All Aboard! Wayzata’s 49th annual James J. Hill Days is comin’ ‘round the railroad track. You’re invited to join us this weekend, September 8-10, for a jam-packed, three-day festival filled with activities for the whole family. Here are 10 DON’T MISS activities.
1. FREE Live Music & Street Dance at the Sandvold Stage
It’s time to bust out the dancing shoes. Join us at the Sandvold Stage this weekend for a fantastic line-up of local talent. The party starts Friday night with Alex Rossi Band at 6 PM. View the full schedule here.
2. Rails & Ales Craft Beer Festival
Join us Friday, September 8th from 5 – 9 pm to sample beers from over 20+ breweries, enjoy delicious bbq from the amazing Soul to Soul BBQ local food trucks (not included in ticket price), live entertainment by John Whitekar & DJ Souzo, fun games, and activities. You can still purchase tickets for this event. Grab your beer drinking buddy and purchase tickets here.
3. Wayzata Beach Bash
Wayzata Beach Bash is back this year bringing you one heck of a good time. Grab your cowboy boots and head to Wayzata Beach on Friday and Saturday night for two big acts. Brad Paisley will take the stage with special guest Tenille Arts on Friday, September 8. Cody Jinks is the Saturday night performer with special guest The Steel Woods. Shows are 6 pm- 11 pm, doors open at 6 pm. Tickets still available at wayzatabeachbash.com.
4. Vikings Season Opener Watch Party
Get ready to cheer on the Vikings for their season opener on Sunday, September 10th lakeside at James J. Hill Days. Drop the kids off at the carnival, grab some food from the food trucks, a cold one from the beer tent, and come see our guys in purple take on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on the Xfinity BIG screen in the Depot Parking Lot. See details here.
5. 20+ Fantastic Food Trucks
Soak up the sun as you stroll Lake Street and sip on a refreshing glass of wine or ice-cold craft beer from the Beer + Wine tents. Savor delicious eats and enjoy food truck specialties. See our full list of food trucks here.
6. Lake Minnetonka Carnival
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 end Friday at Lunds & Byerlys Wayzata (Mega passes not available at gate). Get yours today.
7. Zip Line
Take your James J. Hill Days weekend to NEW heights. We are thrilled to partner with the Holiday Glow Festival and have the Mobile Fly Wire zipline tower over our grand festival and offer incredible thrills to attendees. View hours and pricing here.
8. Dog Park Activities All Weekend
Calling all dog lovers! Visit the James J. Hill Days Dog Park from 10 am – 2 pm both Saturday and Sunday for a variety of fun pup events including Dachshund Races, Doggy Olympics, Pet Caricature art, and so much more. Learn more here.
9. Street Market
Grab your shopping bag and walking shoes for our Street Market! Shop over 175 vendors while enjoying all that James J. Hill Days has to offer. If you want to start shopping early, visit us on Friday for our Friday Night Street Market.
10. Wayzata Bay Fireworks Show
A spectacular celebration. Saturday evening during the celebratory street dance, an unleashing of fireworks will illuminate the starry Lake Minnetonka night sky and glisten over Wayzata Bay. This is a can’t miss event. Join other community champions and help fund this year’s Fireworks Show click here.
There’s Something For Everyone
From logrolling demos to pony rides, fest-goers of all ages will be able to enjoy James J. Hill Days.
“Come and celebrate the gateway to Lake Minnetonka at James J. Hill Days and we promise you’ll want to return to our charming lakeside community soon. Thank you to all members, volunteers, and sponsors who continue to support this grand tradition. We are grateful for you and look forward to a fun, safe, energetic weekend with you all! See you there!”
– James J. Hill Days Steering Committee
