Local Events
What's happening in Waconia — from lakeside festivals to weekly markets.
Every Wednesday evening
Waconia Trivia Night
📍 Waconia Brewing Co.
Team trivia with prizes and craft beer specials — Waconia's most popular weekly event.
Annual — every May
Sister Saturday
📍 Downtown Waconia
Deals and steals all over downtown Waconia — a spring shopping celebration with specials at participating businesses.
Every Thursday, 4–7pm · June through September
Waconia Farmers Market & Flea Market
📍 Waconia Square Parking Lot
Fresh local produce, artisan goods, and flea market finds every Thursday evening all summer long.
Annual — every August
Carver County Fair
📍 Carver County Fairgrounds
114 years of agriculture and community — five days of livestock shows, live music, rides, and classic fair fun.
Annual — every September
Nickle Dickle Day
📍 City Square Park
Waconia's beloved annual street festival — free fun for all ages in the heart of downtown.
Annual — every October
Scarecrow Tour
📍 All around Waconia
Creatively crafted scarecrows placed all over Waconia — tour them all and vote for your favorite.
Annual — Black Friday evening
Tree Lighting in the Park
📍 City Square Park Gazebo
Kick off the holiday season at the City Square Park Gazebo — family fun, cocoa, warm fires, and the official tree lighting.
Frequently Asked Questions
- When is Nickle Dickle Day in Waconia?
- Nickle Dickle Day is held annually on the third Saturday of September at City Square Park in downtown Waconia. The main event runs 9am to 5pm, and the Nickle Dickle Street Dance kicks off Friday evening at 7pm.
- When is the Carver County Fair?
- The Carver County Fair is held annually for five days in mid-August at the Carver County Fairgrounds in Waconia. The 2026 fair runs August 12–16. The fair has run for over 114 years.
- When does the Waconia Farmers Market run?
- The Waconia Farmers Market & Flea Market runs every Thursday from 4–7pm, June through September, in the Waconia Square parking lot at 224 First Street.
- Are Waconia events free?
- Most signature Waconia events are free, including Nickle Dickle Day, the Farmers Market, the Scarecrow Tour, Sister Saturday, and the Tree Lighting in the Park. The Carver County Fair charges admission. Trivia Night at Waconia Brewing Co. is free to play.
- Where is the Tree Lighting in the Park?
- The Waconia Tree Lighting is held at the City Square Park Gazebo on the Friday after Thanksgiving (Black Friday) at 6pm. Free hot cocoa, fire pits, and the official lighting of the community Christmas tree.