I can't believe we have entered into August! With the calendar turning another page, it means back-to-school shopping, those last-minute summer getaways, and the Minnesota Renaissance Festival. So if you are heading out to Ren Fest this year, know that the park 'n ride situation is different for different weekends.

According to the Minnesota Renaissance Festival website, a park & ride bus will offer direct transportation to the festival, from various places throughout the south metro area.

How much does the direct bus cost?

The round-trip cost to ride the bus is $6 per adult (13 and older). Children 12 and under are free. Parking at the Park & Ride lots is free.

When will the buses be running?

Buses will run from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM. Travel time may vary based on traffic and crowds.

Image Credit: weston m via unsplash

Who is offering the rides?

Park & Ride options are provided by Minnesota Valley Transit Authority, Southwest Transit, and Richfield Bus Line/Lorenz as a team. All Park & Ride buses drop off and pick up patrons at the Transit Hub located on the south side of the Festival grounds near the King’s Gate entrance.

Where are the pick-up locations?

This is where it gets tricky as they change during the festival, so I am only going to include the lots that are running through the entirety of Ren Fest, but you can head here and see what other options are available.

Saturday & Sunday, Aug. 17th - Sept. 29th + Labor Day, Sept. 2 & Friday, Sept. 27th

1. MINNESOTA VALLEY TRANSIT VALLEY – EAGLE CREEK – ADA Accessible

Address: 6600 Eagle Creek Boulevard, Shakopee, MN 55479

Available parking: 563 spaces

2. RICHFIELD BUS LINES / LORENZ – CANTERBURY PARK PARKING LOT

Address: 1100 Canterbury Rd, Shakopee MN 55379

Available parking: 1500 spaces

Saturday & Sunday, Aug. 17th (CLOSED Labor Day, Sept. 2) - Sept. 29th & Friday, Sept. 27th

1. SOUTHWEST – EAST CREEK

Address: 2120 N Chestnut St, Chaska, MN 55318

Available parking: 700 spaces

2. SOUTHWEST – SOUTHWEST STATION

Address: 13500 Technology Dr. Eden Prairie, MN 55344

Available parking: 970 spaces

3. SOUTHWEST – SOUTHWEST VILLAGE

Address: 650 SouthWest Village Drive Chanhassen, MN 55317

Available parking: 500 spaces

4. SOUTHWEST – CARVER STATION

Address: 1607 Hartwell Drive Carver, MN 55315

Available parking: 400 spaces

IMPORTANT PARKING INFORMATION

Parking spaces will be opening up throughout the day at these locations, but once the parking lot at the festival is full it won't be reopening for the day, so your best bet is to park & ride.

Festival Ticketing Costs

The Minnesota Renaissance Festival's 53rd Annual Festival will kick off with a most regal celebration on August 17^th, 2024.

2024 Advance General Admission Tickets:
Adult (13+) - $24.95
Senior (65+) - $22.95
Child (5-12) - $16.50
4 & Under – FREE

Find advanced tickets here!

2024 Festival Gate General Admission Tickets (Pricing as of March 1):
Adult (13+) - $27.95
Senior (65+) - $25.95
Child (5-12) - $18.95
4 & Under – FREE

2024 Season: Weekends (Sat. & Sun.) August 17th – September 29th plus Labor Day, September 2nd and Festival Friday, September 27th.
Open 9 am - 7 pm. Rain or Shine.

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Source: Heading To The MN Renaissance Festival? Here’s What You Need To Know