WAYZATA — The Wayzata American Legion will lead a series of Memorial Day ceremonies on Monday, May 25, 2026, with observances planned at several area cemeteries and Heritage Park.
The day’s schedule begins at 8:30 a.m. at Parkers Lake Cemetery and continues through the morning in Wayzata.
Image courtesy Wayzata Legion.
The official schedule includes:
8:30 a.m. — Parkers Lake Cemetery 9:15 a.m. — Greenlawn Cemetery 9:45 a.m. — Old Wayzata Cemetery 10:30 a.m. — Summit Park Cemetery 11:30 a.m. — Heritage Park
The ceremonies at Summit Park Cemetery and Heritage Park will include an extended program with the reading of deceased members’ names. Wayzata Mayor Andrew Mullin is scheduled to serve as guest speaker.
Memorial Day, observed on the last Monday in May, is set aside to honor members of the United States armed forces who died in service to the country. In Wayzata, the American Legion’s annual observance has long served as a solemn community tradition, connecting residents, veterans and families through remembrance.
Following the final ceremony, the community is invited to the Wayzata American Legion for a light buffet lunch. The luncheon will be offered as a free-will offering.
The Wayzata City Council tabled action Tuesday on a special event permit for HIFI on the Lake, a proposed two-night concert event at Macanda Restaurant and the Boatworks area near the Wayzata Depot.
The application called for concerts July 17 and 18 from 6 p.m. to 10:30 p.m., with an estimated attendance of about 1,000 people each night. The event would use the Boatworks boat launch area, private property near Macanda, and portions of the Depot parking lot. The permit application listed ticket prices of $69 for pit admission and $100 for VIP admission.
City staff recommended denial, primarily because the event would be the third Level 3 event proposed in July. Under Wayzata’s special event matrix, July is limited to two Level 3 events, which are events with 500 or more attendees.
“We encourage special events, obviously,” Director of Public Works Mike Kelly told the council. “This application happened to be the third of three applications for July and our special event matrix limits the number of Level 3 events to two in July.”
Staff noted that the council does have discretion to approve events outside the matrix if they meet city criteria and do not negatively affect previously approved events.
The discussion exposed a practical tension in the city’s event matrix: under the current attendance-based system, the Fourth of July Flying Pancake Breakfast and Wayzata Community Church’s annual rummage sale can count against the same July limit as a ticketed outdoor concert.
Noise was also part of the discussion. Staff said the city had received complaints related to previous electronic music events, including Macanda’s prior event and WAAM Fest. The proposed stage orientation also drew scrutiny because it would face toward downtown and nearby residential areas.
Asked whether staff would have recommended approval if not for the July event limit, Kelly said the application otherwise appeared to meet city standards.
“The application would have met the standards of application procedures,” Kelly stated. “I think we still would have referenced the noise complaints that we’ve had in the past and probably recommended approval.”
The applicant pushed back on the characterization of the event as a typical EDM concert, saying the music and audience were being misunderstood.
“I really, my heart thinks it’s kind of cool for the city,” Aaron Switz of Macanda said, indicating that communities such as West Palm Beach, Montecito, the Hamptons, and Aspen hold similar events.
The applicant also said the event drew a heavily local crowd last year and suggested he was open to modifying the proposal, including moving to one night and potentially changing the date to avoid the July event limitation.
“So I’m looking for one day in the whole year,” Switz said.
Council Member Molly MacDonald raised concerns that the proposal did not appear to fully account for previous council feedback on event length, start time and stage orientation.
“My first instinct was, oh, you didn’t catch any of the feedback we gave you,” she said.
MacDonald said she would have trouble supporting the application as presented. “As this is presented, I’m now hard to support that without any of those considerations made to the residents,” she said.
Mayor Andrew Mullin said he was not ready to deny the application outright after hearing the applicant’s willingness to revise the proposal.
“I’m hard pressed given the new information that was presented to already deny this,” Mullin said. He said possible changes, including a one-night format or a different date, deserved further consideration by the full council, as was provided to a previous applicant.
Mullin also noted the event appeared to serve a younger local audience.
“It did strike me how many local kids were there and their parents,” he said, adding that young people are a stakeholder group Wayzata does not always hear from in city discussions.
Council Member Ken Sorensen said the discussion helped clarify the issue, noting that staff’s recommendation might have been different if the event did not exceed the July matrix limit.
“I was looking forward to this discussion, because actually I came here uncertain as to how I might come down on this issue,” Sorensen said.
Council members Alex Plechash and Dan Koch were absent, leaving Mayor Andrew Mullin and council members Molly MacDonald and Ken Sorensen to discuss the application. With only three members present, the council tabled action rather than approving or denying the permit that night.
Council members indicated they wanted clarity on whether the event would be one night or two, possible date changes, stage orientation, hours, and conditions aimed at limiting impacts on nearby residents and downtown businesses.
The permit application included draft conditions requiring the applicant to follow an approved sound mitigation plan, provide private security, coordinate with police on contractual overtime, notify property owners within 1,000 feet, maintain marina access for slip holders, and cover costs related to relocating temporary restrooms at the Depot.
The Wayzata Lions Club will host its annual community waffle breakfast event on Saturday, February 21, 2026, welcoming neighbors for a warm winter tradition that supports local needs.
The breakfast will be served from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. at St. Bartholomew Church, located at 630 E. Wayzata Boulevard.
Tickets are $10 per person, with children five and under free. Tickets may be purchased at the door or in advance by contacting Pat Moran at (612) 799-7884.
All proceeds from the event remain in the Wayzata community and benefit local residents in need through the charitable work of the Wayzata Lions.
Event Details
What: Wayzata Lions Waffle Breakfast
When: Saturday, February 21, 2026
Time: 8:30–11:30 a.m.
Where: St. Bartholomew Church narthex, 630 E. Wayzata Blvd.
Wayzata Musicales returns with the second concert event of its season on Saturday, February 21, featuring the beloved vocalist Francine Roche. Known for her elegant and expressive interpretations of classic French songs, Roche has charmed Twin Cities audiences for years—and this performance comes back by popular demand after a previous sellout.
Roche will be joined by her longtime collaborators, Mark Stillman on accordion and Jim Price on violin and mandolin, creating an intimate, Parisian-style cabaret atmosphere—no passport required.
The concert begins at 7 p.m. and will be held at St. Barnabas Lutheran Church, located at 15600 Old Rockford Road in Plymouth. The program runs approximately 75 minutes with no intermission.
WAYZATA — This March, Good Works Community Theatre invites audiences to rediscover wonder, imagination, and the quiet power of kindness with its production of Mary Poppins.
Set in Edwardian London, the beloved musical follows the Banks family as their orderly world is gently upended by the arrival of the mysterious Mary Poppins, umbrella in hand. Through music, dance, and moments of magical realism across London’s rooftops, the story celebrates joy, connection, and the idea that small changes of the heart can transform an entire family — and perhaps a community.
The production arrives during a milestone year for both organizations involved. Good Works Community Theatre is celebrating 25 years of community storytelling, coinciding with the 140th anniversary of Wayzata Community Church, where the performances will take place. Since its founding, GWCT has centered its mission on bringing people of all ages together to create meaningful experiences onstage and beyond.
This year’s cast includes children, teens, and adults from across the Twin Cities area, reflecting that intergenerational mission. Rehearsals, organizers say, have been marked by collaboration, laughter, and a shared sense of purpose.
“Mary Poppins reminds us that wonder isn’t just for children — it’s something we all need,” said Autumn Toussaint, artistic director of Good Works Community Theatre. She noted that the story meets hardship with compassion and imagination, offering a message that feels especially timely. “When we open our hearts to each other and to creativity, transformation is possible.”
All performances are offered as a free gift to the community, though ticket reservations are required. Shows run March 11–15, 2026, at Wayzata Community Church. A disability-friendly, ASL-interpreted performance is scheduled for Saturday, March 14, at 2 p.m.
WAYZATA — One of Minnesota’s most beloved winter traditions returns to the ice next month as the Wayzata Chilly Open tees off on Wayzata Bay Saturday, Feb. 7, marking its 41st year of turning the frozen surface of Lake Minnetonka into a full-scale celebration of winter, community, and creativity.
What began four decades ago as a quirky mid-winter diversion has grown into the largest and most well-known golf tournament played on ice anywhere in the world. Each year, more than 2,000 participants from near and far bundle up, don themed costumes, and take to the lake to putt tennis balls across four imaginative nine-hole courses using golf clubs and hockey sticks.
This year’s theme — Live from Wayzata… It’s the Chilly Open! — draws inspiration from Saturday Night Live, encouraging teams to lean into comedy, characters, and over-the-top flair. Golfers can register as a traditional foursome or assemble larger crews of 20 or more, transforming the bay into a lively stage of laughter and friendly competition.
Chilly Open
Tee times are scheduled for 10 a.m., noon, and 2 p.m., with limited tickets available. Amateur golfers may register for $60, while Pro tickets are $115. All participants receive a signature Chilly Open hat and unlimited chili throughout the day.
Following their round, golfers and spectators alike are invited into the heated 19th Hole Tent for live music by PowerTap and the always-anticipated Chili Cookoff. More than 10 local restaurants will compete, with entries judged by a panel that includes Twin Cities food personalities, local chefs, and Wayzata Mayor Andrew Mullin.
The festivities extend well beyond the ice. The day begins with free Snowga — snow yoga — at 9 a.m., offering an energetic and lighthearted start to the morning. As the sun sets, the celebration continues throughout downtown Wayzata, where restaurants and bars host after-parties, inviting visitors to dine, shop, and linger as part of this signature winter weekend.
Presented by the Wayzata West Metro Chamber, the Chilly Open is supported by a wide range of local and regional sponsors and volunteers who help make the event possible year after year.
Tickets and event details are available at WayzataChillyOpen.com. Updates, photos, and announcements can also be found on the event’s Facebook and Instagram pages.
The Klapprich Park Opening Celebration will take place Saturday, January 10, from 1 to 3 p.m., at the park’s view facility at 340 Park Street East. The event marks the completion of recent park improvements and welcomes the community back to one of Wayzata’s most cherished year-round gathering places.
The afternoon is designed to be free and family-friendly, with open skating, hot chocolate, snacks, and music creating a classic Minnesota winter scene. Skaters of all ages are invited to take to the ice, while spectators can enjoy the lively atmosphere from the surrounding park space.
City officials say the project reflects Wayzata’s continued investment in parks that serve multiple generations, offering both recreation and a shared sense of place. Klapprich Park has long been a cornerstone of neighborhood life—hosting everything from youth sports to quiet winter afternoons—and its reopening is intended as a celebration of that tradition.
Residents with questions about the event may contact the city at 952-404-5313.
The event is open to the public, and no registration is required.
WAYZATA — Residents are invited to gather at City Hall on Thursday, Feb. 26, for the City of Wayzata’s annual State of the City address, an evening focused on civic priorities, community progress, and the opportunities ahead.
The event will be hosted by Andrew Mullin, who will deliver his second annual address in the City Hall Community Room. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. for coffee and cookies, with the program beginning at 7 p.m.
The State of the City has become a key moment on Wayzata’s civic calendar, offering residents a comprehensive look at how the city is performing and where it is headed. Last year’s address emphasized Wayzata’s small-town identity, strong municipal fundamentals, thoughtful planning, and the importance of community trust and engagement.
This year’s program is expected to build on that foundation, highlighting current initiatives, upcoming projects, and long-range goals that balance Wayzata’s historic character with its evolving role as a vibrant lakeside city. Topics traditionally covered include city services, infrastructure, public safety, financial stewardship, and quality-of-life investments.
The address is open to the public, and residents are encouraged to attend, listen, and take part in the shared civic conversation. No registration is required.
Event details
Date: Thursday, Feb. 26
Location: Wayzata City Hall, Community Room
Time: 6:30 p.m. coffee and cookies; 7 p.m. program
The State of the City provides an opportunity for residents, business owners, and community stakeholders to reflect on the past year while looking ahead to what’s next for Wayzata.
WAYZATA — Blue Water Theatre Company invites the community to step under the big top as Water for Elephants arrives on stage December 11–21, 2025. Adapted from Sara Gruen’s celebrated novel, the production promises a sweeping, imaginative journey brought to life through inventive stagecraft and expressive puppetry — a hallmark of the company’s commitment to youth artistry.
Set against the backdrop of the Great Depression, Water for Elephants follows Jacob Jankowski, a young man who discovers unexpected belonging among the performers, workers, and animals of a struggling traveling circus. Blue Water’s production leans into the story’s blend of wonder and grit, using puppetry and physical theatre to evoke the emotional heart of the novel.
“This production showcases the incredible artistry and heart of our youth performers,” said Eddie Paul, Artistic Director of the show. “Youth actors are learning puppetry, stilt walking, and acrobatics.”
Performances will be held at Blue Water Theatre Company, located at 605 Rice Street East in Wayzata, with showtimes running December 11 through December 21, 2025. Tickets are $22 for adults and $20 for youth and seniors. Capacity is limited in Blue Water’s intimate theatre space, and early reservations are encouraged.
Blue Water Theatre Company is dedicated to elevating youth through theatre education and performance. Through collaboration, creativity, and community engagement, Blue Water empowers young artists to grow as performers and leaders while enriching the cultural life of Wayzata and the Lake Minnetonka area.
Blue Water Theatre Company is currently undertaking its Raise the Roof campaign, a community-driven effort to fund essential building repairs and long-term facility improvements to its home on Rice Street. The campaign supports critical updates to the century-old church-turned-theatre — including roof replacement, structural maintenance, and preservation work — ensuring the space remains safe, vibrant, and accessible for the hundreds of young performers who rehearse and create there each year. Through donations from families, alumni, and supporters of youth arts, Blue Water aims to secure a lasting foundation for future generations of Wayzata-area theatre students.
WAYZATA — One of Wayzata’s most beloved celebrations returns earlier than usual this year, as Light Up the Lake welcomes residents and visitors to Lake Street on Friday, November 21, 2025, from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m.
The annual gathering — a hallmark of Wayzata’s lakeside charm and community spirit — takes place the Friday before Thanksgiving this season, offering families and friends a festive kickoff before the holiday week.
Along the newly reimagined Lake Street and the Panoway shoreline, guests will enjoy horse-drawn wagon rides, real reindeer, holiday refreshments, live music, and the much-anticipated Town Lighting Ceremony. As always, the evening concludes with the spectacular Parade of Lights featuring area fire departments — a tradition that brings children and adults alike to the water’s edge each November.
Mayor Andrew Mullin invited the community to gather for the celebration, writing that he’s “so excited to invite you to join me for our cherished annual tradition” as Wayzata lights the lakefront and welcomes the season together.
Give Back This Season
In keeping with Wayzata’s long legacy of generosity, the event includes two holiday drives:
IOCP Food Drive — Please bring a non-perishable item to the Panoway collection area.
Toys for Tots — A new, unwrapped toy may be placed beneath the community tree.
These contributions support families across the community during the holidays — a reminder that Wayzata’s celebrations are rooted not only in tradition, but in shared care for neighbors.
A Tradition on the Shoreline
From its earliest days as Dakota homeland to its rise as a steamboat and rail resort town, Wayzata’s shoreline has always been a gathering place. Light Up the Lake carries that heritage forward each year, inviting the community to return to the water’s edge for an evening of warmth, music, and lights.
This year’s celebration promises to be another magical Wayzata moment — a simple, joyful pause before winter settles in.
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