Kansas City Renaissance Festival

About

The Kansas City Renaissance Festival transforms a wooded tract of land in Bonner Springs, Kansas, into a vibrant 16th-century English village every fall. Running weekends from early September through mid-October, it's one of the largest Renaissance fairs in the Midwest, drawing hundreds of thousands of visitors each season.

Step through the gates and you'll find yourself surrounded by costumed performers, the clang of swords from live jousting tournaments, and the smell of roasted turkey legs drifting through the air. The festival features over 200 artisan booths selling handcrafted jewelry, pottery, leather goods, and blown glass. More than a dozen stages host continuous entertainment throughout the day, from comedy acts and acrobatics to music and magic shows.

Kids and adults alike can try their hand at ax throwing, archery, and climbing walls. There are camel and elephant rides, a human-powered chess match, and a full-contact jousting arena that's consistently a crowd favorite. Each weekend carries a different theme, so return visits always feel fresh. Themed weekends have included Pirate Adventure, Highland Fling, and Oktoberfest.

Food options go well beyond the iconic turkey leg. You'll find meat pies, bread bowls filled with stew, fish and chips, and sweet treats like cinnamon-roasted almonds and chocolate-dipped cheesecake on a stick. Many vendors also serve craft beverages, including mead, hard cider, and a variety of beers.

The festival grounds sit in a natural, wooded setting that adds to the immersive atmosphere. Paths wind through the trees, connecting themed areas, stages, and merchant rows. Plan to spend at least four to five hours to see everything, though many visitors happily stay from opening to the final cannon blast at closing.

Parking is free, and the festival is located just off Interstate 70, making it an easy drive from the Kansas City metro area. Gates typically open at 10 a.m. and close at 7 p.m. Costumes are welcome and encouraged, so don't be shy about dressing the part.

Accessibility

The Kansas City Renaissance Festival is held in a natural, outdoor setting with uneven terrain and hills. Visitors should be aware that the grounds can be challenging for wheelchair users, particularly after rain when paths may become muddy. Those using manual wheelchairs may need assistance on certain sections of the grounds due to the hilly, unpaved terrain.

The festival offers designated accessible parking closer to the entrance, reducing the distance visitors with mobility challenges need to travel. Accessible portable restrooms are available throughout the grounds.

Because the venue is entirely outdoors on natural terrain rather than paved walkways, power wheelchair or scooter users may find it easier to get around than manual wheelchair users, though conditions vary with weather. Bringing a companion who can assist with rough patches is recommended.

The festival's entertainment stages are spread across the grounds, and many performances take place in open-air areas where visitors can position themselves freely. Seating at shows is typically on hay bales or benches, so bringing a portable cushion or camp chair may improve comfort.

For sensory considerations, the festival can be loud with music, cannon fire, and crowd noise, especially near the jousting arena and main stages. Quieter areas can be found along the perimeter paths and near artisan shops. The festival does not currently advertise specific sensory-friendly hours or quiet rooms.

Contact the Kansas City Renaissance Festival directly for their most current accessibility accommodations, including any mobility device rentals, assisted entry procedures, or companion ticket policies. Weather conditions significantly affect ground accessibility, so checking forecasts before your visit is especially important for visitors with mobility needs.

More accessible places in Kansas

• Botanica Wichita (Wichita)
• Brown v. Board of Education National Historical Park (Topeka)
• Wichita Art Museum (Wichita)
• Fort Scott National Historic Site (Fort Scott)
• Cosmosphere (Hutchinson)
• Museum of World Treasures (Wichita)