RENAISSANCE FESTIVAL
This weekend is the last huzzah at this years' 16th-century celebration. The theme for this weekend is Oktoberfest. Stroll through German artisans, restaurants and vendors. The Minnesota Hombebrew Association will feature beers from across the nation. Activities include bier pong, hammerschlagen, keg toss and a lederhosen and drindle costume contest. (9 a.m.-7 p.m. today-Sun. $11.50-$22.95. Minnesota Renaissance Festival Grounds, 12364 Chestnut Blvd., Shakopee. 952-445-7361. renaissancefest.com.)
GERTENS PUMPKIN FEST
Get your carving tools ready because there are many a pumpkin to choose from at this event. Guests can hop on a hayride and get not only their faces painted, but their pumpkins, too. Make a scarecrow to keep the ghosts and zombies away and wind your way through a straw maze. (10 a.m.-4 p.m. Sat. Free. Gertens, 5500 Blaine Av., Inver Grove Heights. 651-450-1501. gertens.com.)
FALLIN' INTO FUN FESTIVAL
Country music artists Kristine Wriding and Little Chicago perform at this fall-themed festival. Activities include a pancake breakfast, petting zoo, pony rides, bounce houses and more. (8 a.m.-6 p.m. Sat. Free. White Bear Lake County Park, 5050 N. Lake Av., White Bear Lake. 612-369-7341. mediaproexpos.com.)
MELISSA WALKER
