Minnesota Renaissance Festival 2026

The Minnesota Renaissance Festival opens its 55th season on Saturday, August 22 and runs every Saturday and Sunday through October 4, plus Labor Day Monday (September 7) and Festival Friday (October 2). Gates are open 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., rain or shine, at 12364 Chestnut Blvd in Shakopee, a short drive from Prior Lake.

The village has 16 stages of entertainment, jousting, more than 250 artisan shops, 500-plus food and drink choices, and 50-plus games and rides. New this year: free celebration ribbons at the King’s Gate information booth, a Wicked Wand Workshop for kids, a Viking Invasion arena game and a Ninja Warrior course.

Themed weekends: Once Upon a Time (Aug 22-23, when kids 5 to 12 get in free with an adult ticket bought at the box office), Highland Fling (Aug 29-30), Woofstock (Sept 5-7, the dog weekend), Bold North Adventure (Sept 12-13, with Sign Language Saturday on the 12th), Wine, Chocolate and Romance (Sept 19-20), Art Affair (Sept 26-27), Festival Friday (Oct 2) and Oktoberfest (Oct 3-4).

Tickets at the gate are $29.95 for adults, $27.95 for seniors 65 and up and $19.95 for kids 5 to 12; buy in advance online and it is $26.95, $24.95 and $16.95. Kids 4 and under are free all season, and weekend and season passes are available. Parking on the grounds requires a date-specific pass ($15 in advance, $30 same-day if space is left) and the festival recommends its Park and Ride lots instead. Tickets, parking passes, the daily schedule and Park and Ride details are at renaissancefest.com.