2023 Renaissance Festival Preview
Get ready for seven weekends of 16th century-inspired fun at the Minnesota Renaissance Festival in Shakopee! The 2023 Festival will be held weekends August 19 through October 1, as well as Labor Day, September 4 and Festival Friday, September 29.
The Festival truly has something for everyone, with over a dozen stages of entertainment, live armored jousting, an artisan marketplace with over 250 vendors, and over 50 games, rides, and attractions, including dozens of kid-friendly activities.
Here’s your preview to what’s new at the 2023 Minnesota Renaissance Festival, including theme weekend details and parking information.
Theme Weekends
Once Upon a Time (August 19-20) Kick off this year’s festival with a weekend dedicated to fantasy and enchantment. Enjoy the fairy house competition and other themed events, plus there’s free admission for educators and kids ages 5-12 (with adult admission).
Highland Fling (August 26-27) Wear some plaid and cheer on the contestants in the Highland Games as they vie for victory in activities like the Keg Toss and the Kilt Competition—or enter yourself!
Wine, Chocolate & Romance (September 2-4) Celebrate love and satisfy your sweet tooth with delicious sweets and fun events like the Wedding Wars competition. Military members and veterans can purchase two buy-one-get-one free admission tickets.
Woofstock (September 9-10) Bring your pet along for special dog activities and contests, as well as pet training demonstrations and programming by local pet rescue groups. There’s buy-one-get-one free admission for first responders and medical professionals, and pet admission is half-price.
Experience Love For The Arts (September 16-17) Check out creative pursuits including murals, dance, and cosplay. Boy and Girl Scouts and leaders in uniform will get half-price admission.
Bold North Adventure (September 23-24) Enjoy a weekend devoted to swashbuckling Vikings and adventure. Get $5 off admission with a motorcycle license.
Oktoberfest (September 29-October 1) Wear your lederhosen or dirndl for a long weekend of Bavarian fun. Cheer on the contestants or try your hand at the stein holding competition, yodeling competition, and sauerkraut eating contest, and browse wares from special Oktoberfest vendors.
Park & Ride and Parking Information
Use the Minnesota Renaissance Festival’s park and ride service to get to the festival grounds with ease. Parking at the park and ride lots is free. Round trip bus tickets cost $5 for adults (13 and older) and children 12 and under ride free. Each bus ticket includes a $5 “Bus Bucks” coupon that can be used to get a discount on a general admission ticket purchased at the Festival box office or used at any Festival merchandise shop for a discount on a souvenir purchase.
If you prefer to park on-site, a pre-purchased parking pass is required. The date-specific passes are available online and cost $10. Since parking spots are limited, attendees are encouraged to utilize the park and ride service.
After experiencing the Minnesota Renaissance Festival, check out Shakopee’s other fun attractions! Shakopee is home to Valleyfair and Canterbury Park, and it is conveniently located to Mystic Lake Casino and Chanhassen Dinner Theatres.
Book your stay in Shakopee today!
