Step back in time for magical fun.

I like to go to the Minnesota Renaissance Festival every year because it feels like stepping into a different world. The vibrant costumes, lively performances, and immersive atmosphere transport me back in time. The artisan marketplace is a treasure trove of unique crafts, and the food is always a delightful adventure, especially the giant turkey legs. The jousting tournaments and comedy shows are unique and entertaining. It’s a great place to let your imagination run wild, enjoy the company of friends, and create unforgettable memories. The festival’s blend of history, art, and fun makes it a truly magical experience.

This year I am planning on going Saturday the 21st for the “Love for the Arts” weekend. The “Love for the Arts” weekend at the Minnesota Renaissance Festival 2024 is a celebration of creativity and expression. This special event features a mural competition, showcasing the talents of local artists, and various art displays that add a vibrant touch to the festival atmosphere. It’s an opportunity to immerse yourself in the beauty of visual arts while enjoying the usual Renaissance festivities. The themed activities and performances highlight the importance of art in our lives, making it a perfect weekend for art enthusiasts and those looking to appreciate the diverse forms of artistic expression.

What To Bring

Item	Description	Tips
Comfortable Shoes	You’ll be walking a lot, so wear comfortable, supportive footwear.	Opt for closed-toe shoes to protect your feet.
Reusable Water Bottle	Stay hydrated throughout the day.	Refill stations are available around the festival grounds.
Cash and Cards	Some vendors may only accept cash, while others take cards.	Bring a mix of both to be prepared.
Sunscreen	Protect your skin from the sun, even on cloudy days.	Apply regularly, especially if you’re outdoors all day.
Hat and Sunglasses	Shield yourself from the sun.	A wide-brimmed hat offers the best protection.
Portable Charger	Keep your phone charged for photos and emergencies.	A small, lightweight charger is ideal.
Festival Map	Navigate the festival grounds easily.	Available at the entrance or online.
Costume (Optional)	Enhance your experience by dressing in period attire.	Thrift stores or online shops are great places to find costumes.
Snacks	Bring light snacks to keep your energy up.	Granola bars or fruit are good options.
Hand Sanitizer	Keep your hands clean, especially before eating.	Small, portable bottles are convenient.
Rain Gear	Be prepared for unexpected weather changes.	A lightweight poncho or umbrella can be handy.
Shopping Bag	Carry your purchases easily.	A foldable tote bag works well.

Schedule for Adult Festival Goers

The Minnesota Renaissance Festival on Saturday, September 21st, 2024, promises a day full of excitement and adventure! Here’s a fun and engaging schedule for you and your friends:

Morning

9:00 AM – 10:00 AM: Arrival and Opening Ceremony

Arrive early to find good parking and catch the opening ceremony. The gates open at 9:00 AM. The opening ceremony at the Minnesota Renaissance Festival begins at 9:00 AM at the King’s Gate. It features a lively procession of costumed characters, including the King and Queen, setting the festive tone for the day. It’s a magical start, welcoming visitors to a day of adventure and fu

10:00 AM – 11:00 AM: Artisan Marketplace

Explore the Artisan Marketplace with over 250 booths. You can find unique handcrafted items and maybe even watch some live demonstrations.

Vendor Name	Products	Description	Location
Mystic Leatherworks	Leather Goods	Handcrafted leather items including belts, bags, and armor.	Shepherd’s Green
Dragon’s Breath Pottery	Pottery	Unique, hand-thrown pottery pieces with intricate designs.	Oven Hill Market
Enchanted Jewelry	Jewelry	Handmade jewelry featuring gemstones and medieval designs.	Tree Top Round
Woodland Carvings	Woodwork	Beautifully carved wooden items such as bowls, spoons, and figurines.	Market Place
Glassblower’s Guild	Glassware	Hand-blown glass items including vases, ornaments, and decorative pieces.	Folkstone Well
Silk Road Textiles	Textiles	Exotic textiles and garments inspired by historical designs.	Upson Downs
Iron Forge	Metalwork	Forged metal items including tools, decorative pieces, and jewelry.	Narrow Market
Fairy Wing Creations	Fairy Wings	Handmade fairy wings in various sizes and colors.	Cartwheel Cove
Renaissance Paintings	Paintings	Original paintings and prints with Renaissance and fantasy themes.	Shepherd’s Green
Herbal Haven	Herbal Products	Natural herbal products including teas, salves, and soaps.	Oven Hill Market
Knight’s Armor	Armor and Weapons	Custom-made armor and weapons for display or use.	Tree Top Round
Candlelight Creations	Candles	Hand-poured candles with unique scents and designs.	Market Place
Medieval Music	Musical Instruments	Traditional musical instruments from the medieval period.	Folkstone Well
Fantasy Face Painting	Face Painting	Creative face painting for children and adults.	Upson Downs
Sculptor’s Studio	Sculpture	Handcrafted sculptures in various materials including stone and metal.	Narrow Market
Perfume Potions	Perfumes and Potpourri	Handmade perfumes and potpourri with natural ingredients.	Cartwheel Cove
Celtic Creations	Celtic Jewelry	Jewelry inspired by Celtic designs, featuring intricate knotwork.	Shepherd’s Green
Dragon’s Hoard	Fantasy Art	Fantasy-themed art prints and original pieces.	Oven Hill Market
Mystic Masks	Masks	Handcrafted masks for costumes and decoration.	Tree Top Round
Renaissance Ribbons	Ribbons and Trims	Decorative ribbons and trims for costumes and crafts.	Market Place
Alchemy Apothecary	Herbal Remedies	Herbal remedies and natural health products.	Folkstone Well

Midday

11:00 AM – 12:00 PM: Jousting Tournament

Head to the jousting arena for a thrilling live armored jousting match. It’s a must-see event that captures the spirit of the Renaissance. The jousting tournament at the Minnesota Renaissance Festival is a thrilling spectacle where knights in shining armor compete in intense, high-speed battles on horseback. With lances crashing and the crowd cheering, it’s a captivating display of skill and bravery, transporting you back to medieval times. 

12:00 PM – 1:00 PM: Lunch at the Food Court and Food Kiosks

Enjoy a hearty meal from the wide variety of food options available. Try a giant turkey leg or some delicious pastries.

Stand Name	Brief Menu	Description	Location
Turkey Leg Stand	Giant Turkey Legs, Roasted Corn	Festival favorite with massive, smoky turkey legs and roasted corn.	Various locations
Shepherd’s Green Tavern	Apple Cider Floats, Craft Cocktails	Refreshing apple cider floats and a variety of handcrafted cocktails.	Shepherd’s Green
Oven Hill Market	Apple Tarts, Bacon Mac & Cheese	Sweet apple tarts and creamy mac & cheese with crispy bacon bits.	Oven Hill Market
Cartwheel Cove	Beer Battered Walleye, Fish & Chips	Crispy fried walleye and classic fish & chips with tartar sauce.	Cartwheel Cove
Gyro Stand	Gyros, Greek Salad	Savory gyro meat with fresh veggies and tzatziki sauce in a warm pita.	Shepherd’s Green, Upson Downs
Cheese Curds Stand	Cheese Curds, Deep-Fried Pickles	Deep-fried cheese curds and pickles, perfect for a quick snack.	Narrow Market
Pirate’s Cove Pub	Craft Cocktails, Beer	A variety of craft cocktails and beers to enjoy.	Pirate’s Cove
Frozen Treats Stand	Frozen Chocolate Bananas, Gelato	Sweet frozen treats including chocolate-dipped bananas and gelato.	Oven Hill Market
Kettle Corn Stand	Kettle Corn, Cotton Candy	Sweet and salty kettle corn and fluffy cotton candy.	Shepherd’s Green
Mimosa Stand	Mimosas, Lemonade	Refreshing mimosas and lemonade, perfect for a sunny day.	Shepherd’s Green, Treetop Round
Mermaid Cove Treats	Mermaid Sundaes, Unicorn Sundaes	Whimsical sundaes inspired by mermaids and unicorns, with colorful toppings.	Folkstone Well
Spam Sliders Stand	Spam Sliders, BBQ Rib Tips	Mini sandwiches with grilled Spam and BBQ rib tips.	Various locations
Viking Valhalla Mead Hall	Mead, Viking-Themed Snacks	Traditional mead and Viking-themed snacks in a rustic setting.	Near the Jousting Arena
Monks Craft Beer Pub	Craft Beers, Pretzels	A selection of craft beers brewed by local monks, served with pretzels.	Central Festival Grounds
CrosSwords Tavern	Assorted Drinks, Snacks	A cozy tavern offering a variety of drinks and snacks.	Near the Artisan Marketplace
Banger & Mash Stand	Bangers & Mash, Shepherd’s Pie	Traditional British fare with savory sausages and mashed potatoes.	Treetop Round
Crepe Stand	Sweet and Savory Crepes	Delicious crepes filled with sweet or savory ingredients.	Oven Hill Market
Falafel Stand	Falafel Wraps, Hummus Plates	Middle Eastern delights with crispy falafel and creamy hummus.	Upson Downs
Churro Stand	Churros, Cinnamon Rolls	Sweet treats including churros and warm cinnamon rolls.	Folkstone Well
Fish & Chips Stand	Fish & Chips, Fried Shrimp	Classic fish and chips along with crispy fried shrimp.	Cartwheel Cove
Barbarian Burgers	Bacon Cheeseburgers, Mushroom Swiss Burgers	Juicy burgers with various toppings, including bacon and mushrooms.	Central Festival Grounds
Baked Potato Boats	Loaded Baked Potatoes, Buffalo Chicken Potato Boat	Hearty baked potatoes with a variety of toppings.	Oven Hill Market
Deep Fried Mushrooms	Deep Fried Mushrooms, Deep Fried Pickles	Crispy fried mushrooms and pickles, perfect for a savory snack.	Narrow Market
Chicken & Waffle Stand	Chicken & Waffles, Chicken Sandwiches	Classic chicken and waffles, along with crispy chicken sandwiches.	Cartwheel Cove
Mini Donuts Stand	Mini Donuts, Cinnamon Rolls	Freshly made mini donuts and warm cinnamon rolls.	Treetop Round
Elote Street Corn	Mexican Street Corn, Corn on the Cob	Grilled corn with various toppings, including Mexican-style elote.	Various locations

1:00 PM – 2:00 PM: Comedy and Music Shows

Check out one of the many stages for a comedy show or musical performance. The festival features 16 stages with continuous entertainment.

Stage	Performance	Description	Location
Shepherd’s Green Stage	Belly Dance Lessons	Learn the art of belly dancing with interactive lessons.	Near the Artisan Marketplace
King’s Arbor Stage	The Danger Committee	A thrilling mix of comedy and juggling with a touch of danger.	Central Festival Grounds
Fairy Wing Forest Stage	Fairy Tale Story Time	Magical stories for children and adults alike, told by enchanting fairies.	Fairy Wing Forest
Jousting Arena	Knights of the Realm	Exciting live jousting tournament with knights in full armor.	Jousting Arena
The Bakery Stage	Puke & Snot	A hilarious comedy duo known for their witty banter and slapstick humor.	Near the Food Court
The Pavilion Stage	The Fandazzi Fire Circus	A captivating fire performance with acrobatics and dance.	Pavilion Stage
The Pirate’s Cove Stage	Musical Performance by The Dregs	Energetic and humorous musical performance by a popular festival band.	Pirate’s Cove
The Grove Stage	The Tortuga Twins	Comedy trio performing outrageous and interactive skits.	The Grove
The Garden Stage	The Bardmageddon	Musical comedy act blending traditional and modern tunes with humor.	The Garden
The Mermaid Cove	Mermaid Tales	Storytelling sessions featuring mermaids sharing their underwater adventures.	Mermaid Cove
The Royal Stage	The Washing Well Wenches	Comedy show with mischievous wenches causing hilarious chaos.	Royal Stage
The Gypsy Stage	Gypsy Dance Troupe	Traditional gypsy dance performances with vibrant costumes and music.	Gypsy Stage
The Dragon’s Lair Stage	Magic Show by Merlin	Mesmerizing magic tricks and illusions by the legendary Merlin.	Dragon’s Lair
The Queen’s Court Stage	Shakespearean Skits	Short, entertaining skits from Shakespeare’s plays performed by talented actors.	Queen’s Court
The Knight’s Stage	Sword Fighting Demonstration	Live demonstration of medieval sword fighting techniques.	Knight’s Stage
The Minstrel Stage	Minstrel Music Performance	Traditional minstrel music performed by skilled musicians.	Minstrel St

Afternoon

2:00 PM – 3:00 PM: Games and Rides

Participate in some of the fun games and rides. Test your skills at archery, axe throwing, or try the human-powered rides.

Game/Ride	Description	Location
Elephant Rides	Ride on a majestic elephant around the festival grounds.	Shepherd’s Green
Camel Rides	Experience a ride on a gentle camel.	Shepherd’s Green
Swing Ride	Classic swing ride for all ages.	Marketplace
Sliding Joust	Test your balance and skill on this sliding joust game.	Marketplace
Pirate Ship Ride	Swinging pirate ship ride for a thrilling experience.	Marketplace
Bungee Tramp	Bounce high on the bungee trampoline.	Narrows Market
Zipline Dilly Dally	Zipline adventure for a quick thrill.	Narrows Market
Archery	Test your aim with a bow and arrow.	Marketplace
Battle Axe	Try your hand at throwing battle axes.	Narrows Market
Bo Blast	Fun and challenging ball toss game.	Shepherd’s Green
Castle Catapult	Launch objects with a catapult and aim for targets.	Marketplace
Climbing Wall	Scale the climbing wall for a bird’s-eye view of the festival.	Marketplace
Douse Well	Dunk tank game where you can dunk a volunteer.	Marketplace
Dueling Buckets	Compete to fill buckets with water the fastest.	Marketplace
Fencing	Try your hand at fencing with safe, practice swords.	Marketplace
Jacob’s Ladder	Climb the wobbly ladder without falling.	Upson Downs, Oven Hill Market
King’s Dungeon	Explore the spooky King’s Dungeon attraction.	Shepherd’s Green
Knife Booth	Test your knife-throwing skills.	Oven Hill Market
Vegetable Justice	Throw tomatoes at a jester in the stocks.	Marketplace
Catapulting Frogs	Launch toy frogs with a catapult and aim for targets.	Narrows Market
Crossbows	Try your aim with a crossbow.	Marketplace
Pirate Darts	Dart-throwing game with a pirate theme.	Upson Downs
Queen Darts	Dart-throwing game with a royal twist.	Cartwheel Cove
Royal Shaft	Archery game with a royal theme.	Marketplace
Star Throw	Throw stars at targets to test your accuracy.	Marketplace
Hi Striker	Test your strength by hitting the bell with a mallet.	Marketplace
Maze	Navigate through a challenging maze.	Marketplace

3:00 PM – 4:00 PM: Royal Court and Parades

Watch the Royal Court procession and parades. It’s a great way to see all the characters in their elaborate costumes. The Royal Court and Parades at the Minnesota Renaissance Festival feature King Henry and his court in a grand procession. Catch the Royal Parade at 1:00 PM and 3:00 PM, starting from the King’s Gate and winding through the festival grounds. It’s a regal display of pageantry and medieval splendor.

4:00 PM – 5:00 PM: Experience Love for the Arts

This weekend is themed “Experience Love for the Arts.” Enjoy special events like the mural competition and various art displays.

Time	Event	Description	Location
All Day	Experience Love for the Arts Vendors	Explore various art vendors showcasing their creative works.	Shepherd’s Green Field
All Day	Mural Competition	View murals created by talented artists throughout the festival grounds.	Festival Grounds
10:15 AM	Medieval Masters Studio Registration	Register for the Medieval Masters Studio art competition.	Shepherd’s Green Stage
10:30 AM	Medieval Masters Studio	Participate in the Medieval Masters Studio art competition.	Shepherd’s Green Stage
11:15 AM	Dance Caravan of Otsego – Bellydance Performance	Enjoy a captivating bellydance performance.	Shepherd’s Green Stage
11:45 AM	Unicorn Cake Eating Contest Registration	Register for the Unicorn Cake Eating Contest.	Shepherd’s Green Stage
12:00 PM	Unicorn Cake Eating Contest	Compete in the Unicorn Cake Eating Contest.	Shepherd’s Green Stage
12:45 PM	Belly Dance Lessons Registration	Register for belly dance lessons.	Shepherd’s Green Stage
1:00 PM	Belly Dance Lessons	Learn the art of belly dancing with interactive lessons.	Shepherd’s Green Stage
1:30 PM	Thespian’s Game of Charades Registration	Register for the Thespian’s Game of Charades.	Shepherd’s Green Stage
1:45 PM	Thespian’s Game of Charades	Participate in a fun game of charades with a theatrical twist.	Shepherd’s Green Stage
2:30 PM	Cosplay Conquerors Registration	Register for the Cosplay Conquerors contest, showcasing creative costumes.	Shepherd’s Green Stage
2:45 PM	Cosplay Conquerors Registration	Additional registration time for the Cosplay Conquerors contest.	Shepherd’s Green Stage
3:30 PM	Dance Caravan of Otsego – Bellydance Performance	Another chance to enjoy a captivating bellydance performance.	Shepherd’s Green Stage
4:00 PM	Crafted Ink Challenge Registration	Register for the Crafted Ink Challenge, a competition for creative ink designs.	Shepherd’s Green Stage
4:15 PM	Crafted Ink Challenge	Participate in the Crafted Ink Challenge and showcase your artistic ink designs.	Shepherd’s Green Stage
2:00 PM & 4:00 PM	Goose Island & Elysian Tasting	Enjoy tastings of Goose Island and Elysian beverages.	Pavilion
1:00 PM – 4:00 PM	Nutrl Tasting	Sample Nutrl beverages.	Shepherd’s Green Field
3:00 PM	Doggie Dash	Watch or participate in the Doggie Dash, a fun race for dogs.	Shepherd’s Green Stage

Evening

5:00 PM – 6:00 PM: Final Joust and Closing Ceremony

Catch the final joust of the day and stay for the closing ceremony. It’s a perfect way to wrap up your Renaissance adventure. The Final Joust at the Minnesota Renaissance Festival takes place at 5:00 PM in the Jousting Arena. It’s an exhilarating display of knightly combat, featuring full-armored jousting. 

The Closing Ceremony at the Minnesota Renaissance Festival begins at 6:00 PM at the King’s Gate. It features a grand farewell from the Royal Court, with King Henry and his entourage bidding adieu to festivalgoers. It’s a heartfelt conclusion to a day filled with medieval magic and merriment.

6:00 PM – 7:00 PM: Last-Minute Shopping and Departure

Do some last-minute shopping or grab a snack before heading home. The festival grounds close at 7:00 PM. The deals listed are specifically for last-minute shopping from 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM on Saturday, September 21st. These discounts are often offered by vendors to encourage end-of-day purchases and to clear out inventory. While some vendors might have deals running throughout the day, the specific discounts mentioned here are time-limited to the last hour of the festival.

Vendor Name	Deals	Description	Location
Mystic Leatherworks	20% off all leather goods	Handcrafted leather items including belts, bags, and armor.	Shepherd’s Green
Dragon’s Breath Pottery	Buy one, get one 50% off	Unique, hand-thrown pottery pieces with intricate designs.	Oven Hill Market
Enchanted Jewelry	15% off all jewelry	Handmade jewelry featuring gemstones and medieval designs.	Tree Top Round
Woodland Carvings	10% off wooden items	Beautifully carved wooden items such as bowls, spoons, and figurines.	Market Place
Glassblower’s Guild	25% off select glassware	Hand-blown glass items including vases, ornaments, and decorative pieces.	Folkstone Well
Silk Road Textiles	20% off all textiles	Exotic textiles and garments inspired by historical designs.	Upson Downs
Iron Forge	15% off metalwork	Forged metal items including tools, decorative pieces, and jewelry.	Narrow Market
Fairy Wing Creations	10% off fairy wings	Handmade fairy wings in various sizes and colors.	Cartwheel Cove
Renaissance Paintings	20% off all paintings	Original paintings and prints with Renaissance and fantasy themes.	Shepherd’s Green
Herbal Haven	Buy two, get one free	Natural herbal products including teas, salves, and soaps.	Oven Hill Market
Knight’s Armor	15% off armor and weapons	Custom-made armor and weapons for display or use.	Tree Top Round
Candlelight Creations	20% off all candles	Hand-poured candles with unique scents and designs.	Market Place
Medieval Music	10% off musical instruments	Traditional musical instruments from the medieval period.	Folkstone Well
Fantasy Face Painting	10% off face painting	Creative face painting for children and adults.	Upson Downs
Sculptor’s Studio	15% off sculptures	Handcrafted sculptures in various materials including stone and metal.	Narrow Market
Perfume Potions	20% off perfumes and potpourri	Handmade perfumes and potpourri with natural ingredients.	Cartwheel Cove
Celtic Creations	15% off Celtic jewelry	Jewelry inspired by Celtic designs, featuring intricate knotwork.	Shepherd’s Green
Dragon’s Hoard	Buy one, get one 50% off	Fantasy-themed art prints and original pieces.	Oven Hill Market
Mystic Masks	10% off masks	Handcrafted masks for costumes and decoration.	Tree Top Round
Renaissance Ribbons	20% off ribbons and trims	Decorative ribbons and trims for costumes and crafts.	Market Place
Alchemy Apothecary	Buy two, get one free	Herbal remedies and natural health products.	Folkstone

To get the most out of your day at the Minnesota Renaissance Festival, arrive early to catch the opening ceremony and secure good parking. Plan your schedule to include must-see shows, jousting tournaments, and unique activities. Wear comfortable shoes and bring a reusable water bottle to stay hydrated. Save money by taking advantage of last-minute shopping deals from 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM and sharing large food items like turkey legs. Participate in free activities like parades and art displays. Lastly, engage with the performers and vendors to fully immerse yourself in the festive atmosphere. 

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