All aboard for an unforgettable weekend! The 51st Annual James J. Hill Days, presented by Sandvold Financial Group, rolls into Wayzata September 5–7, bringing three days of nonstop fun to the shores of Lake Minnetonka. This beloved community celebration welcomes over 80,000 guests to experience the best of small-town charm with big-time excitement. Join us for Lake Minnetonka’s largest 3-day festival—you won’t want to miss it!
See What’s Coming Up September 5-7!
Shop, Shop, and Shop Some MORE
The James J. Hill Days Street Market is back, featuring over 175 unique vendors from Friday, September 5 at 5 pm, through Sunday, September 7. Stroll down Lake Street to shop, learn, and connect with a diverse array of vendors. Discover offerings in Business, Health & Wellness, Home & Garden, Non-Profit, Arts & Crafts, and Sports & Fitness. Plus, visit our fantastic local businesses in town and get ready for an exciting weekend!
Friday Night Rails & Ales Craft Beer Festival
Join us for Rails & Ales Craft Beer Festival, sponsored by Planet Home Lending, on Friday, September 5th from 5 – 9 pm to sample beers from over 20+ breweries, enjoy delicious local food trucks (not included in ticket price), live music by Coyote Wild, fun games, and activities. You can still purchase tickets for this event. Grab your beer-drinking buddy and purchase tickets here. CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE YOUR TICKETS >>
Food Truck Frenzy
Come hungry to James J. Hill Days and enjoy all that Eat Street, sponsored by Red Cow, has to offer. Soak up the sunshine or enjoy the nighttime vibes as you stroll down Lake Street, sipping on a refreshing glass of wine or an ice-cold craft beer from our Beer + Wine tents. Make sure you arrive hungry and ready to treat your taste buds to a variety of delicious eats and food truck specialties. CLICK HERE TO SEE FOOD TRUCK LINEUP >>
March in the James J. Hill Days Parade
The James J. Hill Days Parade, sponsored by Davey Tree, is BACK and better than ever—mark your calendars for Sunday, September 7! Grab your crew, find your spot along Lake Street, and get ready to cheer on a lineup of floats, music, and community fun. This year’s Grand Marshal is Kurt Klapprich, who is celebrating retirement after 40 years of dedicated service with Wayzata Public Works! Let’s give him the loudest cheer of all! Want your business to be part of the action? Don’t miss the chance to join the parade – applications close August 15! CLICK HERE TO REGISTER FOR THE PARADE >>
Bands That Will Hit The Right Note
Get ready to dance the weekend away with live music, sponsored by Youngstedts and Ulrich Real Estate/Regency Homes! Join us at the Sandvold Stage starting Friday night, September 5, for an incredible lineup of local bands. The music continues throughout Saturday and Sunday, so grab your dancing partners and enjoy the tunes! Our exciting lineup includes Private Oates, Stereo Kitchen, High & Mighty, Powertap, Taylor Robert with Roll N Soul Band, ACES & 88’s Dueling Pianos, and performances by Dance Esteem.
Lake Minnetonka Carnival is Back!
Step right up and enjoy the Lake Minnetonka Carnival! This is a family favorite, and rightfully so! Enjoy all the rides, carnival games, and cotton candy that this attraction has to offer. Discounted Presale Carnival ticket sales are on sale mid-August at Lunds & Byerlys Wayzata. Stay tuned!
Days at the Dog Park
Spend your days at the James J. Hill Days Dog Park, sponsored by Ambassador. On Saturday, don’t miss the 41st Annual Dachshund Races at noon, where speedy pups battle for glory! Keep your eyes on the sky for Der Wiener Schlinger, the Ambassador Hot Dogs air-powered hot dog launcher — catch the Golden Hot Dog for ultimate bragging rights and a chance to win free hot dogs for a year! You’ll also find crowd favorites like the Doggy Kissing Booth and the scenic Lake Walk Pack Walk at 10 AM. The fun continues on Sunday for the Doggy Olympics from 12-2 pm. Plus, meet retired Wayzata Police Officer Jason Gehrman, K9 Loki, and their friends from MinnSARDA at 1:30 pm. Want to stretch it out with your pup? Don’t miss Puppies & Pilates, presented by Club Pilates Wayzata, with sessions at 9 am, 10 am, and 11 am. CLICK HERE FOR DOGGY REGISTRATIONS >>
Battle of the Paddles
Get ready to serve up some serious fun at the Wayzata Depot Pickleball Plaza! Whether you’re a seasoned player or just paddle-curious, you’ll love the Picklemart, featuring the latest trends in pickleball gear, apparel, and accessories. Try out a new paddle and chat with local clubs. From 8 am – 2 pm on Saturday and Sunday, catch the excitement of competitive matches in the 3.0–3.75 men’s, women’s, and mixed doubles brackets. After that, it’s your time to shine during open drop-in play on the freshly paved courts next to the Depot. Plus, there will be a 3.75+ tournament held on Saturday, September 6th from 1-3 pm at the Wayzata Country Club and will consist of up to 8 teams. CLICK HERE FOR INFORMATION AND PICKLEBALL REGISTRATIONS >>
Coaster Carts Races
The Coaster Cart Derby is racing back to James J. Hill Days! This gravity-fueled family favorite invites kids ages 6–14 to design, build, and race their very own carts with help from a grown-up pit crew. It’s not about speed records—it’s about smiles, creativity, and good old-fashioned fun. CLICK HERE FOR COASTER CART REGISTRATION >>
Want to attend and make an impact? Volunteer as a Wavemaker!
There’s a spot for everyone! Whether you’re pouring at the Beer + Wine Tent, assisting Street Market vendors, or helping behind the scenes, your energy and time will make a huge impact. Join the fun. Meet great people. Be part of something big! Thank you to our Wavemaker sponsor, Ben Johnson Remax Results, and Huntington Bank. CLICK HERE FOR VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES >>
