The festival was established in 1971 and has been held at its current location since 1975.
It is consistently ranked as one of the most attended Renaissance festivals in the United States, drawing hundreds of thousands of visitors annually.
The festival grounds are constructed on land formerly used for a farm, which was transformed into the permanent 'Fest' village.
The event operates on a themed weekend structure, with each weekend dedicated to topics like 'Royal Alehouse,' 'Wine, Chocolate & Romance,' or 'Shamrocks & Shenanigans.'
The jousting events utilize trained professional stunt riders and are held in a dedicated, permanent arena.
Artisans must undergo a jury process to sell their goods, ensuring the merchandise remains consistent with the Renaissance theme.
The festival maintains its own internal 'Royal Court' of characters who appear at various events throughout the state during the off-season.
The site includes a dedicated area known as the 'Petting Zoo' and a 'Knighting Ceremony' stage.
The Minnesota Renaissance Festival is one of the largest and longest-running Renaissance-themed events in the United States, held annually on a 22-acre site in Shakopee. The venue features permanent structures designed to replicate a 16th-century European village, complete with shops, stages, and taverns. It offers daily entertainment including jousting tournaments, comedy acts, and musical performances across multiple themed stages. Visitors can interact with costumed performers portraying historical figures, fantasy creatures, and nobility. The festival grounds include artisan marketplaces showcasing handmade crafts like pottery, leatherwork, and weaponry. It operates on a seasonal schedule, typically spanning weekends from late summer through early autumn. The site features various permanent food booths serving traditional festival fare such as turkey legs and mead. It is family-oriented with dedicated areas for children's activities and games of skill.
The Jousting Arena grandstands provide a clear view of the field and performers against the backdrop of the village structures.
Wear comfortable, broken-in walking shoes as the festival spans a large area of dirt paths and uneven terrain.
Bring cash for smaller vendors, as cell service can be intermittent and may interfere with mobile card processing.
Check the daily entertainment schedule upon entry to prioritize high-demand shows like the jousting tournaments.
Avoid wearing open-toed shoes, as the paths consist of loose dirt, wood chips, and gravel that can be dusty or muddy.
Open weekends only, plus Labor Day, from mid-August through late September.
Costumes are encouraged but not required; avoid wearing overly obstructive gear that impedes crowd movement.
