MN Ren Faire — Local services in Jackson Township

The atmosphere is great and I love going here. It doesn't matter if I have purpose or if id simply just like to be in a fun environment for the day.

Great place for family's couples, or hanging out with friends.

Most of the employees are friendly and hold to character. I have run into some of the renfest employees who aren't friendly which is unfortunate but I try to overlook those people so I can enjoy my time.

Some shops are willing to haggle some which seems very fitting for the time portrayed, although a lot of the items are hand made/crafted and there is a value to that for sure. The quality of a lot of stuff in the shops is not simply a DIY project and it should be appreciated how much work is put into each item.

I feel this review would be incomplete if I didnt tell the negative side as well.

Parking was once free and now its not. If you purchase the parking online the day before it is a huge discount vs buying it the day of.

The over all experience is significantly more expensive than it should be.

The shows rarely change and some shows literally are exactly the same every time every year. I would be more inclined to continue watching shows if they had a few variations. I know what they have is good but as a person who goes multiple times a year, it gets boring to rewatch the same thing every time.

Petting zoo seemed to not be open at all possibly this year, this was very disappointing. There were no animals at the petting zoo the 2 times that I went.

Map is terrible to read and needs to be updated, a digital map may make it easier to track locations of shops and shows. Most people carry their magical fairy boxes with them and would likely appreciate it.

And last but not least it is fantastic seeing many people participate in dressing up but it is really frustrating to see people wearing costumes that are simply Halloween costumes or acting like its comic con. Anime costumes are the ones that I see the most that dont make sense. But there are many others that just seem almost insulting as though they are making fun of the concept of stepping back in time.

Over all if you've never been its worth going. I will continue to go, but it is honestly getting boring and eventually it will get to expensive to just be the same...

The Minnesota Renaissance Festival in Shakopee is nothing short of magical. From the moment you step through the gates, you feel transported into another world filled with knights, fairies, and performers who bring the era to life. The attention to detail in costumes, décor, and atmosphere makes it a one-of-a-kind experience that truly captures the imagination for visitors of all ages.

One of the best parts about the festival is how family-friendly it is. There are so many activities and shows that appeal to kids and adults alike, making it the perfect outing for families. From interactive performances to themed games and parades, children are constantly engaged and entertained, while parents can enjoy the artistry, live music, and the incredible variety of food.

What makes the event even more special is the abundance of free experiences once you’re inside. So many performances, demonstrations, and activities are included with admission that you never feel like you’re missing out. The value is outstanding—everywhere you turn, there’s another show to watch, craft to see, or character to meet, making it well worth the cost of entry.

Overall, the Minnesota Renaissance Festival is an unforgettable experience that’s worth returning to year after year. It’s rare to find such a combination of magic, fun, and value all in one place. Whether it’s your first visit or your fifth, the festival delivers memories that will last a lifetime. Without a doubt, it’s worth every penny and an event I would highly recommend to anyone looking for a unique and...

Definitely one of the best faires that I've been to throughout the years. It was awesome to see Penn & Teller this year, though the crowd of people were absolutely horrible and rude when it came to cutting in line and smashing into each other like mindless cattle when we were let into the stage seating. That was a huge disappointment, when some, like myself, are diabetic and nearly passed out from heat exhaustion after people canned us in like sardines for 2.5 hours of standing in "line" prior to the show. I wish the festival security and the suits would have established true lines and enforced them, but it seemed like they were not prepared for the insane crowd that showed up. Thousands, it seemed, showed up. Still, I dearly love this faire and I have since my first trip as a child. If it cemented the profits necessary to properly rebuild the burned buildings and keep the faire running for years to come, then I guess it was worth it. I will still continue to love and support this festival regardless of one bad moment. Penn & Teller were truly awesome to see, too. Also, the food is excellent and the vendors are incredibly talented. 5 stars all around and a...