Spring
Wells Fargo Lake Minnetonka Half Marathon
May Lace up your running shoes for the annual Wells Fargo Lake Minnetonka Half Marathon, a race that embraces the beauty of Lake Minnetonka. The half marathon supports local cross-country running teams ensuring that the high school kids get an opportunity to run, too.
Members’ Salon Show
May–June Check out all the talent that the Lake Minnetonka area has to offer at the members’ salon show at the Minnetonka Center for the Arts. This annual show allows area artists, from beginners and students to seasoned professionals, to enter their work. Imagine a gallery full of unique pieces with each major medium represented.
Summer
Burwell House Ice Cream Social and Minnetonka Summer Festival
June Ice cream is a given in the summertime, so the combination of the Burwell House Ice Cream Social and Minnetonka Summer Festival is only natural. Taking place at the historic Burwell House and the Minnetonka Civic Center, respectively, biking between these events is easy and fun. Don’t forget to check out the antique fair as well as the arts and crafts from local artists at the Burwell House before heading to the Civic Center for races, local bands and pony rides.
Wayzata Art Experience
June The Wayzata Art Experience showcases high-quality art each year in a variety of media, from clay to corduroy. This two-day downtown event draws thousands of visitors each year and allows festival-goers to watch artists at work and listen to live music, while kids can try their hands at projects in the Kid Zone. Don’t forget to check out the local landscapers and garden designers and sample cuisine from area restaurants.
4th of July Celebration and Fireworks
July Commons Park is the place to be on Lake Minnetonka on the 4th of July. For more than 135 years, Lake Minnetonka has hosted 4th of July festivities, and they get bigger every year. Kick off the day with the annual Firecracker Fun Run and 10K, and don’t miss the activities and live entertainment throughout the day, including a sand sculpture contest, a fishing contest and a popsicle social. Finish off the day with fireworks, of course, at the only public fireworks show on Lake Minnetonka.
Excelsior Crazy Days
July Excelsior knows how to celebrate midsummer right: an old-fashioned Crazy Days festival right in the middle of downtown. The annual event draws a huge crowd and includes fun summer food, bargains at local businesses, historic walking tours, a flea market, and more fun for the whole family.
Minnetonka Challenge 5‒Mile Lake Swim
July For more than 25 years, swimmers have been taking on the Minnetonka Challenge: a 5-mile swim through Lake Minnetonka from Excelsior Beach to Wayzata Beach. Although a few select participants have crossed the lake twice, just once is a definite challenge for most—each swimmer must be escorted by a paddler in a canoe or kayak for safety. See the amazing feats of some seriously talented athletes.
Tour de Tonka
August This annual bicycle ride is just that: a ride, not a race. Whether you’ve just dropped the training wheels or are an avid biker, the Tour de Tonka is totally open to you. Of course, you do have to last between 43 and 77 miles—no small feat. Check out all of the live music at the rest stops and pedal to the beat, and enjoy a gorgeous summer day as well as the scenery of Lake Minnetonka as your legs get a major workout.
Fall
James J. Hill Days
September Transitioning into fall is always an adjustment, but James J. Hill Days in downtown Wayzata makes it fun. The annual festival brings together the lake communities to celebrate Wayzata and the surrounding area. Complete with everything from a street market to fireworks, this event also features live music, a carnival and more.
Tonka Turkey Trot
November Celebrate Thanksgiving at the Tonka Turkey Trot, held each year on Thanksgiving morning at Minnetonka High School. Funds raised from the race, which is hosted by the school’s track and field and cross-country teams, go toward booster club expenses and back to the community. This 5K race is fun for runners of all ages and levels, and it’s the perfect way to work up an appetite for the big dinner to come.
Winter
Kids’ Fest
February The weather may be cold, but things heat up each winter at the Minnetonka Kids’ Fest.The event, held at the Minnetonka Community Center, includes live performances, outdoor winter activities like dog sledding and snowshoeing, ice skating at the Minnetonka Ice Arena, ice-carving demonstrations, a bonfire with s’mores and more fun activities for the family.
Chilly Open
February It’s a competition for the most dedicated of golfers: those willing to grab their clubs or hockey sticks and hit frozen Lake Minnetonka for a little mid-winter fun. For more than 30 years, golfers have been hitting the themed 9-hole course to keep their skills sharp despite the chilly temperatures and lack of rolling green hills, all to benefit the Greater Wayzata Area Chamber of Commerce.
Apple Day
September Hosted by the Excelsior-Lake Minnetonka Chamber of Commerce, Apple Day is held in downtown Excelsior each year to help honor one of Minnesota’s greatest fruits. The festival includes baking and pie-eating contests, a 5K race, lots of local crafts, food and more, all to celebrate the changing season. excelsior-
Editor’s Note: All dates and details subject to change; items highlighted are merely a snapshot of some of the city’s annual events. For more detailed information, visit lakeminnetonkamag.com.
