrations, concerts, outdoor activities, and local traditions you won’t want to miss. Whether you’re catching fireworks over Green Lake, tapping your toes at Music in the Park, or cheering at a quirky boat relay on the Crow River, there’s something happening nearly every day. So mark your calendars and get ready for a month full of memory-making moments!

July 3-4 – Prinsburg’s 4th of July Celebration
Join the town of Prinsburg as they celebrate Independence Day! Events usually include the Freedom Fun Run, a Pork Dinner, Kids Activities & Concessions, Town Softball game, basket ball tournament, golf scramble, pickleball tournament, a parade, bean bag tournament, ice cream social, and fireworks!

July 3-6 – Spicer’s 4th of July Celebration
Spicer’s fourth of July celebration is “One of the Best in the Area.” There are activities for all ages, for multiple days. Besides an arts and crafts fair with an amusing flea market, everyone will be enjoying a basketball tournament, kiddie parade, kids pedal pull, a competitive 12-mile running race and, of course, all the water fun you could ask for! The street dance near Pirrotta Park features Mason Dixon Line and is family friendly. On the fourth, the Grand Day parade, including over 100 participants with lots of entertainment and candy starts at 10am! And don’t miss the amazing fireworks display that lights up the sky over Spicer.

July 11-12 – 41st Annual Green Lake Lutheran Ministries Quilt Auction
Each year, hundreds of folks make the trip to Spicer to attend the Green Lake Lutheran Ministries Quilt Auction. Under a tent by Green Lake, bidders try to win one of the beautiful handmade quilts of all colors, stitchings, and sizes, donated from all over the world. A crowd of camp counselors show off the quilts, jumping up and down and singing joyfully. The air is filled with the scent of fresh doughnuts and pulled pork lunch. Tens of thousands of dollars are raised in an afternoon, supporting the ministry of GLLM. This event has created memories for so many staff alumni, camper families, neighbors, and donors over the years. Come and join the fun!

July 12 – Rusty Eyeball Car & Motorcycle Show
Come to the 18th Annual Rusty Eyeball Motorcycle and Car Show! Rat rods, motorcycles, and classic cars are all welcome! A new addition to the show this year, they will be having a “go-kart / mini bike” class! Don’t miss this fun event for the whole family with rockin’ music, a swap meet, and vendors!

July 13 – West Central Bassmasters Green Lake Summer Classic Bass Tournament
The Annual Green Lake Summer Classic will be held at Zorbaz on Green Lake. This year’s Green Lake Summer Classic promises to be even bigger and better! They have some awesome sponsors and some big things in store! Come on out for some great food, beer, fishing and competition! Entry forms are rolling in quickly already. Don’t miss out, send your entry form in today!

July 13, 20, 27 – Spicer’s Music in the Park
Bring your chair, blanket, family & friends and enjoy two hours of outdoor music entertainment at Spicer’s beautiful Pirrotta Park located on the shores of Green Lake. Food is available for purchase during events. A great way to spend a Sunday!

July 15-19 – New London Water Days
Join the family fun during the New London Water Days! Events include a medallion hunt, tennis tournament, hog roast, grand day parade, street dance, BINGO, kid’s fishing tournament, bean bag tournament, fire works and much more!

July 15, 22 & 29 – Rockin’ Robbins
Rockin’ Robbins is a free outdoor concert series presented by the Willmar Rotary Club. It takes place Tuesday evenings at Robbins Island Regional Park starting July 15th, 2025 and running through August 5th. The event includes free kids activities, food trucks and vendors, a beer and wine tent, local craft market, and a free shuttle from four convenient park and ride locations. Pack a lawn chair and join us for the opening act at 5pm out at Robbins Island in Willmar!

July 16  – 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 Jeff James and door prizes. Fun for the whole family!!

July 16 – 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 July 16 and August 20th. Don’t forget to bring your lawn chair!

July 16 – Rumble on the River
Sign up for this NEW event taking place (in coordination with the Little Show on the Crow) on Wednesday, July 16th at Neer Park! They’re seeking teams of 6 for RUMBLE ON THE RIVER: an off-the-wall, person-powered boat parade & relay race in honor of our beloved Crow River! Find out more by clicking on the event title.

July 16-18, 20-21, 23-25 – NL-S Performing Arts Center Presents Laughter on the 23rd Floor
The excitement never ends as America’s favorite comedy playwright tells the story of the craziness that happened when he first joined New York’s top comedy writers. Neil Simon wrote “Laughter on the 23rd Floor” right after he won the Pulitzer Prize. Hysterically funny is the best way to describe this play directed by Tom Orth. Come to the Performing Arts Center in New London mid-July to enjoy this professionally mounted production. Get your tickets today!

July 19-20 – Glacial Ridge Appaloosa Club Open Horse Show & Clinic
Come and check out the amazing talent we have in our area at the Glacial Ridge Appaloosa Club Open Horse Show and Horsemanship Clinic. The event will take place at the large outdoor arena at the Kandiyohi County Fairgrounds. Fun for everyone!

July 26 – Guides Choice Pub Crawl
Hop aboard the Minnesota Reds, Whites, and Brews 14-passenger bus for a unique half-day 𝘎𝘶𝘪𝘥𝘦𝘴 𝘊𝘩𝘰𝘪𝘤𝘦 𝘴𝘶𝘱𝘱𝘰𝘳𝘵 𝘭𝘰𝘤𝘢𝘭 𝘱𝘶𝘣 𝘤𝘳𝘢𝘸𝘭! For just $70 per person, you’ll visit five fantastic area breweries, spending about an hour at each to enjoy their craft and support local food trucks and eateries. Your trip includes convenient custom pickup (some distance limitations apply), one free beer voucher to use at your favorite stop, and our friendly, personalized service, all ensuring safe and comfortable transportation. Traveling solo? No problem! We just need a minimum of five passengers to embark on this adventure. Seating is limited, so reserve your spot today!

July 26 – Rock the Dock
Join us for Rock the Dock, the Willmar Lakes Area Chamber’s annual fundraising event – formerly known as Melvin’s Throwback! Enjoy this beachfront concert featuring live music from Pirates, Guitars, and Beachfront Bars! Show off your best pirate look for a chance at fabulous prizes.

And continuing throughout the month of July (and most of the summer) are Willmar Stingers Home Games, KRA Speedway Racing Nights, The Land Summer Music Series, Little Crow Ski Shows, and public cruises on Green Lake Cruises!

As the sun shines long into these warm July evenings, there’s no shortage of ways to enjoy summer in the Willmar Lakes Area. With everything from quilt auctions to car shows, water days to pub crawls, and endless music and fireworks, there’s something special around every corner. Don’t forget to check out the ongoing weekly events, like farmers markets, trivia nights, and live performances, to fill in your summer calendar. For the latest updates and even more happenings, be sure to visit our Events Calendar — and make this July one to remember!