The KC Renaissance festival is currently in its final stretch of the 2026 season, with the popular Bonner Springs event continuing through October 18. The festival is celebrating its 50th season in 2026, and visitors still have three themed weekends remaining, including the Once Upon a Time weekend taking place October 3 and 4.
Known for jousting, live entertainment, costumed characters, artisan shopping, themed activities and medieval-style food, the Kansas City Renaissance Festival remains one of the region’s major fall attractions. The festival operates at its grounds in Bonner Springs, Kansas, just west of the Kansas City metropolitan area.
The 2026 season began September 5 and runs through October 18. The festival is open Saturdays and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., with an additional Monday date on October 12 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
KC Renaissance Festival 2026 Dates and Hours
The 2026 Kansas City Renaissance Festival is scheduled across 16 operating days.
The season began with Labor Day weekend and continues through three October weekends. The official schedule lists the following remaining dates:
| Date | Status / Theme |
|---|---|
| October 3, 2026 | Once Upon a Time |
| October 4, 2026 | Once Upon a Time |
| October 10, 2026 | Barktoberfest |
| October 11, 2026 | Barktoberfest |
| October 12, 2026 | Barktoberfest |
| October 17, 2026 | Haunted Huzzah |
| October 18, 2026 | Haunted Huzzah |
Regular Saturday and Sunday festival hours are 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
The additional October 12 date runs from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The festival operates rain or shine. Visitors should therefore prepare for changing October weather, particularly because much of the experience takes place outdoors.
The 2026 season is especially significant because the festival is marking its 50th season. The event began in September 1977 as a benefit for the Kansas City Art Institute and has since developed into a major Renaissance-themed attraction.
The festival currently says it attracts approximately 200,000 visitors annually.
Where Is the Kansas City Renaissance Festival?
The festival is located in Bonner Springs, Kansas, in the Kansas City metropolitan area.
The main festival site address is:
633 N. 130th Street, Bonner Springs, KS 66012
The main King’s Gate entrance is on 130th Street between State Avenue and Kansas Highway 7. A second entrance, Queen’s Gate, is located at 126th Street and State Avenue.
The festival shares parking areas with Azura Amphitheater.
Visitors traveling from the Kansas City area should pay close attention to entrance signage because the festival property has multiple access points. The official festival information also recommends using the designated festival parking areas.
Parking is included with general festival admission.
The festival’s business office is located at 628 N. 126th Street in Bonner Springs, but visitors should use the festival entrance address when traveling to the event.
What Is Happening at the Festival This Weekend?
October 3 and 4 mark the Once Upon a Time weekend.
The theme focuses on fantasy, fairy tales and mythical characters. Festival organizers encourage guests to embrace the theme through costumes or fantasy-inspired attire, although dressing up is not required.
The official schedule lists several special activities for the weekend.
At the Merry Mayhem Stage, visitors can take part in:
- Feed the Kraken
- Gnome Dome Challenge
- Fantasy Mask Contest
The Children’s Realm also has a Wicked Wand Workshop, where young visitors can create their own wand and take part in a wizard-themed activity.
Another attraction is the Character Bingo Card. Guests can pick up a card at either entrance and search the festival village for characters. Participants collect five character signatures before returning the card to the King’s Gate information booth for a reward.
These activities give the October 3-4 weekend a different atmosphere from the other themed weekends scheduled later in October.
The Final Three Themed Weekends
The remaining schedule gives visitors several different reasons to return before the 2026 season ends.
Once Upon a Time — October 3-4
The Once Upon a Time weekend centers on fantasy and fairy-tale themes.
Guests can encounter fantasy characters throughout Canterbury while participating in contests and children’s activities.
The festival encourages visitors to wear cloaks, cosplay costumes or other appropriate attire, although regular clothing is also welcome.
Barktoberfest — October 10-12
The next themed weekend combines Oktoberfest-style entertainment with activities for dogs and their owners.
Barktoberfest runs October 10-12.
Scheduled activities include dog contests and races. The festival has listed events such as corgi races, a dog obstacle course, a dog costume contest and a peanut butter licking contest.
The October 12 date also includes special ticket pricing. According to the festival, tickets purchased at the box office that day are $14.95, including taxes and fees.
Dog owners should review the festival’s pet requirements before arriving.
Haunted Huzzah — October 17-18
The final weekend of the 2026 season is Haunted Huzzah.
Scheduled for October 17 and 18, the theme brings Halloween elements into the Renaissance festival setting.
Activities listed for the final weekend include pumpkin rolling, a witch hat ring contest and pumpkin smashing.
The Children’s Realm also plans a treat-bag decorating activity.
Guests can also participate in a Halloween-themed movie scavenger hunt.
Costumes are encouraged for Haunted Huzzah, although guests can attend without wearing one.
Jousting Remains a Major Attraction
Jousting continues to be one of the central attractions at the festival.
The official visitor information lists tournament jousts at 1 p.m., 3 p.m. and 5 p.m. on festival days, with specific exceptions on certain dates.
The jousting events take place at Shadowgate Downs.
Visitors who want to see a tournament should plan their day around the jousting schedule. The festival grounds include many other performances and activities, so arriving earlier allows guests to explore before attending a tournament.
The jousting program is included with general festival admission.
That is important for first-time visitors because the general ticket provides access to the stage shows, tournament jousting, contests, themed weekend activities and entertainment throughout the festival grounds.
2026 Festival Ticket Prices
Current gate admission prices listed by the festival are:
- Adults: $27.95
- Children ages 5-12: $18.95
- Seniors age 65 and older: $25.25
- Children age 4 and under: Free
Taxes and fees may apply.
The festival’s earlier advance-ticket promotions had separate pricing deadlines, so visitors attending the remaining October dates should rely on the current ticket information rather than older promotional prices.
The festival also offers special discounts and promotional programs during certain themed weekends.
One notable program is the Renaissance Scholars offer. Students from kindergarten through college can qualify for free admission by providing documentation showing strong academic performance. College students also need a current student ID.
Military personnel and first responders can qualify for ticket discounts with appropriate identification under the festival’s current discount programs.
Because individual promotions can change between weekends, visitors should check the current festival information before purchasing tickets.
What Does General Admission Include?
A standard festival ticket covers more than simply entry to the grounds.
General admission includes:
- Stage shows
- Tournament jousting
- Themed weekend events
- Contests
- Entertainment throughout the village
- Access to the festival marketplace
The festival grounds are designed as an immersive village environment, allowing visitors to move between performance areas, shops, food locations and activity zones.
Additional paid experiences are available for guests who want something beyond general admission.
Royal Experiences and Special Activities
The festival offers several separately ticketed experiences throughout the season.
One example is the Queen’s Tea, held daily at 2 p.m. on the Queen’s Tea Deck.
The festival also offers Fairy Time Treats at 11:30 a.m. in the Enchanted Forest. The experience is recommended for children ages 6-12.
Adults can choose from several special experiences involving food and beverages.
These include:
- Pub Crawl
- Barrel & Leaf
- Uncorked
- Chocolate & Mead
- Henry’s Happy Hour
- Royal Romance Experience
These experiences require separate purchases and, in some cases, have age restrictions.
For example, several beverage-focused experiences are limited to guests age 21 and older.
The festival says alcohol service is restricted to guests who are at least 21 and can provide valid government-issued photo identification.
Food at the Festival
Food is an important part of the Renaissance festival experience.
The festival offers a wide variety of food choices, including traditional festival favorites and options suitable for different dietary preferences.
Visitors can find items such as turkey legs, giant pretzels and other hearty festival foods.
Vegetarian options are available, although the festival describes the number of vegetarian choices as limited.
Guests with food allergies should use caution. The festival states that foods containing common allergens such as peanuts, tree nuts, soy, milk, eggs and wheat are sold on the grounds.
Visitors with serious food allergies should ask vendors about ingredients before purchasing food.
The festival also has several bars and special beverage experiences.
Outside alcoholic beverages are not permitted.
Shopping and Artisan Vendors
The festival marketplace features artisans and merchants selling handcrafted products.
Visitors can browse merchandise ranging from Renaissance-inspired clothing and accessories to handcrafted items, artwork, jewelry and other specialty goods.
The 2026 artisan vendor program is currently full, with new applications placed on a waiting list.
The festival says it is seeking unique handmade crafts from vendors, reinforcing the role of artisan shopping within the overall experience.
For visitors who enjoy handmade goods, the marketplace provides one of the most extensive areas to explore beyond the entertainment stages.
Can You Bring a Dog?
Yes. The festival is dog-friendly, but specific requirements apply.
Dogs must be registered, and owners must provide vaccination information and a photo.
The standard dog admission price is $10 per dog.
Dogs must remain on leashes no longer than four feet. Only one dog is allowed per owner.
Puppies younger than six months are not permitted.
Owners must also clean up after their dogs.
Other household pets, including cats, parrots, snakes, reptiles and rats, are not permitted.
Service animals are admitted free in accordance with applicable accessibility requirements.
Barktoberfest on October 10-12 provides a particularly relevant opportunity for visitors planning to attend with their dogs.
Accessibility Information
The festival takes place in a natural outdoor setting.
That means the terrain can include hills, uneven surfaces and muddy conditions, especially after rain.
The festival provides accessible parking and accessible portable toilets.
Guests who require sign-language interpretation can make arrangements with festival staff.
Because the event covers a large outdoor area, visitors with mobility concerns may want to plan their route in advance and allow additional time between attractions.
Weather can also affect the condition of paths and other outdoor areas.
Costume and Festival Policies
Costumes are encouraged, but they are not required.
The festival has specific rules governing costumes and props.
Guests may wear swords or daggers only if they remain completely sheathed and secured with a plastic zip tie. They cannot be drawn on festival grounds.
Firearms are prohibited.
Replica firearms and objects that could be mistaken for firearms are also prohibited.
Bows are generally not permitted, except for competitors transporting them unstrung to and from approved festival events.
The festival also requires appropriate footwear.
Masks are subject to rules. Children may wear masks, while adults may wear appropriate masks that do not completely cover the face.
Guests should review the current policies before bringing costume accessories or props.
Tips for Visiting the Festival in October
October can bring changing temperatures and weather conditions to the Kansas City area.
Because the festival is outdoors, comfortable clothing and footwear can make a major difference.
A practical visit can include:
- Arriving close to opening time
- Picking up a festival schedule
- Planning around the jousting times
- Allowing time for artisan shopping
- Checking the themed weekend activities
- Carrying payment options for food and merchandise
- Wearing comfortable walking shoes
- Bringing appropriate weather protection
- Reviewing costume and prop rules before arrival
The festival has ATMs on-site, but organizers recommend carrying cash because the machines can become busy.
Guests who leave the festival during the day can return as long as their hands have been stamped.
What Remains After October 3?
As of October 3, 2026, the festival has three operating weekends remaining.
The schedule is:
October 3-4: Once Upon a Time
October 10-12: Barktoberfest
October 17-18: Haunted Huzzah
The final date is October 18.
The festival’s regular Saturday and Sunday hours remain 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., while October 12 operates from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
For people planning a first visit, the remaining themed weekends offer different experiences. Families interested in fantasy activities can attend Once Upon a Time. Dog owners may prefer Barktoberfest. Visitors looking for Halloween-themed entertainment can attend Haunted Huzzah.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: When does the 2026 Kansas City Renaissance Festival end?
A: The 2026 festival ends Sunday, October 18.
Q: What are the current festival hours?
A: Saturdays and Sundays are generally 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. The special October 12 Monday date runs from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Q: Where is the festival located?
A: The festival grounds are at 633 N. 130th Street in Bonner Springs, Kansas.
Q: How much are tickets?
A: Current gate prices are $27.95 for adults, $18.95 for children ages 5-12 and $25.25 for seniors 65 and older. Children 4 and under are free. Taxes and fees may apply.
Q: Is parking included?
A: Yes. Free parking is included with festival admission.
Q: Is the festival open when it rains?
A: Yes. The festival operates rain or shine and does not offer refunds because of inclement weather.
Q: Are dogs allowed?
A: Yes. Dogs are permitted under the festival’s registration and vaccination requirements. Standard dog admission is $10.
Q: What is the October 3-4 theme?
A: October 3 and 4 are the Once Upon a Time weekend, featuring fantasy and fairy-tale activities.
Q: What is Barktoberfest?
A: Barktoberfest runs October 10-12 and combines Oktoberfest-style entertainment with dog-focused activities such as contests and races.
Q: When is Haunted Huzzah?
A: Haunted Huzzah takes place October 17 and 18, marking the final weekend of the 2026 festival season.
Q: Is jousting included with admission?
A: Yes. Tournament jousting is included with general festival admission.
Q: Are costumes required?
A: No. Costumes are encouraged for themed weekends, but visitors can attend in regular clothing.
Q: Can visitors bring weapons as part of a costume?
A: Only certain costume weapons are permitted under strict rules. Swords and daggers must remain fully sheathed and secured with a plastic zip tie. Firearms, replica firearms and several other weapon-like items are prohibited.
Q: Is the festival wheelchair accessible?
A: Accessible parking and accessible portable toilets are available. However, the festival is held on natural outdoor terrain that can include hills, uneven ground and muddy areas.
Q: Can visitors leave and return on the same day?
A: Yes. Guests can return the same day if they have their hands stamped before leaving.
The 2026 season gives Kansas City-area visitors several more opportunities to experience the festival before its 50th-season run concludes on October 18.
If you are planning a visit to the Kansas City Renaissance Festival this October, share your favorite festival activity or themed weekend in the comments.