SEPTEMBER 18- 20, 2026
A TRADITION SINCE 1935
Since 1935, Excelsior Apple Days has been a cherished lakeside tradition celebrating the best of our community. Join us on the shores of Lake Minnetonka for a weekend filled with local artists and vendors, live music, family activities, delicious food, apple traditions, and small-town charm. From the street market and the Kids Corner to apple pie contests, history tours, a lively beer and wine garden, and entertainment from local favorites and renowned bands, Apple Days offers something for everyone.
PROUDLY PRESENTED BY
VIP EXPERIENCE
Elevate your Apple Days weekend with exclusive perks in our VIP area located near the main stage.
Thank You to Our VIP Sponsors
Live Entertainment
Friday, September 18
Saturday, September 19
Sunday, September 20
5 PM: Apple Days Kick-Off!
5:30-7 PM: Varsity Rejects
7:30-10 PM: RAGTOWN
Vendor Market Open | 5:00–8:00 PM
Live Music Sponsored by Frontier Electric
8:00 - 10:00 AM Pie Baking Contest submissions accepted Dunn Brothers Excelsior
10 AM: Festival Opens - Kid's Corner, Food Vendors, Beverage Garden, Vendor Market
12:15 PM: Adult Pie Eating Contest
12:30: Kids Pie Eating Contest
12:45 Pie Baking Contest Winners Announced
1:30-3:30: SWAG
4:15-6:15: STONE DAISY
7-10: Rolling Stoners
Vendor Market Open | 10:00 AM–5:00 PM
Apple Days Waterfront Yoga Class with Prajna Den
9 AM: Gentle Flow to welcome a new day, including breath work and meditation.
Reserve your spot by 9/17 - $15
Day of Pricing - $20
Pay via Venmo @marne-skusa
What to bring:
- A large towel or yoga mat for your practice
- Water Bottle
- Comfortable clothing with layers. Event is hosted outside.
Questions? Email marne@prajnaden.com
Family & Community Day!
9:30 AM: Leipold's Bench Dedication Ceremony | In front of Leipold's Store, Water Street, Excelsior
11 AM -2 PM: Come play street hockey with Minnetonka Youth Hockey Association!
- All ages and skill levels welcome
- No hockey experience necessary
- Stick, ball, and equipment provided
- Jump in for a quick 5–10 minute game
- Teams are made on the spot
- 3-on-3 or 4-on-4 games with a goalie
- Games are fast, fun, and continuous - win or lose, jump right back in!
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MYHA coaches and players will be there to teach the basics and help kids get in the game.
Take 5 shots on a MYHA goalie. Can you score?
Hit the targets in the net and see how many you can get.
Vendor Market Open | 10:00 AM–4:00 PM
Kids Corner Sponsored by The Lakes Team at Compass
Bench for Darel and LaVerna Leipold
We are raising $4,500 to place a memorial bench outside Leipold’s on Water Street in loving memory of Laverna Leipold and in appreciation of Darel Leipold. Laverna and Darel have given so much to Excelsior over the years and played a crucial role in shaping both our community and Apple Days into what they are today.
The memorial will be a Victor Stanley C-10 bench featuring durable Ipe wood slats and a custom bronze plaque. This specific bench was selected because it meets the City of Excelsior’s required downtown style guidelines and will provide a beautiful, lasting place for the community to gather, reflect, and honor Laverna and Darel’s incredible contributions.
The bench will be dedicated during Apple Days on Sunday, September 20. Any contribution toward helping us create this special tribute is sincerely appreciated.
THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS
PRESENTING SPONSOR
BEVERAGE GARDEN SPONSOR
ENTERTAINMENT & VIP SPONSOR
BUSINESS CHAMPION SPONSORS
GROWTH PARTNER SPONSORS
COMMUNITY PARTNERS
