New in 2026

Welcome one and all to our village at this time of celebration! 

Huzzah! The King and Queen celebrate a Renewal of the Crown, and the village has gathered its finest—artisans, feasts, games, music, and merriment!

No festival is complete without its most important guest—you! Whether it’s your first visit or your fiftieth, join us in celebrating over 50 years of fun, laughter, and magic.

ALL-NEW CELEBRATION RIBBONS

Step into the festival and let the village celebrate with you. Whether it’s your first visit, your birthday, or a happily ever after, these ribbons share your story with all.

Pick up your free celebration ribbon at the Information Booth just inside the King’s Gate.

ADVENTURES IN CARDBOARD

Every other hour, Adventures in Cardboard hosts battles in the Cardboard Combat Pit, varying from one-on-one duels, small warband battles, boss monster battles and more… all moderated by AiC staff and using AiC’s rules for Safe Sword Tag! Gear up and join the fray, or watch the melee from the sidelines cheering on your heroes!

SCHEDULE

Duels, Skirmishes & Monster Fights

  • 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
  • 12:30 PM - 1:30 PM
  • 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM
  • 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM
  • 5:30 PM - 6:00 PM

Ninja Warrior Challenge

Think you’ve got the stealth, speed, and skill of a shadowy warrior? Test yourself on our brand-new Ninja Warrior Challenge course—packed with daring obstacles to conquer!
 
Every child will earn a Ninja Warrior of the Realm certificate as a reminder of their bravery and strength. A perfect mix of fun and physical activity, this challenge is sure to thrill future warriors!

ARTrageous Adventures

Calling all young squires and maidens! Prepare to enter a world of wonder, color, and imagination with ARTrageous Adventures—a magical new addition to this year’s Festival! 

 

Join us each weekend in Shepherd’s Green Field for free themed crafts designed especially for young adventurers. With a new theme every weekend, there’s always something fresh and exciting to explore—no two visits are the same!

New Events

Fresh festivities to get your heart racing (and your turkey leg ready).

Turkey Leg Trot 5K

Dash, sprint, or stroll through the enchanted woods before feasting like royalty! The Turkey Leg Trot returns with festive flair. Lace up thy running shoes for an adventure through the whimsical woods of the Minnesota Renaissance Festival, powered by Red Bull!

5K Details:

  • DATE: August 24, 2025
  • TIME: Race starts at 9 AM
Adults ($40): Includes race entry, same-day Festival admission, t-shirt, turkey leg voucher, and a Red Bull.
Kids 12 & Under ($20): Includes t-shirt, turkey leg voucher, and Festival admission.

New Contests

Contest Information:

  • The Fur-ever in Clay Contest is held the third weekend of the Renaissance Festival, August 30th, 31st, and September 1st.
  • Each submitted Fur-ever in Clay competitor will receive One Free 2025 Admission Ticket (valid for weekends 1-4 + Festival Friday)
  • Judging will be on Saturday August 30th, 2025
  • For Winners to receive their prize they must be present during the judging at 11:30AM on Saturday August 30th, 2025

Contest Rules:

  • Fur-ever in Clay submissions must have first/last name attached. Names must be written clearly in black marker on the back of your Fur-ever in Clay submission. Name MUST match the one on your entry form. 
  • All submissions must feature a dog paw print as the central element of the design.  
  • Submissions must be handmade and original no commercial or pre-made kits.  
  • Registration is required to be completed online through this Google form by Friday, August 29th, before the Woofstock Weekend (August 30th – September 1st)
  • Fur-ever in Clay submissions MUST be dropped off on Saturday before 10AM at B-Gate (directions and parking information below).
  • If you wish to keep your Fur-ever in Clay submission, please pick it up in the Shepherd’s Green Field between 5 – 7 PM on Saturday, August 30th.
  • If you do not pick up your  Fur-ever in Clay submission before 7pm of Saturday, it will become the property of the Renaissance Festival and WILL NOT be returned to you.
  • Winners will be notified the following week and prizes will be mailed!

Drop Off Times & Locations:

B-Gate
  • You must pre-pay for parking on-site to drop-off Fur-ever in Clay submissions
  • Drop off before 10 AM
  • To the right of the King’s Gate
  • Follow the gravel road past the box office until you reach a gate
  • This is B-Gate
 
Festival Arrival Information:
 

Prizes:

  • First, Second and Third place prizes will be provided
 

DUE DATE: August 29th, 2025

REGISTER NOW

Contest Information:

  • Registration form is due by August 8th, 2025
  • Shield must be dropped off by August 8th, 2025 (no late submissions accepted)
  • Shield Competition Forms MUST be submitted online prior to Shield Drop-Off (if not registered, shields WILL NOT be accepted)
  • Each submitted shield competitor will receive One Free 2025 Admission Ticket (valid for weekends 1-4 + Festival Friday).
  • Voting will take place the first 3 weekends of the Renaissance Festival. 
  • Winners will be announced during the 4th weekend on Saturday, Sept. 6th!

Contest Rules:

  • Shields must be circular and no larger than 2’x2′.
  • Shields must be made with weather-treated material (i.e. treated plywood, Coroplast, EVA foam, sealed wood or hardboard, weatherproof paint and glues, NO VINYL) to ensure their shield stands up to Bold North weather!
  • Shields will become property of the Minnesota Renaissance Festival once submitted to the competition.
  • Be creative! We are looking for shields that can be hung around the Vikings encampment. 
  • It’s time to bring your shield to life! Decorate it with anything that captures the spirit of Bold North—mead halls, frost-covered fjords, mighty warriors, and legendary beasts — your shield tells the tale. Show us your Viking spirit and unleash your boldest Northern imagination!
  • Provide your first name and age on the back of your shields.

Drop Off Times & Locations:

  • Shields can be dropped off from 
    • August 5th Between 9am & 3pm
    • August 6th Between 9am & 3pm
    • August 8th Between 9am & 3pm

     

COMPETITOR AND SHIELDS MUST BE REGISTERED BEFORE DROP-OFF

Please call ahead at 952-698-9626 to schedule your drop off time

Drop off at the box labeled Competition Drop-Off Box at our Festival Site Office: 12364 Chestnut Blvd, Shakopee, MN 55379

Directions
  1. When you drive in, go through the metal gate and follow the road next to the train tracks
  2. Follow the yellow signs that say Renaissance Festival Studio Office, you’ll follow these down into the Employee Parking lot – the entrance is marked with orange cones
  3. Go through the parking lot and once you reach the fork turn left and go up the hill
  4. Pass the small building marked Costume Shop and you should arrive at the Renaissance Festival Studio Office Trailer
  5. Place shield in box outside the studio labeled Competition Drop-Off Box
  6. Come inside the Office Trailer to receive your One Free 2025 Admission Ticket (valid weekends 1-4 + Festival Friday)!

Prizes:

  • Grand Prize: 2026 Season Pass, T-Shirt, & Festival Mug
  • Second Place: 4 Festival Admission Tickets & T-Shirt
  • Third Place: Festival T-Shirt & Mug
 

DUE DATE: August 8th, 2025

REGISTER NOW

New Sips

New Beer

Best Day Hazy IPA

Area 100, 200, 500, 600, 700, 800

New Mead

Nefertiti

Area 100, 300, 500, 600, 700, 800

New Cider

Slice of Sun

Area 100, 200, 500, 600, 700, 800

New Food

Breakfast Dog

Area 100

Candied Bacon

Area 600

Curly Fries

Area 600

Deep Fried Pork Ribs

Area 700

Deep Fried Sushi on a Stick

Area 800

Elephant Ears

Area 200

Gourmet Marshmallows

Area 100

Grilled Cheese Skewer

Area 600

Korean BBQ Spring Roll

Area 600

Loaded Mashed Potatoes

Area 600

Mexican Street Fruit

Area 200

Penuche Pecan Roll

Areas 200, 700, 800

Pickle Brined Chicken Tenders

Areas 500, 600

Pizza

Area 600

Roasted Red Pepper and Gouda Bisque

Areas 300, 500, 600

Sushi

Area 800

Truffled Mushroom Croquette

Area 500

Turkey Leg Nachos

Area 600

Umami Kolacky

Area 700

Wontons

Area 800

Uncover more of our Delicious Food on our Fest Food page!

Area Key

AREA 1

Shepherd’s Green

AREA 2

Oven Hill Market

AREA 3

Treetop Round

AREA 4

Marketplace

AREA 5

Folkstone Well

AREA 6

Upson Downs

AREA 7

Narrow Market

AREA 8

Cartwheel Cove

FESTIVAL MAP

Find The Area With Your Favorite New Highlights of 2025!

From magical wands to daring feats, 2026 is a year of renewal, revelry, and discovery. Join us as we celebrate 55 years of merriment—Huzzah!