Minnesota Renaissance Festival is an annual event taking place in Shakopee, Minnesota, during weekends from mid-August until October. The interactive outdoor festival takes visitors into a bygone era, a fictional 16th-century English village. The fair, spanning seven weekends, features over 700 actors, 275 craft vendors, and 120 food booths.
Minnesota Renaissance Festival, held since 1971, is considered to be the oldest and the largest renaissance fair in the US. It attracts about 300,000 attendees annually. The festival has hosted legendary performers like comedians Jim Cunningham, Mark Sieve, magicians Penn & Teller, the Flying Karamazov Brothers juggling troupe, and more recently, Zilch the Torysteller, Puke and Snot, Johnny Phoenix, The Tortuga Twins, and others.
Minnesota Renaissance Festival 2024 dates
Minnesota Renaissance Festival is held on weekends from August through September. In total, the program features seven amazing weekends with various themes, including "Once Upon a Time" (August 19-20), "Highland Fling" (August 26-27), "Wine, Chocolate & Romance" (September 2-4), "Woofstock" (September 9-10), "Experience Love for the Arts" (September 16-17), "Bold North Adventure" (September 23-24), and "Oktoberfest" (September 30-October 1). In addition, you are also welcome to attend the Festival Friday event on September 29, 2024.
Minnesota Renaissance Festival program
Depending on each theme of the festival, the program is obviously different. However, some events and activities are similar for each weekend. For example, you'll be able to taste delicious wine, taste delectable craft beer and smoked bacon, laugh at a comedy performance, or go for a romantic private rendezvous in a green garden. There is also a "Kiddie Krawl", aimed for your little ones, where kids can help vikings find their lost possessions. Keep in mind that all these activities should be paid for additionally.
Minnesota Renaissance Festival tickets
Tickets to the festival aren't too expensive. General admission at the gate will cost you $28 if you're an adult, $26 if you're a senior person, and $19 if you're a child. However, kids aged 4 and below can enter for free. You can also buy a Season Pass for $109 (for adults) or $68 (for children). Weekend Pass is $44 (for the whole weekend, not just one day), Family Pack Pass is $73 (two adults and two kids aged 5-12), and Dynamic Duo Pass is $37 (one adult and one child). So, as you can tell, there are options for everyone.
