![The Danger Committee performed their show comprised of feats of skill and "escalating stupidity" at the Minnesota Renaissance Festival Sunday afternoon. They are, from left, Jason LeMay, Caleb McEwen, and Mick Lunzer. ] JEFF WHEELER ï jeff.wheeler@startribune.com The 45th season of the Minnesota Renaissance Festival is underway in Shakopee, with the theme this weekend being "Silk Road: Discover the Riches." The fair was photographed Sunday afternoon, August 30, 2015 in Shakopee. The fair ru](https://arc.stimg.co/startribunemedia/WJE446PPVUCKQJ6YNKHOTRM7ZU.jpg?&w=1080)
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
![Its been a good year for pumpkins in the Twin Cities area. Sharon and Tom Pogreba run the Hugo Animal Farm and each year host visiting groups to pick their own pumpkins. They are open weekends from 1 to 5 p.m. through the end of October. Tuesday, October 16, 2012 ] GLEN STUBBE * gstubbe@startribune.com](https://arc.stimg.co/startribunemedia/5KHHM6DURWKFOYDR5Q46DZQVFU.jpg?&w=1080)
