Minnesota Renaissance Festival of Historic Era
Twin Cities Area: Medieval Ren-Faire 16th Century Era Marketplace
The 2008 Minnesota Renaissance Festival is a medieval fantasy fair that takes place from August 16 through September 28. The fair, called the Feat of Fantasy, is a delightful step back into the grand medieval era of the 16th century. The fanciful festival is filled with a cast of characters that are part historic and part fantasy. Stroll the lanes of a 16th century market place, complete with food, entertainment, music, dancing, royalty and gallant jousting knights.
Fans of Ren-Faires often get into the act, dressing in period costumes and as fantasy characters. Dress as a lady in waiting, peasant, wench, knave, jester, foole, faerie, wizard or belly dancer. The cast of characters stroll the lanes and create impromptu scenarios to delight passersby.
The marketplace features vendors selling authentic period merchandise, hand crafted jewelry, pottery and unique goods. Browsing through the marketplace is a entertaining pastime, with wares that could come right out of medieval times.
Theme Weekends
Each weekend has a different theme, giving the fair a unique flavor for festival. Following are the them weekends for 2008:
- August 16 - 17: A Silk Road: Discover the Riches. Opening weekend features the Minnesota State Belly Dance Competition and the 2nd Annual Pet Fest.
- August 23 - 24" Highland Fling. Scottish Theme weekend features the 2nd Annual World Highland Heavy Games Championship.The Scottish Village Merchants will sell unique wares.
- August 30, 31 and Labor Day, September 1: Royal Ale Fest: Labor Day Weekend features the Royal Ale Fest and the 2nd Annual Minnesota State Longbow Competition.
- September 6 - 7: Irish Heritage Weekend. Events include the 2nd Annual Minnesota State Juggling Competition. Saturday is Sing Language Day.
- September 13 -14: Wine Gala 2nd Annual Wine Festival features a Charity Wine Auction.
- September 20 - 21: Italian Carnivale. Italian theme features Taste of Italy and a Bocce Ball Tournament.
- September 26 - 28: Sweet Endings. Chocolate and Romance: This is a three day weekend, which includes Festival Friday. 2nd Annual Chocolate Festival with free samples. Romance weekend offers the opportunity for free vow renewals.
Feast of Fantasy and Festival Food
The special feast features food fit for a Queen. the feast includes delightful menu with appetizer, salad, soup, sorbet and main course. There is a choice of delicious entrees. Choose between Steak au Poive with McCarie Potatoes or Sliced Chicken Breast with L'Orange Sauce and Wild Rice. Dessert is Chocolate Cheesecake Philly Shell with Strawberries and cream. Seating is limited for the special feast. $65 per person. Call 1-800-966-8215 for additional information and reservations.
Festival fare is available every day that the festival is open. Enjoy Barbarian Burger, BBQ Pork Sandwich, BBQ Ribs, Berries & Cream Fillo Shells, Bratwurst, Breaded Portabella Mushrooms, Cajun Chicken Wrap, Candied Nuts, Coconut Shrimp,Meat Pies, Sandwiches, Turkey Legs an sandwich and much more. The variety is tempting.
Pet Friendly Festival
Pets are welcome every day. Dress up the family dog or cat to compete in the daily pet costume contest. Fanciful ideas include princess, court jester, peasant and wench. Be creative and have fun. Pets must be registered and approved in advance.Pet application is $10 - $15. There is a pet registration form on the official website.
Location and Ticket Information
The Minnesota Renaissance Festival is located three miles south of Shakopee, Minnesota. The festival grounds are off Highway 169. Shakopee is about 25 miles southwest of the Twin Cities of Minneapolis and Saint Paul, MN.
The village opens at 9 am and closes at 7 pm, rain or shine. Tickets are $19.95 for adults, $10.95 for children (6-12) and free for children age 5 and younger. Seniors (65 plus) $17.95. Advance Tickets are available on the official Minnesota Renaissance Festival website. Advance Tickets are: Adult $16.95, Children $8.50. Call 1-800-966-8215 for additional information. Parking is free.
The Minnesota State Fair in the Twin Cities runs from August 20 - September, 1, 2008. See Minnesota State Fair in the Twin Cities
For a Irish themed event see Irish Fair on Harriet Island in St. Paul MN
