Vendor Events in Excelsior, MN

25 spots open

This weekly farmers market in Excelsior brings together local producers and growers throughout the warmer months, creating a reliable Thursday afternoon destination from May through October. Located at 301 County Road 19 in Excelsior, Hennepin County, the market runs from 2:00 PM to 6:00 PM each week, making it accessible for both lunch-hour shoppers and after-work visitors looking to stock up on fresh ingredients and local goods before the weekend. Vendors at the Excelsior Farmers' Market focus primarily on food and produce, with typical offerings including seasonal vegetables and fruits, fresh baked goods, artisanal cheeses, farm-fresh eggs, and other specialty food items. You'll also find flowers, plants, and craft goods from local makers. The presence of organic products gives shoppers options if they're seeking certified or sustainably grown items, and the market's acceptance of credit cards alongside cash means payment is flexible and convenient for customers. This type of weekly farmers market serves as a community gathering space where vendors can build regular customer relationships throughout the season. Unlike seasonal pop-ups or one-time festivals, the consistent Thursday schedule allows shoppers to plan regular visits and vendors to establish predictable foot traffic. The afternoon timing differentiates it from early-morning markets, making it an option for people with different schedules. The May-to-October window captures the prime growing season in Minnesota, when regional farmers and producers have the fullest selection of goods to offer. For vendors, a weekly farmers market like this one provides steady income opportunities and direct customer engagement without the overhead of a permanent retail location. The focus on food and produce means customers come with the intention to purchase groceries and household items, creating strong sales potential for food entrepreneurs, farmers, bakers, and specialty producers serving the Excelsior area.

20 spots open

Since 1935, this cherished lakeside festival has been a cornerstone of the Excelsior community each September. Excelsior Apple Days draws thousands of visitors to downtown Excelsior, Minnesota, for a full day celebrating the region's apple heritage and local culture. The festival takes place on September 12, 2026, bringing together the kind of diverse vendor community and family-friendly programming that makes autumn festivals so memorable. As a community festival, Excelsior Apple Days offers something for every attendee. Craft vendors set up throughout the downtown area, showcasing handmade goods and artisan products that appeal to both tourists and local shoppers looking for unique items. Food vendors line the streets with everything from traditional festival fare to creative apple-themed offerings, making this a great opportunity for culinary vendors to reach crowds eager for seasonal treats. The festival's apple pie contests have become legendary among participants and spectators alike, drawing competitive bakers and curious tasters throughout the day. Beyond shopping and eating, the event features live entertainment that keeps the energy high, history tours that connect attendees to Excelsior's heritage, and a dedicated kids corner where families can spend extended time enjoying activities together. The beer and wine garden adds an adult-oriented gathering space where vendors can observe foot traffic patterns and repeat customers often spend more time browsing. September weather in Minnesota is ideal for outdoor events, with crisp fall air that puts people in a shopping mood and keeps crowds comfortable throughout the day. Downtown Excelsior's lakeside setting provides a picturesque backdrop and draws both locals and visitors from the greater Twin Cities region looking for authentic small-town festival experiences. For vendors, the annual rhythm of Excelsior Apple Days means consistent foot traffic from a established audience that returns year after year. The festival's long history and community roots mean participants come with genuine interest in supporting local makers and creators, not just browsing casually. Whether you sell crafts, food, or specialty goods, this festival offers solid exposure to a quality crowd in an established, well-attended event.

20 spots open

Set along the shores of Lake Minnetonka in Excelsior, Minnesota, this annual art festival draws artists and craft vendors from across the region each June. The event takes full advantage of its waterfront setting, creating a scenic backdrop for artists to showcase and sell their work during the warm early summer season. The combination of outdoor lakeside location, open-air gallery feel, and established audience makes this a popular destination for visual artists, sculptors, craftspeople, and makers looking to connect with art collectors and casual shoppers alike. The festival welcomes over 130 artists, which means there's significant foot traffic and a diverse vendor mix. Attendees typically include art enthusiasts, collectors, families enjoying a weekend outing, and locals taking advantage of good weather to explore creative work. The free admission removes barriers to browsing, so you can expect steady crowds across the two-day weekend event. Beyond visual art vendors, the festival typically features food and culinary vendors, creating a full day's experience that keeps people on-site longer and generates multiple revenue streams for participating vendors. Live music is part of the atmosphere, adding to the festive environment and giving the event a community gathering feel rather than purely transactional experience. This kind of entertainment draws people who might not otherwise attend an art-focused event, expanding your potential customer base. If you work in fine art, crafts, jewelry, home decor, sculpture, photography, or any art-adjacent category, this festival offers the kind of established audience and professional context that works well for higher-priced or more niche artistic offerings. Vendor applications for Art on the Lake Excelsior 2026 opened in late November 2025, so planning ahead is important for securing a spot at this popular annual event. The June 13-14 dates fall during peak summer season in Minnesota, when people are actively out and spending time outdoors.