2013 Renaissance Festival Schedule

The doors to Shakopee's 43rd annual Minnesota Renaissance Festival will open on Aug. 17 for the next six weekends.

Here's what you need to know if you're planning a trip back in time:

Weekend Themes

Each weekend has a theme and special events that go with it:

Aug. 17-18: Italian Carnivale

• Longbow Competition
• Bird Show/MN Raptor Center
•Arabian Horses
• Bocce Ball 
• Garlic Farmers/Demos 
• Spaghetti Eating Contest

Aug. 24-25: Royal Ale Fest and Pet Fest

•7th Annual Pet Fest 
• Homebrew Competition
• FREE Beer Tastings
• Beer Demos 
• Tattoo Competition 
• Twin Cities Disc Dog demos and lessons
• Pet Costume Contest
• Learn about pet safety, nutrition, products and grooming!

Aug. 31 and Sept. 1-2: Silk Road: Discover the Riches

• Fairy Festival & Fairy House Competition 
• Belly Dance Competition 
• Belly Dance Lessons & Performances 
• Middle Eastern Music

Sept. 7-8: Highland Fling

• World Highland Games
• MN Highland Games 
• Scottish Vendors & Food 
• Midwest Women's Highland Games 
• FREE Beer Tastings 
• Kilt Competition

Sept. 14-15: Wine, Chocolate and Romance

• Chocolate Festival 
• Cupcake Wars 
• Free Sutter Home Wine Tastings 
• Free Vow Renewals 
• Chocolate Pie Eating Contest 
• Charity Auction 
• Homemade Wine Competition 
• Men in Tights Competition 
• Best Bloomers 
• Grape Stomp

Sept. 21-22: Oktoberfest

•Bavarian Village 
• Beer Tastings 
• German Vendors & Activites 
• Pub Parade 
• Beer Demos 
• Beard Competition

Sept. 27: Festival Friday

• LARP 
• Ladies Shopping Day 
• School Day 
•Discount Admission & Group Rates 
• Educational Classes

Sept. 28-29: Shamrock Shenanigans

• BBQ Competition & Vendors 
• Irish Village & Food 
• Irish Dancers & Music 
• Cricket Demos & Games 
• FREE Beer Tastings 
• Kilt Competition

In addition, there will be live jousting demonstrations, 250 artisan booths for shopping, 16 stages for live entertainment, tons of food options, drinks and more.

Tickets are $18.95 in advance and $21.95 at the door for adults. Admission for children ages 5-12 is $10.50 in advance and $12.95 at the door, and for seniors ages 62 the cost is $19.95 any time. For more information on season passes or two-day passes, visit renaissancefest.com/tickets.html. Parking is free and the festival is open from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. each weekend day.

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