The moment I stepped through the gates of the Minnesota Renaissance Festival, I felt like I had been transported into a realm of knights, jesters, queens, and mythical creatures. The air was alive with the sounds of lute music, laughter, and the occasional clang of swords. The fairgrounds were bursting with people dressed in stunning costumes—kings in regal cloaks, fairies with shimmering wings, and knights in glistening armour blending into the charm of the era. Dressed in my simple yet fitting peasant attire, I was ready to immerse myself in this enchanting world.

Table of Contents

• The Day Begins: The Tortuga Twins
• A Medieval Feast for the Senses
• Balloon Battles and Viking Games
• Feasting Like Royalty
• Jousting and Laughter
• When to Visit

The Day Begins: The Tortuga Twins

The adventure kicked off with a performance by the Tortuga Twins, a trio of hilarious entertainers who brought medieval storytelling to life with their Robin Hood-esque antics. Their quick wit, playful banter, and knack for engaging the audience had everyone laughing from start to finish. They even pulled a few audience members into their shenanigans, much to the crowd’s delight.

For me, this performance set the tone for the entire day—lighthearted, exciting, and full of unexpected surprises.

A Medieval Feast for the Senses

After the show, I explored the grounds, alive with the sights and sounds of a medieval town. Vendors called out to passersby, jesters performed impromptu skits, and the smell of roasted turkey legs wafted through the air.

The fairgrounds of the Minnesota Renaissance Festival were a feast for the eyes, meticulously designed to transport visitors back in time. Wandering through the sprawling village, I found myself surrounded by recreations of Renaissance-era stalls, castle-like entrances, and charming old-world shops. Each stall was adorned with wooden beams, intricate carvings, and colourful banners, selling everything from handmade jewelry to medieval weaponry. The entrances to various sections of the fair resembled grand castle gates, complete with stone facades and towering turrets.

Balloon Battles and Viking Games

One of the most entertaining moments of the day was watching my two friends face off in a fencing match with a hilarious twist: instead of scoring points with hits, the goal was to pop the balloon perched atop the opponent’s helmet. My friend Jess ducked, parried, and finally landed the winning strike with a triumphant pop. The crowd erupted into cheers, and I couldn’t help but laugh with all the excitement!

Later, I joined a game of Viking Kubb, a Swedish lawn game that’s all about strategy and precision. My teammate was a friendly stranger who quickly became my partner in crime as we faced off against a formidable opposing team. The game was neck and neck, and the tension built as we approached the final move. With a collective cheer, we managed to topple the king piece, securing a hard-fought victory.

Feasting Like Royalty

At the Minnesota Renaissance Festival, there’s no shortage of delicious options to try throughout the day. For a true medieval experience, sink your teeth into a classic giant turkey leg, smoky and juicy, or sip on cold, golden mead, the perfect drink to pair with any feast. If you’re craving something savoury, indulge in a loaded baked potato, piled high with cheese, sour cream, and bacon. Another fair favourite is the flavourful Mexican corn on the cob, slathered in butter and sprinkled with cheese and spices. The hearty options are sure to satisfy even the hungriest adventurers.

For those with a sweet tooth, there’s plenty to enjoy as well. Treat yourself to a warm funnel cake drizzled with honey and cinnamon, or enjoy a crispy, sugary churro for a simple yet irresistible delight. Whether you’re craving something savoury or sweet, the food stands at the fair offer something for everyone to enjoy while soaking in the lively atmosphere.

Jousting and Laughter

The afternoon’s main event was the jousting tournament, and it didn’t disappoint. Knights in shining armour charged each other on horseback, their lances shattering as the crowd erupted in cheers. I found myself wholeheartedly rooting for the knight on the red-adorned horse, whose dramatic flair made him a fan favourite, even though he didn’t take home the win.

When to Visit

The Minnesota Renaissance Festival runs every weekend (Saturday and Sunday) from August 16th to September 28th, 2025, including Labour Day, September 1st, and Festival Friday, September 26th. The gates open at 9 AM and close at 7 PM, rain or shine, so plan accordingly to make the most of your day!

If you’ve never been, I can’t recommend it enough. The Renaissance Fair is a portal to another world, one I can’t wait to visit again.

Safe travels,

One Girl and the Big World is a travel blog dedicated to sharing inspiring adventures, practical tips, and unique experiences from around the globe—all available for free to readers.

The site is a passion project committed to bringing fresh content to travel enthusiasts everywhere. Donations are welcome to keep the blog running smoothly and cover the maintenance costs. Every contribution, whether big or small, directly supports the continuation of this journey, ensuring that the blog remains a valuable resource for fellow travellers.

Thank you for being a part of this global adventure!