2026 Minnesota Renaissance Festival Preview
Experience the immersive fantasy realm of the Minnesota Renaissance Festival! The nation’s largest Renaissance festival will be held weekends August 22-October 4, 2026 (plus Labor Day and Friday, October 2) in Shakopee. Peruse jewelry, pottery, glass, metalwork, and more from over 250 artisans. Watch stage acts, live jousting, and wandering entertainers. Savor delicious fare from dozens of vendors, including traditional turkey legs and whimsical unicorn sundaes.
Here’s your guide for a memorable visit to this year’s festival.
New in 2026
Celebrating a special occasion? Stop by the Information Booth just inside the King’s Gate for a free celebration ribbon to let everyone know it’s your first visit, birthday, happily ever after, or other celebration.
Themed Weekends
Once Upon a Time (August 22-23)
Experience a storybook world of magic and make believe, with knights, fairies, and princesses taking center stage.
Highland Fling (August 29-30)
Celebrate Scottish tradition with bag pipes, tartans, and competitions. Sunday also features the Turkey Leg Trot, a 5K run around the festival grounds.
Woofstock (September 5-7)
Bring your furry friend for a weekend filled with pet-friendly events like the Doggie Dash, with pups racing around the jousting track.
Bold North Adventure (September 12-13)
From Vikings to lumberjacks, discover the adventurous spirit of the North.
Sign Language Saturday (September 12)
ASL translators will be on hand to make entertainment more accessible to the Deaf and Hard of Hearing community.
Wine, Chocolate & Romance (September 19-20)
Spend the weekend celebrating your special someone, or grab your friends to savor wine and chocolate.
Art Affair (September 26-27)
Enjoy live demonstrations and interactive art-themed experiences throughout a weekend honoring all forms of creativity.
Festival Friday (October 2)
Love a bargain? A special Ladies and Lords Shopping Day ticket ($30) includes festival admission, a free mini bottle of wine, gift bag, raffle entry, and exclusive discounts from select artisans.
Oktoberfest (October 3-4)
Raise a stein to German culture with a Bavarian-inspired weekend.
For the most up-to-day information about themed weekend events and activities, check the daily programs posted each Wednesday.
Family Friendly Activities
Kid-friendly fun is on offer throughout the festival, from a wand workshop for little crafters to the chance to meet mermaids and fairies. Stop by the Clover Cottage for stories and music, and meet slithering reptiles at Como Cottage. Daily family-friendly entertainment includes a children’s costume contest at 11am, parade at 12:30pm, and children’s knighting ceremony at 3:30pm.
Know Before You Go
Save on admission by purchasing tickets in advance online or from a ticket outlet. Weekend and season passes and family ticket packages are also available.
Discounts and free admission are also available on select weekends for educators, honor roll students, active duty and veteran service members, seniors, first responders, and more. Check the deals and discounts list to learn more.
Planning to drive to the festival? Purchase a parking pass in advance to guarantee a spot. Alternatively, use the Park and Ride service for a non-stop bus ride to the festival.
After experiencing the Minnesota Renaissance Festival, check out Shakopee’s other attractions! Shakopee is home to Valleyfair, Canterbury Park, Mystic Lake Amphitheater, and the Minnesota Renaissance Festival. It’s also conveniently located to area destinations like Chanhassen Dinner Theatres and Mystic Lake.