Nickle Dickle Day
Free Fun for All
City Square Park, Waconia, Minnesota
Saturday, September 14, 2024
8am to 5pm
Welcome to Nickle Dickle Day
Waconia's Annual Town Festival
2nd Saturday after Labor Day | 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!
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
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
By City Square Park
10:30AM-2:30PM
Contests & Games
Nickle Dickle Pickle Judging 10:30AM
City Square Park Gazebo
8AM-5PM
Live Music & DJ
8AM Mike Bustin, 11AM DJ, 2:30PM Traveled Ground
City Square Park Gazebo
11AM-2PM
Demos & Entertainment
Waconia Lakettes 11:00AM & 1:00PM Dojo Karate 1:30PM
City Square Park Gazebo
Waconia Library
Starting at 11AM
3 on 3 Basketball Tournament & Dunk Contest
St Joseph Catholic School
More Activities
Inflatable Obstacle Course
8:00AM-5:00PM | 1st & Pine Streets
Gaga Ball
8:00AM-5:00PM | City Square Park
Fire Truck
8:00AM-4:00PM | 1st Street & Maple Street
Pony Rides
10:00AM-4:00PM | Waconia Masonic Lodge
Waconia Hockey Association
10:00AM-4:00PM | 1st Street & Vine Street
Mechanical Bull
11:00AM-4:00PM | 1st & Olive Streets
Nickle Dickle Pickle 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
Friday, September 15
Gates open at 7:00PM | Band plays 8-11:30PM
Waconia City Lot #1, Main Street and Vine Street
Get presale tickets: Coming Soon
Must be 21+ with valid ID
2023 Event Sponsors
- Champion -
- Park Gazebo Entertainment -
- Bounce House -
- Partners -
- Mechanical Bull -
- Friend -
- Supporter -
Thank you sponsors!
Annual Nickle Dickle Day & Street Dance
1,036 runners, 366 classic cars and trucks lining the streets of downtown Waconia, 350 basketball players in 150 games, 120 craft and food vendors in City Square Park, 80 ducks in the Rotary Duck Races, four live bands in two days, and only ONE Nickle Dickle Day! 
The 61st Annual Nickle Dickle Day was celebrated in Waconia on September 17, 2022, with the Nickle Dickle Eve Street Dance on September 16.
