Theme for this Weekend: Festival Friday & Oktoberfest

The Minnesota Renaissance Festival began its journey in September of 1971 on a 22 acre field in Jonathan, MN. More than 25,000 people visited the two weekend grand opening of the festival then named A Celebration of Nature, Art, and Life! That celebration has since grown to be the largest Renaissance Festival in the United States with an annual attendance of 300,000.

This year, the Festival is celebrating its 52nd Season! Come and be a part of this long-standing tradition by visiting the festival grounds in Shakopee, MN.

Gus the Bardic Troubadour will be performing sets of Traditional Irish Folk Music each day of the festival and will be found at the following Points of Interest:

10:30 to 11:00 - Celtic Cottage

11:30 to 12:15 - Mad Queen's Spirts

12:45 to 1:15 - Folkstone Pub (Pub Crawl)

1:30 to 2:30 - Event Tent (Wine & Wits Wine Tasting Show)

3:00 to 3:30 - Mac's Pub

4:15 to 4:45 - Folkstone Pub (Pub Crawl)

The Festival is Open Weekends (Saturday and Sunday) August 19th – October 1st, 2023 + Labor Day (September 4th) and Festival Friday (September 29h) 9am to 7pm • Rain or Shine

Our traditional establishment embodies the noblest of British Isles Institutions: the local pub. Historically, the public house is an abode of welcome to all who come in search of solace, sustenance, and a drop of good cheer. Free from the gaze of the television’s all-numbing eye, the conversation is king. Merriment, music and a little of Merlin's magic ease the cares of the day towards the pleasures of the evening. Whether your needs are a good meal, a glass of fine wine, a tipple of malt whiskey, or merely a pint or two and a chat with the locals, Merlins Rest Pub is your “home away from home” — just bring your heart. Gus the Bardic Troubadour will be providing his spirited mix of Traditional and Modern Irish Folk Music from 7:30-11pm!

Come on out to Kip's Pub where travelers are always be welcome to rest their weary feet, enjoy a good meal and warm hospitality, and raise a glass to their homeland. Gus the Bardic Troubadour will be providing his spirited mix of traditional and modern Irish folk music from 7-10pm

The Cambridge dictionary describes a local as “a pub near to where a person lives, especially if they often go there to drink”. Eagan Arms is your “local”! With only 2 televisions in the dining area, the conversation is Queen. Whether you are in need of a nice meal, a dram of whiskey, a Pimms Cup, or just a quick chat with the locals, Eagan Arms Public house will become your “home away from home”. Gus the Bardic Troubadour will be providing his spirited mix of Traditional and Modern Irish Folk Music from 6 to 9pm!

Our traditional establishment embodies the noblest of British Isles Institutions: the local pub. Historically, the public house is an abode of welcome to all who come in search of solace, sustenance, and a drop of good cheer. Free from the gaze of the television’s all-numbing eye, the conversation is king. Merriment, music and a little of Merlin's magic ease the cares of the day towards the pleasures of the evening. Whether your needs are a good meal, a glass of fine wine, a tipple of malt whiskey, or merely a pint or two and a chat with the locals, Merlins Rest Pub is your “home away from home” — just bring your heart. Gus the Bardic Troubadour will be providing his spirited mix of Traditional and Modern Irish Folk Music from 7:30-11pm!