Downtown Willmar

10/16/2026

Happy Friday, Willmar! From art and comedy to great food, shopping, educational opportunities and upcoming community events, there's plenty happening in Downtown Willmar!

Here's what's going on!

ART AT POTATO EATERS GALLERY
Spend your Friday evening experiencing art in Downtown Willmar!
Potato Eaters Gallery presents The Works of Maria Horvath, featuring large oil-on-canvas paintings by Maria Horvath and life-size concrete and steel sculptures by John Stout.
Friday, October 16 | 5:00–8:00 PM
330 Litchfield Ave SW

COMEDY NIGHT AT INTUITION BREWING!
New comedians. New jokes. Same great reason to get out and enjoy Downtown Willmar!
Next Stop Comedy is back at Intuition Brewing with a fresh lineup of comedians ready to bring the laughs!
Saturday, October 17 | 7:30 PM
Grab your friends, enjoy a local brew or nonalcoholic beverage and get ready for a night of comedy!
Tickets are available online through Next Stop Comedy.

NEW TRENDS ARE COMING TO INTERIOR DESIGN STUDIO!
Katie and Bob Morgan, owners of Interior Design Studio, are heading to the Fall Furniture Market in High Point, North Carolina, October 17–21 to discover new merchandise and the latest design trends!
To make room for their new finds, all in-stock home decor is 20% OFF through Market!
The store will remain open during regular hours.

SUPPORT AIM WITH SOMETHING SWEET!
AIM (Advocacy & Inclusion Matter) is holding its Annual Fudge Sale!
Half-pound boxes are $10 each, with proceeds supporting opportunities and resources that promote inclusion and independence for people with disabilities.
Order by calling 320-231-1777 or visiting www.aimwcm.org.
Pickup is December 15 from Noon–4:00 PM at the AIM Office, 311 4th Street SW.

A DOWNTOWN FAVORITE: FRIEDA'S CAFE
Looking for some good old-fashioned home cooking?
Frieda's Cafe is a friendly, family-owned cafe known for great food, welcoming service and reasonable prices.
Whether you're meeting friends, welcoming visitors to Willmar or a college student coming home for the weekend, Frieda's is a great place to gather around the table.
Located at 511 Benson Ave SW and open Monday through Saturday.

EMPLOYMENT LAW SEMINAR FOR MINNESOTA EMPLOYERS
Vinna Human Resources is hosting a full-day Employment Law Seminar designed for business owners, HR professionals, managers, supervisors and organizational leaders.
October 21, 2026
Registration | 9:30 AM
Seminar | 10:00 AM–4:00 PM
Heritage Bank Community Room, Willmar
$149 per person | Lunch included
Hear from employment law attorneys, HR professionals and Rep. Dave Baker on employment law updates, Minnesota Paid Leave, FMLA, ADA compliance, workplace policies and more.
Learn what's changing and gain practical strategies you can take back to your workplace.
Learn more and register:
https://vinnahumanresources.com/event/employment-law-seminar-2026/

SAVE THE DATE: HOLIDAZE IN DOWNTOWN WILLMAR!
Mark your calendars! Holidaze is coming to Downtown Willmar on Saturday, November 21!
Get ready for a day filled with holiday fun, festive activities and something for all ages!
Save the date and watch for more details as we get closer!

SHOP LOCAL. EAT LOCAL. EXPERIENCE LOCAL.

WANT YOUR DOWNTOWN BUSINESS OR ORGANIZATION FEATURED?
Have a sale, event, new product, special, anniversary, workshop or something else happening downtown?
Send your information to [email protected] by Wednesday afternoon to be considered for that week's Friday post.

Then check back every Friday to find out:
WHAT'S GOING ON IN DOWNTOWN WILLMAR?

10/09/2026

WHAT’S GOING ON IN DOWNTOWN WILLMAR?

Happy Friday, Willmar! Looking for something to do, somewhere to eat, a new business opportunity or a way to get involved? There’s plenty happening in Downtown Willmar!

Here’s what’s going on!

BARNTOBERFEST IS THIS SATURDAY!
Barntoberfest is back! Join The Barn Theatre and Intuition Brewing for an afternoon of food, music, vendors, games and fall fun, all while supporting The Barn Theatre.
Saturday, October 10
Kindertoberfest | 2:00–3:00 PM
Barntoberfest | 3:00–7:00 PM
Bring the kids early for Kindertoberfest, then stay for Barntoberfest! Food trucks and local vendors will also be ready starting at 2:00 PM.
Suggested donation is $5, with proceeds benefiting The Barn Theatre.

EQ POTTERY IS NOW OPEN!
EQ Pottery is officially open for business in Downtown Willmar!
Located at 103 6th Street SW, this new community pottery studio offers a place to get creative and work with clay.
Check out their website for membership details and class registration and help us welcome another new business to Downtown Willmar! eqPottery.com

BRING YOUR BUSINESS DOWNTOWN!
Looking for the perfect spot to bring your business downtown or ready to turn a new business idea into reality?
Building 330 has a couple of storefront commercial spaces that just opened up in Downtown Willmar!
Interested or want more information? Call 320-222-2006.

TEENTOBER AT THE WILLMAR PUBLIC LIBRARY
October is all about celebrating teens at the Willmar Public Library!
Upcoming TeenTober activities include:
October 20 | Teen Snack Attack: Apple Nachos
October 23 | Fun Friday: Pumpkin Decorating and Trivia
Bad Art Night | Create something wonderfully imperfect!
Some activities require advance registration. Visit the Willmar Public Library Teen Services webpage for details, registration and more TeenTober programs.

DONATE TO THE WILLMAR COMMUNITY CLOSET
Cleaning out your closets? Give your gently used clothing a second life by donating to the Willmar CommUNITY Closet.
Upcoming donation drop-offs:
October 15 | 2:00–4:00 PM
October 17 | 9:00 AM–Noon
October 22 | 2:00–4:00 PM
October 24 | 5:00–8:00 PM
October 31 | 10:00 AM–Noon
Drop off at 312 6th Street SW.

STOP BY COPANECO RESTAURANT
Looking for somewhere different to grab a meal? Stop by Copaneco Restaurant and enjoy authentic flavors right here in Downtown Willmar!
Open daily from 9:00 AM–8:00 PM, there’s plenty of time to stop in for breakfast, lunch or dinner.

The Goodness coffee truck will be in the CDS parking lot on Thursdays, Oct. 8, Oct. 15, Oct. 22, and Oct. 29, from 9:45–10:15 a.m.
Address is 331 3rd St SW in downtown Willmar.

SHOP LOCAL. EAT LOCAL. EXPERIENCE LOCAL.
Enjoy a fall festival. Try your hand at pottery. Find a new home for your business. Give back. Try something new at the library. Grab a meal downtown.
There are so many ways to experience and support Downtown Willmar!

WANT YOUR DOWNTOWN BUSINESS OR ORGANIZATION FEATURED?
Have a sale, event, new product, special, anniversary, workshop or something else happening downtown?

Send your information to [email protected] by Wednesday afternoon to be considered for that week’s Friday post.

Then check back every Friday to find out:
WHAT’S GOING ON IN DOWNTOWN WILLMAR?

10/02/2026

WHAT’S GOING ON IN DOWNTOWN WILLMAR?

Happy Friday, Willmar! October is here, and there’s plenty happening in and around Downtown Willmar. This week you can share your ideas for downtown, celebrate a new pottery studio, focus on wellness, enjoy a classic movie and start planning for Barntoberfest!

Here’s what’s going on!

SHARE YOUR THOUGHTS ABOUT DOWNTOWN WILLMAR
Kandiyohi County Economic Development wants to hear your thoughts, ideas, visions and concerns about Downtown Willmar.
This isn’t a presentation. It’s an opportunity for KCED to listen and learn what people throughout Kandiyohi County think about the downtown district.
No appointment needed. Stop by the KCED office at 1601 Hwy 12 E, Suite 3:
October 2 | 2:00–6:30 PM
October 5 | 1:30–6:30 PM
October 6 | 7:00 AM–Noon
Can’t make it? Email your thoughts to [email protected].

GRAND OPENING: EQ POTTERY STUDIO!
Come celebrate the Grand Opening of the new community EQ Pottery Studio!
October 3 | 6:00–8:00 PM
Check out the new studio, make a clay project and enjoy light treats and refreshments.
Register for open classes at EQ Pottery, register at website. eqpottery.org
-"Throw 10, Keep 2" (Adult Class)- Oct 4
-"6- Week Intro to Wheel Throwing" (Adult Class)- Oct 6, 20, 27 & Nov 3, 10, 17
-"3-Week Intro to Wheel Throwing: (Adult Class)- Nov 2, 9, 16
-"Charcuterie Platter Making" (Adult Class)- Oct 9
-"Throw 10, Keep 2" (Kids Grade K-5)
-"Throw 10, Keep 2" (Kids Grades 6-12)

WELLNESS WEDNESDAYS AT KANKUNAPA
Take some time for yourself with Wellness Wednesdays at Kankunapa Collective Wellness.
This weekly class offers opportunities to explore and practice different forms of self-care, including intention setting, physical movement, sounds, music and rest.
Wednesdays | 5:00–6:00 PM
201 4th Street SW
$17 per class
Register online through Purpose Artisans.

CLASSIC MOVIE NIGHT AT THE LIBRARY
October’s Classic Movie Night at the Willmar Public Library features Close Encounters of the Third Kind!
October 6 | 5:30 PM
Multipurpose Room
Popcorn, snacks and drinks will be provided. Come enjoy a classic movie and an easy evening out in Downtown Willmar!

SAVE THE DATE: BARNTOBERFEST!
Intuition Brewing and The Barn Theatre are teaming up for the 2nd Annual Barntoberfest!
Saturday, October 10
Kindertoberfest | 2:00–3:00 PM
Barntoberfest | 3:00–7:00 PM
Start with the new Kindertoberfest featuring characters from The Barn Theatre, caricatures, rock painting, henna, games and activities. Food trucks and the local vendor market open at 2:00 PM.
Then stay for Barntoberfest from 3:00–7:00 PM!
Recommended entrance donation is $5 per person, with proceeds benefiting The Barn Theatre.

The Goodness coffee truck will be in the CDS parking lot on Thursdays, Oct. 8, Oct. 15, Oct. 22, and Oct. 29, from 9:45–10:15 a.m.
Address is 331 3rd St SW in downtown Willmar.

SHOP LOCAL. EAT LOCAL. EXPERIENCE LOCAL.
Try something new. Get creative. Share your ideas. Catch a movie. Support local organizations. There are plenty of ways to experience Downtown Willmar this week!

WANT YOUR DOWNTOWN BUSINESS OR ORGANIZATION FEATURED?
Have a sale, event, new product, special, anniversary, workshop or something else happening downtown?
Send your information to [email protected] by Wednesday afternoon to be considered for that week’s Friday post.

Then check back every Friday to find out:
WHAT’S GOING ON IN DOWNTOWN WILLMAR?

09/30/2026

Kandiyohi County Economic Development is holding open office hours to listen and learn your thoughts, ideas, visions, and concerns about the downtown district in WiIlmar.

This is not a presentation; it is a chance for us to listen and learn what people in Kandiyohi County think about downtown Willmar.

They have reserved hours: before traditional workday starts, over lunch hours, morning and afternoon hours and evenings into to 6:30 pm on different days of the week in effort to provide the most times available to fit people's availability.

Schedule - no appointment needed, just stop in - KCED Office, 1601 Hwy 12 E, Suite 3, Willmar.

Or, email your thoughts to [email protected].

Sept 30-Wednesday - 7 am-6:30 pm
Oct 1-Thursday - 11:30 am-1:30 pm
Oct 2-Friday - 2 pm-6:30 pm
Oct 5-Monday - 1:30 pm-6:30 pm
Oct 6-Tuesday - 7 am-12 noon

09/25/2026

WHAT’S GOING ON IN DOWNTOWN WILLMAR?
Happy Friday, Willmar! From last-chance theatre and fall shopping to teen activities, great food and drinks, there’s plenty happening in Downtown Willmar.

Here’s what’s going on!

FINAL WEEKEND AT THE BARN THEATRE
This is your LAST chance to catch the hilariously funny The Cemetery Club at The Barn Theatre!
Only four performances remain:
September 24 & 25 | 7:00 PM
September 26 & 27 | 2:00 PM
Get your tickets before the curtain closes! Call 320-235-9500 or purchase tickets online through The Barn Theatre.

FALL HOME DECOR SALE
Looking to give your home a fall refresh? Interior Design Studio is offering 20% OFF all in-stock home decor through the end of September!
The sale includes lamps, pictures, vases, runners, fall florals and more.
Interior Design Studio
344 Litchfield Ave SW
Stop in and see what you can find before the sale ends!

FUN FRIDAY FOR TEENS
Fun Friday for Teens is back at the Willmar Public Library, and this month it’s a potato chip tasting extravaganza!
September 26 | 3:30–5:00 PM
Ages 12–18
Sample different chip flavors, rank your favorites and play board games while hanging out with friends.
Best of all, it’s free!

SAVE THE DATE: KINDERTOBERFEST AND BARNTOBERFEST AT INTUITION BREWING
Saturday, October 10
Kindertoberfest | 2:00–3:00 PM
Barntoberfest | 3:00–7:00 PM
Kindertoberfest will feature characters from The Barn Theatre, caricatures, rock painting, henna, games and activities. Food trucks and the local vendor market open at 2:00 PM.
Recommended entrance donation is $5 per person, with proceeds benefiting The Barn Theatre.
Bring the family and make an afternoon of it in Downtown Willmar!

CRAVING MEXICAN FOOD?
Stop by Azteca Mexican Restaurant at 215 4th Street SW and enjoy a menu filled with your favorite Mexican dishes.
Open Monday through Saturday, it’s another great option when you’re looking to grab a meal in Downtown Willmar.

PRETTY DRINKS AND BOBA
Have you stopped by Pen House Boba? Located at 402 Litchfield Ave SW, they’re serving up some of the prettiest drinks around!
Monday–Saturday | 11:00 AM–8:00 PM
Sunday | 1:00–8:00 PM

SHOP LOCAL. EAT LOCAL. EXPERIENCE LOCAL.
Catch a show. Refresh your home for fall. Give the teens something fun to do. Try a new restaurant or drink. Save the date for a family-friendly downtown event.
There are lots of ways to experience and support Downtown Willmar!

WANT YOUR DOWNTOWN BUSINESS OR ORGANIZATION FEATURED?
Have a sale, event, new product, special, anniversary, workshop or something else happening downtown?
Send your information to [email protected] by Wednesday afternoon to be considered for that week’s Friday post.

Then check back every Friday to find out:
WHAT’S GOING ON IN DOWNTOWN WILLMAR?

09/22/2026

09/18/2026

WHAT’S GOING ON IN DOWNTOWN WILLMAR?

Happy Friday, Willmar! This week we’ve got live theatre, a one-day brew, last-chance clearance shopping, pizza, biking and an opportunity to learn something new at the library.

Here’s What’s Going On in Downtown Willmar!
CATCH A SHOW AT THE BARN THEATRE
The Barn Theatre presents The Cemetery Club by Ivan Menchell, running September 17–27!
Ida wants a fresh start. Lucille wants to have fun. Doris has an opinion about EVERYTHING. Then Sam the butcher enters the picture, and cemetery visits will never be the same!
September 17, 18, 24 & 25 | 7:00 PM
September 19, 20, 26 & 27 | 2:00 PM
Tickets are on sale now. Call 320-235-9500 or purchase tickets online through The Barn Theatre.

LAST CHANCE AT PETERSON SHOES
Friday is the FINAL DAY of Peterson Shoes’ big clearance sale!
Stop in and check out the sale and clearance shoes before the deals are gone. While you’re there, take a look at all the new fall and winter styles arriving in the store.
Grab a deal and get ready for the seasons ahead!

ONE KEG. ONE DAY. GET IT BEFORE IT’S GONE!
This Saturday, September 19, Intuition Brewing has another One Keg Wonder hitting the tap: Pumpkin Spice Porter!
There’s just ONE keg, and these special releases usually last only ONE day.
If pumpkin spice season is your season, stop in Saturday and try it before it disappears!

ENJOY FALL ON TWO WHEELS
Looking for a fun way to enjoy the fall weather? Stop by Rick’s Cycling & Sports Center at 320 SW 3rd Street.
West Central Minnesota’s full-service bike shop carries Trek, Giant, Electra and Liv.
Find a bike, get outside and enjoy fall!

GRAB A SLICE DOWNTOWN
Craving pizza? Jake’s Pizza is serving up a Downtown Willmar favorite at 316 Litchfield Ave SW.
Open seven days a week for dine-in, takeout and delivery, it’s an easy choice for lunch, dinner or pizza night with the family.

LEARN ABOUT MEDICARE AT THE WILLMAR PUBLIC LIBRARY
Have questions about Medicare? The Willmar Public Library is hosting an informational presentation with a representative from MN Aging Pathways.
September 22 | Noon
Willmar Public Library Multipurpose Room
Pre-registration is requested. Call the library or register through the Adult Services page of the Willmar Public Library website.

SHOP LOCAL. EAT LOCAL. EXPERIENCE LOCAL.

WANT YOUR DOWNTOWN BUSINESS OR ORGANIZATION FEATURED?
Have a sale, event, new product, special, anniversary, workshop or something else happening downtown?
Send your information to [email protected] by Wednesday afternoon to be considered for that week’s Friday post.

Then check back every Friday to find out:
WHAT’S GOING ON IN DOWNTOWN WILLMAR?

09/17/2026

APPLICATIONS ARE DUE SEPTEMBER 21ST

Willmar - Forgivable Loan Program
Applications for businesses in predetermined downtown area (see map), wave 2 applications will be due September 21. Seven awarded businesses will be notified during the last week of September. Each of the seven selected businesses will receive up to $10,000 for building exterior improvements. Each building owner must contribute 20% of the project costs.

This assistance is structured as a loan, which will be fully forgiven at the end of five years. If the property is sold or the business closes before the five-year term is complete, the loan must be repaid in full at that time.

For more information and application visit: https://kandiyohi.com/business/business-improvement-pan/

09/11/2026

WHAT’S GOING ON IN DOWNTOWN WILLMAR?

It’s a BIG weekend downtown! From Welcoming Week and live music to community art, game night and comedy, there are plenty of reasons to get out and experience Downtown Willmar.

Here’s what’s happening!
COMMUNITY GAME NIGHT AT THE BARN THEATRE
Friday, September 11 | 7:00–10:00 PM
Bring a game, friend or snack — or just bring yourself! The Barn Theatre’s Community Game Night is a relaxed evening of games, laughter and connection. Everyone is welcome.

WILLMAR WELCOMING WEEK FESTIVAL
Saturday, September 12 | 2:00–5:00 PM
Downtown Willmar | FREE
Come celebrate the people and cultures that make Willmar home! Enjoy free food samples from around the world, cultural performances, family activities, entertainment, the new Global Market and more.
The Willmar Area Arts Council also has TWO special experiences planned:
ALMA ANDINA — Experience live music blending traditional South American instruments with Cumbia, Salsa, Folk, Latin Rock, Reggae and more.
WHAT IS YOUR WISH FOR WILLMAR? — Add your answer to “My wish for Willmar is…” to a collaborative community art piece that will later be displayed at WEAC.
Come hungry, bring the family and experience Willmar together!

GIVE YOUR CLOTHES A SECOND LIFE
The Willmar CommUNITY Closet is accepting donations of clothing in good condition.
September 12 | 9:00 AM–12:00 PM and 2:00–5:00 PM
September 17 | 2:00–4:00 PM
September 19 | 9:00 AM–12:00 PM
September 24 | 2:00–4:00 PM
Drop-off is at 312 6th Street SW using the 7th Street SW parking lot and door.
Your donations help keep clothing out of the landfill while helping people in our community access clothing at no cost.

COMEDY AT INTUITION BREWING
Saturday, September 12 | 7:30 PM
Keep your Saturday going! Next Stop Comedy is bringing THREE stand-up comedians to Intuition Brewing.
Spend the afternoon at Welcoming Week, grab dinner downtown and finish your evening with some laughs at Intuition. Get your tickets and make a day of Downtown Willmar!

MUSIC FOR EVERYONE
The Willmar Area Symphonic Orchestra has announced its upcoming season at WEAC. All concerts begin at 3:00 PM.
October 25
December 13
February 28
April 25
Save the dates and enjoy live symphonic music right here in Downtown Willmar!

SHOP LOCAL. EAT LOCAL. EXPERIENCE LOCAL.
This weekend, you can play games, experience cultures from around the world, enjoy live music, create art, give back to the community, eat downtown and catch a comedy show.

There’s a lot going on in Downtown Willmar!

WANT YOUR DOWNTOWN BUSINESS OR ORGANIZATION FEATURED?
Send us your sales, events, new products, entertainment, workshops, community activities and other news.
Email [email protected] by Wednesday afternoon to be considered for Friday’s post.

Check back each Friday for:
WHAT’S GOING ON IN DOWNTOWN WILLMAR?

09/04/2026

WHAT’S GOING ON IN DOWNTOWN WILLMAR?
Your Friday look at what’s happening downtown!

September is here, and there is plenty happening in Downtown Willmar. From professional connections and new fall styles to community celebrations, comedy, local brews and an upcoming downtown festival, there are plenty of reasons to spend some time downtown.

Here’s What’s Going On in Downtown Willmar!

TALK HR WITH VINNA
Business owners, HR professionals and people leaders, this one is for you.
Vinna Human Resources is hosting its next Talk HR with Vinna, a free monthly roundtable designed to bring local professionals together to discuss challenges, ask questions and learn from one another.
Next Roundtable: September 9
Time: 7:30 AM
September Topic: Open Enrollment
Where: Vinna HR Office in Downtown Willmar or via Zoom
Cost: FREE
Expect a guided HR topic, open discussion, time for questions and practical input from others doing the work.
Upcoming roundtables are October 14, November 11 and December 9.
And as Vinna says, the coffee is always on!

WILLMAR WELCOMING WEEK IS ALMOST HERE!
Mark your calendar for one of Downtown Willmar’s biggest celebrations of community and culture.
The 7th Annual Willmar Welcoming Week Festival is coming up:
Saturday, September 12
2:00–5:00 PM
Downtown Willmar
FREE and open to everyone
The City of Willmar, along with our community partners and sponsors, invites you to spend the afternoon celebrating the people and cultures that make Willmar home.
Come downtown to enjoy free food samples from around the world, music and entertainment, cultural performances, activities for kids and families, opportunities to connect with your neighbors and the NEW Global Market.
Come hungry, bring the family and experience the cultures of Willmar together.
Different cultures. Shared community. Everyone is welcome.

OUT WITH SUMMER, IN WITH FALL AT PETERSON SHOES
It’s that time of year when sandals and summer shoes start making way for fall and winter styles, and Peterson Shoes has a little bit of BOTH happening.
The Summer Clearance Sale is still going on, so stop in and check out the remaining deals while they last.
At the same time, lots of NEW shoes and styles are arriving for the fall and winter season.

GET READY TO LAUGH AT INTUITION BREWING
Next Stop Comedy is bringing stand-up comedy to Intuition Brewing.
September 12
Intuition Brewing in Downtown Willmar
Get your tickets now and get ready for a night of laughs, good company and local brews.
And here's an idea: make a whole day of it in Downtown Willmar.
Start your afternoon at the Willmar Welcoming Week Festival from 2:00–5:00 PM, grab dinner at one of our downtown restaurants, and then head over to Intuition Brewing for an evening of comedy.

BARNTOBER BREW IS BACK
Here’s a great example of Downtown Willmar businesses and organizations working together.
Intuition Brewing and The Barn Theatre are teaming up again, and their yearly Oktoberfest b**r, Barntober Brew, is officially ON TAP AND IN CANS at Intuition Brewing.
Enjoy the seasonal brew and then mark your calendar for the event behind it.
2ND ANNUAL BARNTOBERFEST
October 10
Barntoberfest brings Oktoberfest vibes, local vendors, good b**r, good people and a good cause together in Downtown Willmar.
Best of all, the event benefits The Barn Theatre.

SHOP LOCAL. EAT LOCAL. EXPERIENCE LOCAL.

DOWNTOWN WILLMAR BUSINESSES, NONPROFITS AND ORGANIZATIONS — WE WANT TO FEATURE YOU!
Have something happening downtown? Tell us about it.
Sales and specials, events, new products or services, anniversaries and milestones, entertainment, classes and workshops, community activities — or simply something new you'd like people to know about.
Send your information to [email protected] by Wednesday afternoon to be considered for that week’s Friday post.

Then check back every Friday to find out:
WHAT’S GOING ON IN DOWNTOWN WILLMAR?