Once Upon A Time

AUGUST 22 – 23

Step into a storybook world of magic and make-believe. Princesses, knights, fairies, and legendary heroes take center stage for a weekend filled with enchantment, costumes, and happily-ever-afters.

ONCE UPON A TIME PRESENTED BY

EVENTS

TIMEEVENTLOCATION
10:00 AMTrivia of Tales and Fables RegistrationShepherd's Green Stage
10:15 AMTrivia of Tales and FablesShepherd's Green Stage
11:00 AMTea & TiarasShepherd's Green Field
12:00 PMMagic Carpet Race Ride RegistrationShepherd's Green Field
12:15 PMMagic Carpet Race RideShepherd's Green Field
1:15 PMApple Pie Eating Contest RegistrationShepherd's Green Stage
1:30 PMApple Pie Eating ContestShepherd's Green Stage
2:30 PMFairy House Competition JudgingShepherd's Green Stage
3:15 PMFairy Godmother's Runway RegistrationShepherd's Green Stage
3:30 PMFairy Godmother's RunwayShepherd's Green Stage
4:00 PMDragon Egg Toss RegistrationShepherd's Green Field
4:15 PMDragon Egg TossShepherd's Green Field

Tastings

TIMETASTINGLOCATION
1:00 PM - 4:00 PMJ-Bird WinesShepherd's Green Field
2:00 PM & 4:00 PMWoodchuckPavilion

ARTrageous Adventures Kids Craft

Prince & Princess Crowns

Calling all princes, princesses, and fairy tale friends! Design your very own royal crown with sparkles, jewels, and magical flair. Whether you rule a kingdom of dragons or dance with forest fairies, your crown will be the perfect fit for a storybook adventure!

Creative Competitions

Contest Information:

  • The Fairy House Contest is held first weekend of the Renaissance Festival, August 22nd & 23rd.
  • Each submitted Fairy House competitor will receive One Free 2026 Admission Ticket (valid for weekends 1-4 + Festival Friday)
  • Judging will be conducted onsite each day so fairy houses can be on site either day or both, depending on the creators preference.
  • There will be two separate categories for adults (14 and older) and children (13 and under) with separate prizes.

Contest Rules:

  • Fairy houses must have first/last name attached. Names must be written clearly in black marker on a white card that is securely attached to the front bottom right of your fairy house. Name MUST match the one on your entry form. 
  • Fairy houses must have category written next to name – Children (13 or younger) or Adult (14 or older)
  • Registration is required to be completed online through this Google form by Thursday, August 20th
  • Houses MUST be dropped off on Saturday or Sunday before 10AM at B-Gate (directions and parking information below).
  • If you wish to keep your fairy house, please pick it up in the Shepherd’s Green Field between 5 – 7 PM on Saturday the 22nd or Sunday the 23rd.
  • If you do not pick up your fairy house before 7pm of Sunday, 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 Location and Info:

B-Gate
  • 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:

Construction Tips:

  • Fairy Houses should be durable to weather elements in the Special Events Field.
  • Create a strong sturdy base structure to build your house on for easier transport, although make it small enough to hold and light enough to carry!
  • Fairy houses must be a maximum weight of 10 pounds
  • Fairy houses must be a minimum of 12″ wide x 12″ long and a maximum size of 16″ wide x 16″ long.
  • Be creative! Make a fairy garden or use a fun planting pot as the base for easy transportation.
  • We recommend using all natural materials to build your fairy house.
  • Examples of materials can include: dry grasses, leaves, sticks, bark, pebbles, pine cones, acorns, feathers, seaweed, nuts, shells and much more!
  • Decorate your house inside and out! This can include landscape and any indoor furnishings you wish to add.
  • Don’t forget to add your name and category! Must be written on a white card in black and securely attached to the front bottom right of your fairy house.

Prizes:

Adult (14 and Older):
  • Grand Prize: 2026 Season Pass, T-Shirt, Festival Mug & a Trophy!
  • Second Place: 4 Festival Admission Tickets & T-Shirt
  • Third Place: Festival T-Shirt & Mug
 
Children (13 and Younger):
  • Grand Prize: 2 Nickelodeon Universe tickets & a trophy!
  • Second Place: 2 Sea Life at Mall of America tickets
  • Third Place: 4 Skateville tickets
 
REGISTER NOW

Deals & Discounts

Weekend 1 • August 22-23 • Once Upon A Time

Artisan Appreciation 

For the first two weekends of the Festival, our patrons will be able to support their favorite shoppes & get rewarded! Turn in your receipts totaling $250 or more to the Information Booth located inside of King’s Gate by August 30th and receive one free admission ticket that is ONLY valid for the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, or 4th Weekend + Festival Friday.

Enchanted Educators Weekend

No poison apples here! Just an appley ever after for all the hardworking licensed K-12 teachers, school faculty, & staff, who can get FREE admission by order of his majesty King Henry to the Once Upon a Time weekend (August 22-23). Simply present a valid school ID badge at the box office for your discount.

Fairy Tales Do Come True

Experience a day filled with fantasy, magic, & more at the Minnesota Renaissance Festival’s Once Upon a Time weekend, August 22 and 23. The weekend is filled with family friendly fun & the best part is kids ages 5 to 12 attend for FREE with an adult ticket purchase! Adult tickets must be purchased at the Festival box office for this promotion and kids 4 and under are FREE all season long.

Scholars, Scrolls & Honor Rolls

Congratulations! The Minnesota Renaissance Festival is celebrating your Honor Roll achievement by providing you with a FREE ticket to the 2026 Festival. Applicable for younger students with Exceptional or Satisfactory report cards and older students with A or B (80% average or higher) report cards! Bring your report card to the box office to receive your discount. Promotion active for current elementary through college students.

Soldier Savings

Any member of the armed services, active or veteran, will receive $5 off their gate Admission to the festival with the proper ID. It’s our special way of saying thank you to our country’s biggest heroes. This deal is valid for all current and past military members with government issued ID. To take advantage of this discount, present a valid military ID at the festival box office. Limit one per person.

Buy your discounted ticket in advance with GOVX!

BUY DISCOUNT TICKETS HERE

THANK YOU TO OUR ONCE UPON A TIME SPONSORS!

Check back for Once Upon a Time vendor applications!