Kansas City Renaissance Festival 2026 is moving into the final portion of its 50th season, with the Bonner Springs celebration scheduled to continue through October 18. After the October 3-4 fantasy-themed weekend, visitors will have two more opportunities to attend before the gates close for the year.
The festival opened September 5 and has welcomed visitors to its outdoor Canterbury village throughout the fall. The remaining calendar features Barktoberfest on October 10-12 and Haunted Huzzah on October 17-18.
The 2026 season also marks five decades since the event first began in 1977.
The Final Weeks of the 2026 Season
The festival’s closing schedule is now clearly defined.
October 3-4 features Once Upon a Time, a weekend centered on fantasy, fables and imaginative characters. Barktoberfest follows from October 10 through October 12, while Haunted Huzzah takes over for the October 17-18 finale.
Regular Saturday and Sunday hours are 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. The October 12 Monday opening runs from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The festival operates rain or shine, so visitors attending the final weekends should prepare for outdoor conditions.
Fantasy Takes Over Canterbury
Once Upon a Time brings a fantasy-focused atmosphere to the festival grounds.
The October 3-4 program includes a Fantasy Mask Contest, Gnome Dome Challenge and Feed the Kraken at the Merry Mayhem Stage.
Children can participate in the Wicked Wand Workshop, where they can create their own fantasy-inspired wands.
Another activity, Character Bingo, encourages visitors to explore Canterbury while searching for designated characters. Participants can collect signatures before returning their completed cards for a reward.
The weekend also features a children’s craft activity called Magic Bean Shakers.
Visitors can attend in Renaissance clothing, cosplay attire or everyday clothes. Costumes are encouraged but not mandatory.
Jousting Remains Part of General Admission
Tournament jousting continues to be one of the central attractions during the festival.
Jousts are scheduled at 1 p.m., 3 p.m. and 5 p.m. on festival days.
The tournaments are included with general admission, along with stage shows, contests, themed weekend programming and entertainment throughout the village.
That means visitors do not need to purchase a separate ticket simply to watch the regular tournament jousting.
The multiple daily performances also make it possible for guests to fit a joust into a broader itinerary that includes shopping, food and other shows.
What Tickets Cost
Current 2026 gate admission prices are:
| Ticket | Price |
|---|---|
| Adult | $27.95 |
| Child ages 5-12 | $18.95 |
| Senior age 65+ | $25.25 |
| Children 4 and under | Free |
Taxes and fees may apply.
A standard season pass costs $106.95 for adults and $65.95 for children ages 5-12. The pass provides 16 festival admission tickets.
Two premium season-pass options are also available. The Royal Season Pass is listed at $180 for adults, while the Royal Collection Season Pass is listed at $255.
Special promotions may apply during individual weekends.
For example, the October 12 Barktoberfest Monday has special box-office pricing, with tickets listed at $14.95 including taxes and fees.
Where the Festival Is Held
The festival grounds are in Bonner Springs, Kansas, at 633 N. 130th Street.
The location sits within the Kansas City metropolitan area and provides space for the village, performance stages, tournament area, artisan booths and food vendors.
Parking is free for festival guests.
Visitors should allow time to move from their vehicle to the entrance and then navigate the outdoor grounds. Hills and uneven surfaces are part of the festival environment.
The terrain can become muddy during wet conditions.
A Full Day of Entertainment
The festival is structured as a large interactive village rather than a single performance venue.
Music, comedy, contests and other acts appear at different locations throughout Canterbury.
Themed contests are scheduled during individual weekends. Visitors who want to participate can check the daily schedule at the festival and arrive shortly before the relevant contest begins.
The format encourages guests to explore rather than remain in one area for the entire visit.
The combination of scheduled shows and spontaneous encounters with costumed characters is a major part of the festival’s atmosphere.
Food and Shopping Remain Major Attractions
Visitors can spend considerable time exploring the food and shopping areas.
Festival vendors offer traditional favorites such as turkey legs, fried foods, desserts and other festival fare.
Several locations also serve alcoholic beverages. Alcohol is restricted to guests who are 21 or older and have valid government-issued identification.
Outside alcoholic drinks are not permitted.
Artisan merchants sell handmade goods across the festival village. Merchandise can include jewelry, clothing, leather products, artwork, pottery, woodwork and other specialty items.
The shopping experience is integrated into the festival rather than separated from the entertainment.
Family Activities Continue Into October
Children have dedicated activities throughout the festival.
The Children’s Realm provides crafts and other programming, while fantasy-themed areas add opportunities for younger visitors to interact with the festival environment.
The Once Upon a Time weekend is particularly focused on fantasy-related activities, making it a notable option for families interested in that theme.
Children ages 4 and younger receive free general admission.
Parents should remember that some premium experiences have separate admission costs.
Barktoberfest Arrives October 10
The next major weekend changes the tone of the festival.
Barktoberfest runs October 10-12 and combines Renaissance festival entertainment with Oktoberfest-inspired activities and canine programming.
The schedule includes dog-focused competitions and activities such as corgi races, a dog obstacle course, a dog costume contest and a peanut butter licking competition.
Dogs are permitted at the festival under specific requirements.
Only dogs at least 6 months old are eligible, and owners must provide required vaccination information and complete the registration process.
Other household pets are not permitted.
October 12 also offers special ticket pricing at the box office.
Haunted Huzzah Will Close the Season
The final weekend begins October 17.
Haunted Huzzah brings Halloween themes into the Renaissance festival setting for the closing two days.
The program includes trick-or-treating, costumes and spooky activities.
Scheduled entertainment includes pumpkin-themed contests and other Halloween programming.
The final weekend runs October 17-18, with regular festival hours from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
After October 18, the 2026 festival season will conclude.
Visitor Rules to Know
Costumes are optional, although the festival encourages guests to dress for the setting.
Costumes should remain family-friendly and should not create safety problems.
Weapon rules are strict. Firearms and replica firearms are prohibited. Certain swords and daggers may be permitted only when fully sheathed and secured under the festival’s requirements.
Backpacks, strollers and wagons are allowed, but they may be inspected at the entrance.
One sealed water bottle is permitted. Outside food and beverages are generally prohibited, with limited exceptions for young children and guests with special dietary needs.
Guests can leave and return on the same day if they have their hands stamped.
Cash can be useful because some vendors may operate as cash-only businesses. ATMs are available on the grounds.
Accessibility and Guest Services
The festival takes place in a natural outdoor environment, so some areas can be difficult to navigate for visitors using wheelchairs or mobility devices.
Accessible parking and accessible portable toilets are available.
The festival also provides sign-language interpretation when arrangements are made in advance.
A staffed first-aid station operates during festival days, and safety and medical personnel are available on the grounds.
Visitors should plan accordingly for the walking distance and uneven terrain.
A 50th Season Comes to a Close
The 2026 season represents the festival’s 50th year.
The event began in September 1977 as a benefit for the Kansas City Art Institute. It has since developed into a major annual attraction in the Kansas City area, with annual attendance reported at approximately 200,000.
The milestone season has featured a rotating collection of themed weekends, including the final three themes now taking place in October.
For visitors who have not attended yet, the remaining schedule offers three distinct experiences: fantasy during Once Upon a Time, dog-centered entertainment during Barktoberfest and Halloween programming during Haunted Huzzah.
With the season ending October 18, the remaining weekends represent the last scheduled opportunities to visit the festival in 2026.
The final October weekends bring fantasy, canine celebrations and Halloween festivities to Bonner Springs as the festival prepares to close its 50th season on October 18.