
HUZZAH! MN Renaissance Festival May be the Best in the Country
One thing that is really fun to check out every year is the Minnesota Renaissance Festival which is in Shakopee. It runs for 7 weekends and a couple of extra days from August 22nd until October 4th. The extra days are Monday, September 7th, which is Labor Day and also Festival Friday which is October 2nd.
If you have been to the Minnesota Ren Fest, you probably are not surprised that they have been nominated as one of the best ren fests in the country. And yes, there are several. I have been to two of these fesivals. The one here in Minnesota, and the one in Arizona. Arizona doesn't even kind of compare to the one here in Minnesota.
USA Today has the poll of "10 Best Readers Choice" awards. And Minnesota's Renaissance Festival is in the running.
Renaissance fairs and festivals across the United States offer unique and immersive experiences that transport visitors back to the enchanting days of knights, jousting, and lively marketplaces. These 20 fairs — nominated by a panel of experts as the best in the U.S. — provide a delightful blend of historical reenactments, entertaining performances, and an array of artisanal crafts and delicious food.
So, if you would like to help out the Ren Fest here in Minnesota and get them to the "Best in the Country" you have about 4 more days to vote. Check out this link on USA Today's website for all the information and voting opportunities.
I'm sure you have heard, but there have been some parking changes for the Minnesota Renaissance Festival. There was too much congestion on the road surrounding the grounds, and people who lived there couldn't access the road and/or driveways easily due to the traffic during the festival.
You can get all of the parking dos and don'ts on the festival website. It's a good plan ahead opportunity.

2025 Season at the Ledge Amphitheater
Gallery Credit: Paul Habstritt
Minnesotans who played for the Vikings/in NFL
Gallery Credit: Paul Habstritt

