About the Des Moines Renaissance Faire
(Above is the map from 2009)
"Experience the “Age of Enlightenment”, without having a masters of education, at the Des Moines Renaissance Faire. Enter our gates and you will go back in time to an era when royalty ruled, knights jousted, and the arts came alive! The excitement begins Labor Day weekend and extends through the next two weekends in September.
Browse through more than 50 specialty shops. Attend the spectacle of the coronation at the Royal Court. Shout the battle cry of your favorite knight at the jousting arena. Partake in demonstrations by glass blowers, blacksmiths, potters, wood carvers, and painters. With unique costumes, our people bring the Middle ages back to life, and offer plenty of excitement to attract people of all ages! Bring a purse full of coin, for our merchants offer the finest in jewelry, weaponry, leather goods, candles, clothing, children’s items, chocolates, pottery and more.
Come Hungry! The irresistible aromas of the various vendors’ baked goods, smoked meats, stir fry, roasted nuts and caramel corn will delight even the pickiest eater.
In addition to the delicious Midwest fare and unique shopping, this festival offers 8 stages featuring comedians, musicians, minstrels, jugglers, pirates, belly dancers and more! You will also find games of skill and chance as well as period man-powered carnival rides.
The architecture of the village, with Marick Castle overlooking it, will transport you to the best-detailed and realistic simulation of Renaissance Europe that Iowa has ever seen. Visit the gorgeous 16-acre Festival Park, the first-ever permanent location for the Faire, and enjoy a wonderful and educational experience for all ages! So, come! Bring your family and friends and spend the day reliving the past. Feel free to dress in Renaissance attire if you so desire!
Don’t miss out!
The Des Moines Renaissance Faire runs for 3 weekends in September beginning Labor Day weekend.
2012 Dates, Hours and Themes:
- The first three weekends in September, starting Labor Day Weekend! 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., rain or shine!
- September 1-3 - Knights, Barbarians & Heroes
- September 8-9 - Scots, Britons and Irish
- September 15-16 - Pirates, Scallywags and Buccaneers
Produced By
The Des Moines Renaissance Faire is owned and produced by Festivals International.
- Festivals International (Gregory and Bonnie Schmidt)
508 4th. Ave. North
Clear Lake, Iowa 50428
(641) 357-5177
Contact Greg for booking talent for all your Festival, convention and party needs.
Festival Park is owned and operated by Sleepy Hollow Sports Park.
Event History
To learn more, visit the History and Expansion page!
