Love jousting? What about knights in armor? Maybe you just have a hankering for a turkey leg and a pint of Guinness?

Perhaps you just want to get out of Southwest Minneapolis for an afternoon.

The Minnesota Renaissance Festival opens for the 2012 season on Saturday, Aug. 18 and runs on the weekends through Sept. 30. The festival, which features more than 250 artisans, 16 live entertainment stages and themed weekends like Highland Fest, Italian Carnival and Ye Old Pet Fest, is located along Hwy. 169 in Shakopee.

Adult general admission tickets are $21.95 at the gate or $18.95 in advance. Reduced rates are available for seniors and children ages 5-12. Children under 4 are free.

For more information about the festival, or to purchase tickets, click here. Call 952-445-7361 with questions, or email info@renaissancefest.com.

Are you going? Add your pictures to the community gallery! 

Are you participating in the festival? Tell us about it in the comments section!