Nickle Dickle Day is Waconia's annual festival, run by the Waconia Chamber of Commerce since 1961. It takes over City Square Park downtown from 8am to 5pm on the second Saturday after Labor Day, and the Chamber says it draws about 30,000 people. The 2026 festival was September 19. The next one is Saturday, September 18, 2027.
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What Happens on Nickle Dickle Day
The festival fills City Square Park and the surrounding downtown blocks with vendors, food and entertainment through the day. Check the Chamber's Nickle Dickle Day page at destinationwaconia.org for the current year's schedule and vendor list.
Nickle Dickle Eve Street Dance
The night before, the Chamber runs the Nickle Dickle Eve street dance in City Lot #1 at 1st Street and Vine. In 2026 admission was $10, the event was 21 and over, and the band played from 8 to 11:30pm.
Schedule & Details
See the event listing with map, times and the official Chamber link.
Nickle Dickle Day Event Page →Where to Eat Downtown
The festival has food vendors, and downtown restaurants are a short walk from the park.
Best Restaurants in Waconia →Parking & Getting There
Downtown Waconia has free public parking, but the spots nearest City Square Park fill early on festival Saturday. Arrive early or park a few blocks out and walk in. From Minneapolis it is about 35 miles, roughly 45 minutes off-peak via Highway 5, and traffic into town is heavier than usual that morning.
Make a Weekend of It
Mid-September is still lake weather. Pair the festival with time on Lake Waconia or a stop at one of the area wineries. If you plan to stay overnight, book lodging early.
Plan Your Waconia Visit
Make the festival the centerpiece of a lake-town weekend.
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Frequently Asked Questions
- When is Nickle Dickle Day in Waconia?
- Nickle Dickle Day is held on the second Saturday after Labor Day in City Square Park, downtown Waconia, from 8am to 5pm. The 2026 festival was September 19; the next one is Saturday, September 18, 2027.
- Who runs Nickle Dickle Day?
- The Waconia Chamber of Commerce, which has held the festival since 1961. The Chamber says it draws about 30,000 people.
- What is Nickle Dickle Eve?
- The Chamber's street dance the night before the festival, in City Lot #1 at 1st Street and Vine. In 2026 it cost $10, was 21 and over, and the band played 8 to 11:30pm.
- Where do you park for Nickle Dickle Day?
- Downtown Waconia has free public parking, but spots nearest City Square Park fill early. Arrive early or park a few blocks out and walk in.