Gem Days
Join us for this fun summer time event! Ice Cream Social & Old Car Cruise-In, Crazy Days Sidewalk Sales, Kiddie Parade, Food Vendors, Music, and more.
St. Paul Cherry Blossom Festival
The annual celebration of the gift of cherry trees from the Japanese government in 2012 will take place from 9 to 11:30 am on Saturday, May 3rd. Taikollaborative will start us off with a BANG at 9 am near the Mannheimer Memorial, Sansei Yonsei Kai will perform traditional Sakura dances and also invite the audience to participate. We have two special guests this year. Edo Bayashi will perform a traditional Lion Dance and former Nagasaki mayor Tomihisa Taue will be in attendance!
Classics by the Lake Car Show
A show of 100's of classic cars and rods all parked on the beautiful shores of Buffalo Lake. For car buffs or just a great family get together! Food and music!
2026 City of Lights Celebration & Holiday Fireworks
Nisswa is the place to be the day after Thanksgiving! While others are thinking about the hustle and bustle of Black Friday shopping, the Nisswa downtown is creating a Norman Rockwell scene. Festivities for the annual event begin in the afternoon with wagon rides, storytelling, food vendors, bonfires, Polar Express story reading in the historic caboose, holiday carolers and live reindeer. Pioneer Village is the setting for the live nativity, and Love Lights a Tree program, which supports Good Samaritan Society's Home Hospice program.
Chili Cook-Off
Cabin fever got you down? Then celebrate winter's waning days in Longville! The festivities start early at the Docksider with a chill cook-off, where you can vote for the winners!
After that, make a short trip over to Girl Lake for a winter fireworks display.
Chili cook-off begins 12:00 pm at the Docksider in Longville. Entry fee: $5
Tasting fee: $5
CASH PRIZES for 1st, 2nd and 3rd places.
(All proceeds go toward the cost of the evening's fireworks.)
For more information on the Chili Cook-Off, contact Sara at the Docksider at (218) 363-2565.
Celebrate the Light of the World
The Celebrate the Light of the World display at the Koosman home began as one man’s idea and grew into an amazing family tradition. As the lights have grown so has their family and their love for their community. After ten years, the Koosmans have handed the responsibility for Celebrate the Light of the World to Willmar Fests. The tradition will continue for years to come for the Willmar Lakes Area and all those who come to see and Celebrate the Light of the World!
Cats Incredible Catfish Days
This popular two-day fishing tournament brings in some of North Americas top anglers. There are also plenty of fun events/activities and tasty eats for the whole family.
Cardboard Boat Races at Moonlite Bay
The Annual Cardboard Boat Races will be sponsored by Moonlite Bay Family Restaurant & Bar with special thanks to Central Package & Display and the White Fish Yacht Club. Cash Prizes will be awarded!
The boats are constructed of nothing but cardboard and Elmer's glue. Come watch them attempt to float and compete in some heated racing action.
More information and Cardboard Boat Kits are available by calling Moonlite Bay at 218-692-3575.
Candlelight Ski
The event will begin at 5:30 p.m. as the moon begins to rise. The night's activities will include hiking a 1-mile segment of the Platte River Trail, which will be lit with luminaries. When you need to warm up, join us at the bonfire and enjoy hot drinks and refreshments provided by the Friends of Crane Meadows NWR.
Trails will be lit by candle luminaries and participants are encouraged to hike. There will be a short loop for snowshoeing and a longer one for skiing. If no snow, hiking will be encouraged.
Burnsville Festival Fire Muster
Burnsville Festival and Fire Muster is a FREE, three-day diverse and inclusive community festival highlighting the unique qualities of Burnsville, MN and raising funds to support local non-profits.
The festival provides a variety of multicultural activities for all ages with local and regional music and arts, history and culture, along with natural resources, education, agriculture, public safety, and much more.