Photo: Dynamic Photowerks
September shines bright with local festivals.
As the sun starts to set on summertime activities, Excelsior and Wayzata shine the spotlight on their longstanding end-of-summer events.
In Wayzata, Lake Street serves as the epicenter of James J. Hill Days, a fun-filled weekend, which runs September 8–10 and includes a host of family-friendly events to celebrate the memory of Minnesota’s historic railroad tycoon James J. Hill.
The weekend commences on September 8 with a street market with over 150 vendors, the Rails & Ales Craft Beer Festival, the Lake Minnetonka Carnival, logrolling and the first live music event of the weekend at 6 p.m.
Photo: Excelsior-Lake Minnetonka Chamber of Commerce
Saturday features live music throughout the day; a history -focused, guided walking tour; and many other activities. The day concludes with fireworks at 8:45 p.m.
Sunday includes additional live music performances, Doggy Olympics, an airshow and a parade beginning at 3 p.m.
Apple Days in Excelsior celebrates art, food, street dancing and, above all, community, during its three-day event September 15–17.
The opening day begins at 5 p.m. with a performance from a Twin Cities cover band and the Mark Miller Band. Fun and entertainment extends until 10 p.m.
The next day’s activities kick off at 9 a.m. and feature pie baking and eating contests, a beer garden, plenty of vendors lining Water Street and entertainment all day, including a polka band, Static Jones and Jacuzzi Puma. The event runs until 10 p.m.
The closing day of the festival begins at 10 a.m. with family day until 4 p.m.
Visit jamesjhilldays.wayzatachamber.com and excelsiorlakeminnetonkachamber.com for up-to-date details.
