Minnesota Renaissance Festival Weekends, Themes, Parking, etc

The Minnesota Renaissance Festival is opening next weekend, August 22nd. The festival will run weekends through the first weekend in October, and also open on Labor Day, which is September 7th. The festival will also be open for Festival Friday which is October 2nd.

PARKING - AS IN WHERE AND HOW TO YOU PARK FOR THE FESTIVAL

Back a few years ago, you would just drive to the Ren Fest grounds, find a parking spot, and call it a day. That is not that easy anymore. There is still an option to park on the grounds, but you do need to get a pass for that ahead of time. Those passes are also limited and required. The cost ahead of time online is $15. If you try and get a pass the same day, if there are some spaces available, you can get a same day pass, but it will cost you double the price. Same day passes are $30. So, if you want to park on the grounds, take advantage of the online purchase option.

There is also Park and Ride options. This one is easier, and cheaper. You park at one of the approved parking lots, hop the bus for $6 per person (small children are free) and they will drive you to the ren fest grounds and drop you off.

Eagle Creek Park and Ride (Minnesota Valley Transit Authority)

Burnsville Transit Station

Southbridge Crossings Park & Ride (active post-Labor Day)

Canterbury Park (Richfield Bus Lines / Lorenz)

Various Southwest Transit locations (such as Carver Station or East Creek)

Coming from St. Cloud, probably easiest to park at Canterbury. You could park at any of the other locations, but it's just a longer bus ride.

CAN YOU BUY TICKETS AHEAD OF TIME OR AT THE GATE & WHAT'S THE COST

Advance - Online

Adult - $26.95

Senior - $24.95

Child (5-12) $19.95

Purchase Day of At the Gate

Adult - $29.95

Senior - $27.95

Child - $19.95

WHERE CAN YOU PURCHASE TICKETS IN PERSON IN ADVANCE

There are some ticket outlets where you don't have to purchase tickets online, and you can get some hard tickets.

Kwik Trip, Menards, Cub Foods and Coborns.

WHAT ARE THE THEMES EACH WEEKEND OF THE REN FEST

Once Upon a Time (August 22–23): Storybook magic, knights, and princesses.

Highland Fling (August 29–30): Tartans, bagpipes, and heavy athletics.

Woofstock (September 5–7): Dog-friendly events, contests, and pet-focused vendors (includes Labor Day).

Bold North Adventure (September 12–13): Vikings, lumberjacks, and axe-throwing.

Wine, Chocolate & Romance (September 19–20): Decadent treats, wine tastings, and romance events.

Art Affair (September 26–27): Fine art showcases, artisan demonstrations, and crafts.

Oktoberfest (October 2–4): Bavarian beer and medieval-styled celebrations

Now you can plan out which weekend would be best for your enjoyment. If you have any other question - like can you bring your dog, that can be answered here.

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