Renaissance Fairs in Minnesota

Hail and well met, my fine lords and ladies! Listen well to the tale I tell of lively medieval adventure and merriment! Unique crafts, astounding swordplay, exotic foods, and more await you at renaissance fairs. And there are a number to attend in Minnesota.

Olde World Renaissance Faire - Located approximately 16 miles northeast of Duluth in Twig, Minnesota. This fair will be held June 9^th - 10^th from 10:00 am to 7:00 pm. Parking will be free. Tickets will be $9 for adults $9, $7 for seniors and kids ages 6 - 12, and free for children ages 5 and under. Those who dress in costume can receive $1 Discount, but must follow the weapons policy which only allows bladed weapons and long bows for appearance only and keep them sheathed and peace-tied. Visitors will enjoy fascinating demonstrations in Celtic knotwork, candle dipping, blacksmithing, leather working, tabletop loom weaving, and more. Living history re-enactments featuring the life of a knight with historical weapons, how armor functions, and the training of a war horse, as well as a detailed recreation of a Scottish mercenary army that fought throughout Europe in the 16th and 17th centuries will entertain and educate all ages. The festival will hold special contests including a Best Patron Costume Contest, Hobby Horse Joust, and Best Faire Booth. Younger guests will delight in The Playful Moppet with a variety of crafts. Merchants will be offering finely crafted clothing, jewelry, toys, music, candles, art, leather goods, weapons, armor, and many more items. Vendors will enhance the experience with authentic Irish and Scottish goods, as well as several other delicious foods and drinks. For more information, visit their website at http://www.owrenaissancefaire.com.

Minnesota Renaissance Festival - Located approximately 31 miles southeast of St. Paul in Shakopee, Minnesota. This fair will be held weekends and Labor Day August 18^th - September 30^th from 9:00 am - 7:00 pm. Tickets will be $19 for adults, $17 for seniors ages 60 and older, $10 for kids ages 6 - 12, and free for children ages 5 and under. Parking will be free. Dogs or cats will be allowed with a $10 fee per pet provided they are leashed at all times, are over 6 months old, and have proof of shots from a vet. Theme weekends will include A Silk Road featuring an Arabian Horse Show and belly dancing, Highland Fling including World Amateur Highland Heavy Games and free beer tasting, Royal Ale Festival with a long bow competition and homebrew demonstrations, Italian Carnival with a flower festival and meatball throwing contest, and Wine, Chocolate, and Romance featuring a grape stomp, free wine tasting, and free chocolate samples. Additional details are available on their website at http://renaissancefest.com/MRF/index.html.

So grab your medieval garb and prepare for rousing revelry when you step back in time at an adventurous renaissance fair in Minnesota this year!