MINNESOTA RENAISSANCE FESTIVAL

Just opened: Huzzah! The most whimsical festival of the year is here, filled with fairies, mermaids and more. Hearken back to the days of horse-drawn wagons and kings and queens during this celebration of the 16th century. New this year is Castle Escape, where teams are locked in a castle room and have only 20 minutes to escape … or else. Venture into the immersive, family-oriented Sherwood Forest and participate in the fantasy mask competition. If your idea of a good day includes pork products and beer, take part in the Pig N' Swig, which samples four beer and bacon pairings. Themed weekends include this weekend's Highland Fling, Canines and Christmas, the mischievous Shamrocks and Shenanigans and an Oktoberfest finale. (9 a.m.-7 p.m. Sat.-Sun. through Oct. 4, plus Labor Day and Oct. 2. $11.50-$22.95. renaissancefest.com.)

MELISSA WALKER