The Minnesota Renaissance Festival is celebrating its 42nd year. This annual extravaganza brings to life the renaissance era with period inspired décor, actors, and costumes complete with weaponry.
The 2012 Renaissance Festival features 16 stages with live entertainment, live armored jousting, family friendly activities, and over 250 artisan booths.
Themed weekends
Silk Road, Discover the Riches (September 1, 2 & 3)
- Longbow competition
- Middle Eastern belly dance competition
- Middle Eastern music
Highland Fling (September 8 & 9)
- Highland games
- Highland dancers
- Kilt competition
- Scottish village vendors
Wine, Chocolate, & Romance (September 15 & 16)
- Annual charity auction
- Wine and chocolate festival
- Free vow renewals
- Grape stomp
- Men in tights competition
Oktoberfest (September 22 & 23)
- Stein holding
- Sauerkraut eating contest
- Bavarian village
- Beard contest
- Traditional German music & dancing
Shamrocks & Shenanigans (September 29 & 30)
- Irish vendors
- Harvest marketplace
- Irish dancers
- Free Guinness beer tastings
General admission tickets start at $18.95 for adults, and can be purchased online, or at participating Super America, Menards, Whole Foods, or Walgreens stores.
Visit the Renaissance Festival’s website for a map & directions.
