The first Minnesota Renaissance Festival took place in the fall of 1971 in a small field located near Jonathan, Minnesota. Since then, the annual celebration has relocated to Shakopee and grown to become the largest Ren Fest in the entire country. This year's event, which is scheduled for 7 straight weekends, kicks off on Saturday, August 19th. Below you'll find info on each weekend's special theme and see everything that's new this year at the Minnesota Renaissance Festival.