Minnesota Renaissance Festival is Coming – What You Need to Know

The Minnesota Renaissance Festival has been a staple in the late summers since 1971.  That's over 50 years of people celebrating, drinking mead, heckling the tomato dude and enjoying life.

There have been many changes throughout the years, and this past year about six of the buildings burned down. But they figured it out, and the Ren Fest is scheduled to start at the end of August, like usual.

The Renaissance Festival runs weekends and Labor Day through September.

August 16th – September 28th, 2025
Plus Labor Day, Monday, September 1st
& Festival Friday, September 26th, 2025

There are special themed weekends every weekend with something different to enjoy.  You can pick and choose which one you are most interested in taking part in.

ONCE UPON A TIME - August 16th - 17th

Step into a fairy tale during the Once Upon a Time weekend. Princesses, fairies, knights, mermaids and more, your favorite fairy tale fantasy will come to life!  The 16th will be even more special with the return of PENN AND TELLER!  They started at the Ren Fest back in 1975, so they are celebrating 50 years with a one day show where it all started.

HIGHLAND FLING - August 23 - 24

Witness the strength of the athletes with the 7 series heavy games while kicking back in your kilt.  And yes, one of the flings may or may not include a keg.

WOOFSTOCK - August 30-31 And Labor Day

Just like what it sounds like - bring your pupper!  And if you have a great ren fest costume for them, even better.

BOLD NORTH ADVENTURE - September 6-7

Discover the true north during the Bold North Adventure weekend. Bring out your inner warrior with the Vikings and battle in daring competitions!

EXPERIENCE LOVE FOR THE ARTS - September 13-14

Unearth your inner Michealangelo at the Experience Love for the Arts weekend. Revel in classic paintings, expressive movements to vocal arrangements, you’ll fall in love with the arts.

WINE, CHOCOLATE AND ROMANCE - September 20-21

Fall in love throughout the Wine, Chocolate & Romance weekend. Make it a romantic weekend getaway or wine weekend with your best pals.

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FESTIVAL FRIDAY - September 26th

Escape reality and set foot in the 16th century magical kingdom. Dance to the sound of music, enjoy the delectable cuisine, and revel in a newfound spirit of friendships during Festival Friday. It is also the Lords and Ladies shopping day!  Check out tickets (includes admission) and everything else that is included in this shopping day.

OKTOBERFEST - September 27-28

Raise a stein and give a hearty “Huzzah” at the Oktoberfest weekend. Oktoberfest will be filled with plenty of beer and Bavarian cheer.

PARKING ISSUES - WHERE TO GO?

Park and Ride locations.  This seems like the best option.  You leave your car in a designated spot, and get a ride into the festival.  Perfect.  The busses run all day from 8-8pm.  There are several park and ride locations to leave your car hop the bus.

On-Site Parking.  There are limited passes for on site parking.  If you choose this option, the best thing to do is to purchase your on-site parking pass ahead of time.  That will cost you $15.  Or you can take a chance and try the day of, that will cost you $30, and only if space is available.

Ride Share Option. There are designated areas for pick up and drop off.  There is no extra charge for this option.

You can keep up on all of the parking policies and changes through their website link. Best to keep checking this link because chances are it will be changing almost weekly.