Nickle Dickle Day
Free Fun for All
City Square Park, Waconia, Minnesota
Saturday, September 19, 2026
8am to 5pm
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
Vendor applications for the 2026 Nickle Dickle Day Arts & Crafts Fair are now closed. Applicants will receive an email with their application status soon.
Interested in participating next year? Join our 2027 email list to receive notification when applications become available.
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.
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
Classic & Vintage Car & Truck Show
Around City Square Park
Arts & Crafts Vendors
In City Square Park
Great Food & Shopping
Around Town & In City Square Park
By City Square Park
Contests & Games
City Square Park Gazebo
Live Music & DJ
8AM Mike Bustin, 10:30AM Kids' DJ Pickles, 2:00PM Traveled Ground
City Square Park Gazebo
Demos & Entertainment
Dojo Karate 1:30PM
City Square Park Gazebo
Waconia Library
3 on 3 Basketball Tournament & Dunk Contest
St Joseph Catholic School
More Activities
Kids Zone
10:00AM-4:00PM | 1st Street & Olive Street
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 Street
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
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
2026 Event Sponsors
- Champion -
- Park Gazebo Sponsor -
- Photo Op Sponsor -
-Pop Booth Sponsor-
- Hometown Hauler -
-Mechanical Bull-
-Youth Entrepreneurs Market-
-Car Show Presenting -
-Partners-
-Friends-
- Supporter -
-Kids Zone Presenting-
-Mechanical Bull-
-Obstacle Course-
