James J. Hill Days
September 11th – 13th, 2026
Join the 2026 James J. Hill Days!
Abra Kadabra is proud to join the celebration for the 52nd Annual James J. Hill Days, September 11–13, 2026, in downtown Wayzata. Since 1975, this beloved community tradition has celebrated Wayzata and the legacy of James J. Hill, whose railroad helped shape the city and its connection to Lake Minnetonka.
This year’s three-day festival features live music, food and drinks, carnival rides, a bustling street market, family activities, dachshund races, an airshow, the annual parade, and plenty more along Lake Street.
Friday, September 11, 2026
- Live Music – Alex Rossi Band (5:00 pm – 6:30 pm)
Kick off the weekend with free live music on the Sandvold Stage at Minnetonka Avenue and Lake Street. - Rails & Ales Craft Beer Festival (5:00 pm – 9:00 pm)
Sample craft beer from 20+ breweries while enjoying food, games, and festival entertainment. This is a ticketed event. - Friday Night Street Market (5:00 pm – 9:00 pm)
Browse more than 175 vendors featuring arts and crafts, local businesses, nonprofits, home and garden, health and wellness, and more. - Food + Drink (5:00 pm – 10:00 pm)
Enjoy food truck specialties along with beer and wine tents throughout the festival grounds. - Lake Minnetonka Carnival (5:00 pm – 10:00 pm)
Carnival rides, games, and classic festival fun return to downtown Wayzata. - Live Music – Powertap (7:00 pm – 10:00 pm)
Powertap brings rock, soul, pop, country, blues, and more to the Sandvold Stage.
Saturday, September 12, 2026
- Coaster Cart Derby (9:00 am – 12:30 pm)
Gravity-powered coaster cart racing for kids ages 6–14, held on Minnetonka Avenue near the Wayzata Post Office. - Guided Historical Walking Tour (10:00 am – 11:30 am)
Explore Wayzata’s history with a guided walking tour and visit the historic Wayzata Depot Museum. - Dachshund Races & Dog Park Activities (10:00 am – 2:00 pm)
Head to Panoway Plaza for dog-friendly activities, with the famous Dachshund Races beginning at noon. - Street Market (10:00 am – 7:00 pm)
Shop more than 175 vendors lining the festival area in downtown Wayzata. - Logrolling (10:00 am – 6:00 pm)
Fan-favorite logrolling returns to Panoway Plaza, with opportunities to watch or give it a try. - Lake Minnetonka Carnival + Food & Drink (10:00 am – 10:00 pm)
Enjoy carnival rides, games, food trucks, and beer and wine tents throughout the day. - Live Music (11:00 am – 10:00 pm)
Saturday’s lineup features Taylor Robert with Roll N Soul Band from 11:00 am–2:00 pm, The 70’s Magic Sunshine Band from 2:30–5:30 pm, and High & Mighty for the street dance from 6:00–10:00 pm. - Llama Llovin’ Experience (12:00 pm – 4:00 pm)
Meet and take photos with the Llama Squad at Depot Park. - Music & Movie on the Lawn – “The Wild Robot” (6:30 pm – 10:00 pm)
Head to Wayzata’s Great Lawn for live music followed by an outdoor showing of DreamWorks Animation’s The Wild Robot.
Sunday, September 13, 2026
- Guided Historical Walking Tour (10:00 am – 11:30 am)
Take a guided tour through Wayzata history and visit the Wayzata Depot Museum. - Street Market, Carnival + Food & Drink (10:00 am – 4:00 pm)
Enjoy one more day of shopping, carnival rides, food trucks, and festival activities along Lake Street. - Logrolling (10:00 am – 2:00 pm)
Logrolling continues Sunday at Panoway Plaza. - Doggy Olympics & Dog Park Activities (10:00 am – 2:00 pm)
Dogs of all breeds can join the fun at the JJHD Dog Park, with the Doggy Olympics scheduled from noon–2:00 pm. - Live Music – ACES & 88’s Dueling Pianos (11:00 am – 2:00 pm)
Enjoy audience-requested favorites performed by two dueling piano players on the Sandvold Stage. - T-6 Thunder Airshow (2:45 pm)
Look to the skies over Wayzata just before the parade for the return of the T-6 Thunder Airshow. - James J. Hill Days Parade (3:00 pm – 4:00 pm)
Wrap up the weekend with the traditional James J. Hill Days Parade through downtown Wayzata.