Events
Minnesota Renaissance Festival Gives Boredom the Axe
Sword swallowers, royal encounters, outrageous costumes and an avalanche of jokes turn Minnesota’s sprawling Renaissance Festival into a kingdom worth getting lost in.
September 20th, 2026
We hadn’t even made it through the gates, and the Minnesota Renaissance Festival was already holding court.
Drums carried toward the entrance. Costumed characters worked the waiting crowd. Visitors arrived in outfits that suggested getting dressed had required considerably more planning than our trip through the parking lot. Fairy wings shimmered, capes swept past and elaborate gowns competed with pirates, kilts and enough accessories to stock a small kingdom.

Wench life appeared to be enjoying a renaissance, and the men weren’t about to be outdone. Subtlety had apparently been banished from the realm.
After a short hike from the car and a wait in the divided entrance lines, we stepped into a village whose size immediately demanded a recalculation of the day. Coming from South Florida, we’ve experienced Renaissance festivals. This one had us wondering whether we should have packed provisions.
Fortunately, several people nearby were carrying turkey legs large enough to qualify.
Celebrating its 55th season, the Minnesota Renaissance Festival in Shakopee advertises more than 250 artisans, 16-plus stages and over 50 games, rides and attractions. Those numbers help explain the scale, but wandering its dirt paths tells the story better. Tmber framing, colorful storefronts and crooked rooflines create a village where even a casual shopping detour can swallow a sizable chunk of the afternoon.
Cool weather made the exploring especially enjoyable. For two visitors escaping South Florida’s heat and humidity, a day that felt positively snuggly was its own royal upgrade. Wearing layers looked fun rather than like a declaration of war against your sweat glands.
Eric Thompson, the festival’s entertainment director, explained that the welcome matters as much as the wardrobe.

“We welcome them wherever they’re at,” he said.
That includes full court gowns, knights, movie characters, onesies and, memorably, a man dressed as a banana. Nobody needed a historically accurate costume to belong.
Thompson, in his fourth year as entertainment director and his 14th with the festival, described a roaming street cast whose job is to create encounters throughout the grounds. A character might help someone navigate the map, a royal couple might stop to interact with children, or a performer might suddenly establish a show just feet away.
“It’s that immersion and that connection that I think really makes Minnesota Renaissance Festival special.”
We felt it constantly. Vendors delivered sales pitches with the timing of comedy routines, sometimes with enough raunch to make the merchandise seem almost secondary. Buying something was optional. Escaping without a joke was considerably less likely.
The festival even extends that attention to people waiting outside. As Thompson explained, some have driven hours to arrive before opening. The cast wants their experience to begin before the ticket scanner gets its turn.
That commitment continued onstage, where Puke & Snot, played by Mark Sieve and Scott, respectively, kept the crowd laughing through a relentless exchange of puns, double entendres and verbal mischief. Laughing at one line occasionally meant catching up with the next.

Their swords weren’t the only things with an edge.
After more than five decades of performing, Sieve has had time to sharpen his timing.
“We’ve kind of refined it,” he said, with the understatement you might expect from someone who has made a career out of making people laugh.
He recalled performing outside Pirates of the Caribbean at Disney World, where international visitors could enjoy the slapstick even when the language didn’t connect.
“Disney is as wholesome as we get.”
The partnership has weathered more than changing seasons. Sieve explained that three performers have played Snot. After the original died shortly before the festival opened in 2008, a performer already familiar with the show stepped in and stayed for a decade. The eventual invitation to Scott, affectionately billed as “Scott Snot Version 3.0,” was appropriately dignified: “You want to go out in the dirt and dust and play with some swords and wear tights?”
A noble calling, if ever there was one.
Our interview became an impromptu encore, with retirement, an understudy and Scott’s construction business all supplying fresh material. Asked how much longer he planned to perform, Sieve answered, “I’m gonna die on stage,” then immediately found another punchline.
For visitors who haven’t had their fill, Puke & Snot perform two different shows, including one in which Puke attempts to teach Snot romance. Considering their talent for turning almost anything into a joke, we suspected those lessons might leave chivalry needing medical attention.

Before their performance, Monkey Boy provided a playful musical warmup, including harmonica and a spirited rendition of “Riding on a Donkey.”

Elsewhere, Kazimir the Hungry offered a much different demonstration of what someone could put in his mouth. Sword swallowing and fire made for a performance best appreciated from the comfortable position of having neither skill.

Sharing that stage, Fandazzi Fire Circus supplied acrobatic movement and flames. Together, the acts gave “cutting-edge entertainment” and “bringing the heat” unusually literal applications. Choreographed dance performances added still more variety, while the jousting arena drew crowds along its rails and benches. Mounted performers passed close enough to appreciate the horses’ elaborate coverings and their riders’ costumes.

There was plenty of opportunity to join the action, too. The festival’s games and rides include a zipline, bungee trampoline, climbing challenges, archery, axe throwing, knife throwing and throwing stars. Swings, pirate ship rides, a maze and an escape room add more choices. We also saw elephants and camels equipped for rides.

Anyone arriving with an axe to grind could take it to the throwing lane.
Entertainment, including tournament jousting, is included with admission, while rides, games and special experiences can cost extra. Individual ride prices weren’t published on the pages we checked, so budget a few additional coins for those side quests.
The shops posed their own threat to the treasury. Colorful clothing, leather armor, jewelry, swords, pottery and wooden keepsake boxes filled the village. Watching an artisan work leather with a mallet and punch made browsing part demonstration, part temptation.
The armor had plenty of protection. My wallet had none.
Thompson also encouraged visitors to notice the smaller experiences: musicians playing beneath trees, historical woodworking at Clover Cottage and family attractions such as Mermaid Cove and Never Neverland. His advice suited a place where following an unexpected sound could be more rewarding than following a rigid itinerary.
Eventually, our own quest led to Caribbean Street Food, where pulled pork over rice with black beans and a yellow sauce hit the spot. Long wooden picnic tables beneath the trees offered a welcome place to sit between expeditions.

Around us, visitors tackled enormous turkey legs with the determination of conquering armies. One young visitor in a Spider-Man shirt supplied a reminder that even superheroes stop for a Renaissance feast.

For those wanting a more organized indulgence, the festival’s special events include pub crawls, Mead-Evil Trivia, beer-and-bacon pairings and the six-course Feast of Fantasy. Classic Feast tickets are listed at $115 with festival admission included. Clearly, the kingdom takes its “mead, eat and be merry” responsibilities seriously.
We closed our day with a stroopwafel, its golden grid dusted with powdered sugar. After all that walking, laughing and watching people do alarming things with sharp objects, dessert required very little deliberation.
Our final royal decree: leave room for the waffle.
Events
Fangtasia at Regatta Grove Brought Vampire Vibes and Spooky Cocktails to Miami
From vampire bartenders and a neon coffin photo op to Halloween cocktails and waterfront dancing, Regatta Grove’s Fangtasia was a bloody good time.
November 2, 2026
Halloween in Miami just hits differently. While the rest of the country is bundling up for spooky season, we’re sipping cocktails by the water, dancing under the stars, and apparently hanging out with vampires.
And honestly? We wouldn’t have it any other way.
Regatta Grove in Coconut Grove went all in for Halloween weekend with Fangtasia, a two-night vampire-inspired celebration on October 30 and 31 that turned the waterfront hotspot into a spooky little paradise.
We stopped by to see what all the fang-tastic fun was about, and between the elaborate costumes, DJ, festive cocktails, and vampire staff, there was plenty to love.
The first thing we noticed? Regatta Grove was fully committed to the theme.
Red Halloween decorations transformed the open-air venue, creating a moody atmosphere against the backdrop of Biscayne Bay. Guests showed up in elaborate costumes, bringing plenty of Halloween personality to an already lively setting.
But our favorite detail might have been the staff.
Every staff member was dressed as a vampire.
Yes, even the people making your drinks were embracing their undead era. It’s those little details that make themed events so much more fun, and Regatta Grove definitely understood the assignment.
And then there was the neon coffin photo op, because what’s a vampire party without somewhere to take a ridiculously good Halloween picture?
Let’s just say the photo opportunities were not lacking.
Now, obviously, we need to talk about the drinks.
Fangtasia featured three Halloween specialty cocktails made with Ketel One vodka, each with its own spooky personality.
The Ghoul’s Mule was a Halloween twist on the classic Moscow Mule, made with Ketel One vodka, ginger beer, strawberry, and lime. Fruity, refreshing, and just the right kind of festive for a warm Miami evening.
The Black Widow was one for the espresso martini lovers, combining Ketel One Espresso vodka, cold brew, and coffee liqueur. Dark, coffee-forward, and appropriately named for the occasion. We love a cocktail that matches the dress code.
And finally, the Bloody Good Martini mixed Ketel One vodka, triple sec, lemon juice, and strawberry for a citrusy, fruity take on a Halloween martini.
Honestly, who needs a cauldron when the cocktail menu is already this fun?
One of the best things about Regatta Grove is its location. Set right along Biscayne Bay, the Coconut Grove venue already has that laid-back, tropical atmosphere that makes Miami nights so much fun.
But for Fangtasia, things got a little darker.
The red decorations, vampire costumes, and Halloween details gave the venue a completely different personality, while a great DJ kept the energy going throughout the celebration.
And the guests definitely brought their A-game. From elaborate costumes to all-out Halloween looks, the crowd was clearly having fun with the theme.
There was something especially entertaining about seeing such an eerie Halloween atmosphere mixed with palm trees, waterfront views, and Miami’s warm evening breeze.
A little spooky, a little glamorous, and very Miami.
Between the costumed crowd, vampire staff, themed cocktails, and neon coffin photo op, Fangtasia at Regatta Grove was such a fun way to celebrate Halloween in Coconut Grove.
What made the night memorable wasn’t just one big attraction. It was how all the details came together, from the music and decor to the staff getting in on the fun.
And really, a Halloween party where you can dance by Biscayne Bay, sip a Bloody Good Martini, and take photos in a glowing coffin? That’s pretty hard to beat.
Fangtasia may be over for this year, but we’re already curious to see what Regatta Grove has planned next.
Until then, we’ll be keeping our fangs crossed for another round next Halloween.
Regatta Grove | Coconut Grove, Miami
3415 Pan American Drive, Miami, FL 33133
Event: Fangtasia Halloween Celebration
Dates: October 30–31, 2026
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The Wharf Fort Lauderdale Is Going Full Halloween, and We Want In!
Horror movie villains on Friday, disco skeletons on Saturday, and two nights of Halloween chaos we absolutely cannot miss.
October 14, 2026
Okay, Fort Lauderdale, Halloween weekend is looking GOOD.
The Wharf Fort Lauderdale is giving us not one, but TWO completely different Halloween parties this year, and honestly, choosing between them feels unfair. One night we’re running from horror movie villains, and the next we’re dancing under disco balls with skeletons. What more could we possibly want?
Whether you’re the type who lives for a good scare or just wants an excuse to wear something outrageous and dance all night, The Wharf has plans for you.
And yes, we’re already thinking about costumes.
Friday, October 30: Slasher Drive-In
Remember when horror movies were all about creepy drive-in theaters, questionable decisions, and someone inevitably running in the wrong direction?
Well, The Wharf is bringing that energy back with Slasher Drive-In, an old-school horror-inspired Halloween party that sounds equal parts terrifying and ridiculously fun.
The venue is transforming into a vintage-style drive-in movie theater, complete with a throwback concession stand serving movie-night snacks.
Cute, right?
Except there’s one tiny problem.
Freddy Krueger, Jason Voorhees, Ghostface, and Leatherface are all on the guest list.
Yes, the horror icons themselves will be roaming around the venue throughout the night, so maybe think twice before wandering off alone.
We love a good Halloween theme, but this one sounds like you’re stepping straight into your favorite slasher movie. Except instead of screaming at the characters on screen, you might actually be the one doing the screaming.
And honestly? We’re kind of into it.

Saturday, October 31: ‘Til Death Do Us Party
Now THIS is our kind of afterlife.
On Halloween night, The Wharf is trading horror movie scares for a full-blown disco takeover with ‘Til Death Do Us Party, where Studio 54 meets the great beyond.
Think glitter, mirror balls, disco skeletons, fabulous costumes, and a dance floor that refuses to rest in peace.
It’s spooky, it’s glamorous, and it’s giving us every reason to break out the sequins.
There will also be a costume contest, plenty of photo opportunities, and a special menu of $12 Halloween cocktails, because what’s a disco in the afterlife without a little something spooky to sip?
We’re picturing outrageous outfits, sparkly accessories, and a whole lot of dancing. If you’ve been saving a dramatic Halloween look for the perfect occasion, this might be it.
And can we just appreciate a Halloween party that doesn’t make us choose between looking fabulous and embracing the spooky season?

So, Which Night Are We Going?
Here’s the thing. We genuinely cannot decide.
Friday is for horror movie lovers who want to hang out with the villains they’ve spent years being terrified of.
Saturday is for the disco queens, costume enthusiasts, and anyone who believes Halloween should involve a little glitter and a lot of dancing.
Our solution? Both. Obviously.
Halloween only comes around once a year, and The Wharf Fort Lauderdale is making a pretty convincing case for clearing the entire weekend.
So call your friends, start planning those costumes, and prepare for two nights that sound way too fun to stay home for.
Because whether you’re running from Ghostface or dancing with the dead, one thing’s for sure: Fort Lauderdale isn’t going to be boring this Halloween.

The Halloween Weekend Details
Where: The Wharf Fort Lauderdale, Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Friday, October 30: Slasher Drive-In, featuring horror movie characters, drive-in theater vibes, and movie-night snacks.
Saturday, October 31: ‘Til Death Do Us Party, featuring a Halloween disco, costume contest, photo ops, and $12 specialty cocktails.
The vibe: A little spooky, a little fabulous, and absolutely worth getting dressed up for.
Events
Regatta Grove Is Getting Spooky, and Fangtasia Might Be Our Favorite Halloween Plan Yet!
Vampire vibes, waterfront cocktails, and two nights of Halloween fun on Biscayne Bay? We’re so in.
Okay, Miami, THIS is the kind of Halloween we’re talking about.
Picture this: you’re sipping a cocktail by the water, the sun is setting over Biscayne Bay, there’s a breeze coming off the water, and suddenly your favorite waterfront hangout has entered its vampire era.
Welcome to Fangtasia at Regatta Grove, where Halloween meets Miami’s favorite kind of night out.
Taking over Regatta Grove on Friday, October 30, and Saturday, October 31, Fangtasia is bringing a darker, moodier twist to the waterfront spot we already love. And honestly, vampires and cocktails by the bay? We’re listening.
There’s something about Regatta Grove that makes an ordinary night feel like a mini vacation. The waterfront views, the open air, the tropical atmosphere. It’s the kind of place where you show up for a drink and somehow lose track of time.
Now imagine all of that with a spooky Halloween twist.
Fangtasia is bringing the Halloween spirit to Coconut Grove without losing the laid-back coastal charm that makes Regatta Grove so much fun in the first place.
Think mysterious waterfront vibes, wicked cocktails, and the perfect excuse to embrace your dark side for the evening.
And can we talk about how good a vampire-inspired Halloween party sounds against a Miami sunset?
We’re already obsessed with the idea.
Listen, we love a haunted house. We love a good Halloween party. But there’s something especially appealing about celebrating spooky season with a cocktail in hand and Biscayne Bay as your backdrop.
No need to choose between your favorite Miami waterfront hangout and getting into the Halloween spirit. Fangtasia is giving us both.
Whether you’re going all out with your costume or just looking for somewhere fun to spend Halloween weekend, this is the kind of plan that’s easy to get excited about.
And with two nights to choose from, there’s really no excuse not to get a little fang-tastic.
If your Halloween group chat is still full of “What are we doing?” messages, consider this your answer.
Regatta Grove is already one of those places we love finding an excuse to visit, and throwing a vampire-inspired celebration into the mix just makes it better.
Grab your favorite people, embrace the spooky season, and make your way to Coconut Grove for a Halloween weekend with a little bite.
Because really, who wouldn’t want to spend Halloween sipping cocktails by the bay?
Where: Regatta Grove, Coconut Grove, Miami
When: Friday, October 30, and Saturday, October 31, 2026
The Vibe: Moody waterfront Halloween fun, wicked cocktails, and a vampire-inspired twist on a Miami favorite.
Our take? Halloween by the water with a little vampire energy sounds like a pretty perfect night to us.
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