For the Kids

After welcoming thousands of visitors in its inaugural year, The Northern Express is returning to Excelsior this December with new magic in store for Twin Cities families. This year’s event will be brimming with new merchandise from more than 100 small businesses and entrepreneurs, added interactive activities like an ‘Elf in Training’ obstacle course, expanded food and beverage options and more. Visitors can also enjoy many of last year’s highlights, from meeting with Santa to unique photography opportunities with llamas and reindeer. Read more about The Northern Express

Meet Drew Brockington, Author of hugely popular comic book series for the 6-10 yr olds : CATSTRONAUTS and for a slightly younger audience - WAFFLES AND PANCAKES, in addition to several other books.

Drew will tell the story of how graphic novels are created, talk about about his creative process, read from one of his books and will be available for book-signing. Read more about Meet Author Drew Brockington

Join us for a day filled with trick o' treating, spooky scenes, bands, costume contests, and more.

Trick-or-Treating from 10 a.m.–2 p.m.
Window Contest at 12 p.m.

Excelsior Brewing 

Kid's Costume Showcase at 1:30 p.m.
Dog Costume Contest at 3:30 p.m.
Adult Costume Contest at 9:30 p.m.
Ragtown from 7:30-10:30 p.m. Read more about Halloween in Excelsior

Burwell Spooktacular. Wear your best costume and have a spooktacularly good time at this free fall event. Read more about Burwell Spooktacular

Get your costumes ready, it’s time to bring back our annual spooky celebration. Read more about Ghostly Gala

Join family and friends for free hands-on art activities that will educate and inspire you and others to combat climate change in whatever ways you are able. We are excited to partner with the Humphrey School of Public Affairs to host these local artists:

SCREEN PRINTING (MICHELLE LEE LAGERROOS AND KIRSTEN OLSON)

Screen print your own reusable tote bag to call attention to the climate crisis. Read more about Climate Action Together

Since 1975 the weekend following Labor Day in Wayzata has been dedicated to honoring James J. Hill, Minnesota historic figure and once owner of the Great Northern Railroad Company. Hill, builder of the present train depot in 1906, contributed significantly to transform Wayzata into the beautiful tourist location and friendly community we know today. James J. Hill Days is Lake Minnetonka’s favorite community tradition, as highlighted by its recent “Best Of” Lake Minnetonka award. Read more about James J. Hill Days

Excelsior Apple Days is a coveted lakeside festival celebrating community, art, locally produced food and a good old-fashioned street dance. Since 1935, beloved fans of Apple Days have been enjoying a day full of events - craft booths, the Happy Apple Kids Corner, food vendors, history tour, Apple Pie contests, live entertainment - from local groups to well-known bands on the big stage, and the popular beer and wine garden located in the middle of it all.

Together, they create an amazing weekend filled with food, fun and community. Read more about Excelsior Apple Days

Something tasty is heading to your hometown! America’s favorite cooking show is now on tour with MasterChef Junior Live! This high-energy, interactive, stage production brings the culinary hit TV show, MasterChef Junior, directly to fans and foodies alike… live on stage. Watch Season 8’s winner, finalist and fan favorites as they take to the stage in head-to-head cooking demonstrations and fun (sometimes messy) challenges with an overall immersive audience experience fun for all ages. Read more about MasterChef Junior Live!