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Nickle Dickle Day

Free Fun for All

City Square Park, Waconia, Minnesota

Saturday, September 19, 2026
8am to 5pm

Nickle Dickle Day Logo

Welcome to Nickle Dickle Day

Celebrating Waconia and shopping local Since 1961

Second Saturday after Labor Day
Saturday, September 19 |
8am to 5pm

Stroll through the arts and crafts fair, the library book sale and the car and truck show. Watch the duck races and the 3 on 3 basketball tournament. Listen to live music while enjoying some delicious food. Run in a Nickle Dickle Day race! Great shopping and deals all around town...a day not to be missed!

Arts & Crafts Fair Vendors

Nickle Dickle Day features an Arts & Crafts Fair in City Square Park. Wanted: Vendors and artists featuring original handcrafted, self-produced art items.  Please read the Arts & Crafts Show Info for more details, and prior to applying. 

Car & Truck Show

40th Annual Antique and Collector Car & Truck Show 
Pre-registration (online or paper form) – $10 

Nickle Dickle Day Origin Story

What began as a sidewalk sale 60 years ago now features an arts & crafts show, car show, basketball tournament, run, book sale, duck races, live music, and more! Why the name Nickle Dickle? The word “dickle” is derived from a German word for bartering, which ties into how the day began. Nickle Dickle Day started when Waconia business leaders created the event to attract people to shop downtown. Many items were available for a nickel! Today, the day draws 30,000 people to town to spend thousands of dollars in Waconia shops, restaurants, and bars.

Nickle Dickle Day Events

Morning

Nickle Dickle Run

8AM: 10K Run, 8:10AM 5K Walk/Run, 10:15AM Tickle Run

Waconia Community Ed & Recreation

8AM-3:30PM

Classic & Vintage Car & Truck Show

Around City Square Park

8AM-5PM

Arts & Crafts Vendors

In City Square Park

All Day

Great Food & Shopping

Around Town & In City Square Park

11AM-2PM

Duck Races

By City Square Park

10:30AM-2:30PM

Contests & Games

City Square Park Gazebo

8AM-5PM

Live Music & DJ

8AM Mike Bustin, 10:30AM Kids' DJ Pickles, 2:00PM Traveled Ground

City Square Park Gazebo

11AM-2PM

Demos & Entertainment

Dojo Karate 1:30PM

City Square Park Gazebo

9AM-3PM

Library Book Sale

201 S Vine Street

Waconia Library

St Joseph Catholic School

More Activities

Fire Truck 
10:00AM-4:00PM | 1st Street & Maple Street

Waconia Hockey Association
10:00AM-4:00PM | 1st Street & Vine Street

Mechanical Bull
11:00AM-4:00PM | 1st & Olive Streets

A little boy riding mechanical bull
Nickle Dickle Day Downtown map
2023 Nickle Dickle Pickle Contest IG

Nickle Dickle Pickle Frenzy Contest

Back by popular demand!

$10 / jar entry fee
Submit entry form, cash or check, and jar by September 12. 

Categories: Sweet, Dill, Spicy, Other Pickled Foods 

Winners announced at City Square Park Gazebo on Nickle Dickle Day. 
Prizes and bragging rights to the winner in each category. 

How Nickle Dickle Day Got It’s Name

32nd Annual Nickle Dickle Medallion Hunt

Sponsored by:   Cabinetworks Group logo 

Clues are published in the Waconia Patriot each week starting late August 2026. The medallion is located on public property. If you believe you found the medallion, contact the Chamber office at 952-442-5812

IV band plays at Nickle Dickle eve street dance

Friday, September 18 

Gates open at 7:00PM  |  Band plays 8-11:30PM
Waconia City Lot #1, Main Street and Vine Street
Get presale tickets: Click Here

Must be 21+ with valid ID

2025 Event Sponsors

- Champion -

- Park Gazebo Sponsor -

- Hometown Hauler -

- Photo Op Sponsor -

-Mechanical Bull-

Waconia Dodge

-Kids Zone Presenting Sponsor-

lakeviewclinic

-Partners-

CD Products logo
Edward Jones Lauren Williams-Kirsch
Everson Retail Coaching
Remax Heather
Kaeding Architecture
2024-MOB-Blue-Logo-Vert
Old National Logo
Sackett-Waconia Logo - RGB with background
Waconia City Logo (3)

-Friend-

Brush Dental Studio logo
HomeTown Bank logo
Mackenthun's logo
RotaryMBS-Simple_RGB
Wilford Logo
Xcel Energy Logo

Thank you sponsors!

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Deals & Steals all over town!
9:00 AM Free Swag Bags to the first 50 people.

Saturday, May  9, 2026
9AM to 4PM