Plan your fall visit to a beloved event that transforms a 16‑acre village into a lively 16th‑century Canterbury. The Kansas City Renaissance Festival draws roughly 200,000 guests each season and opens on Labor Day weekend. It runs for seven weekends, plus Labor Day and Columbus Day, so you can pick the best time to attend.
Expect live shows, artisan demos, and hearty food.
The grounds sit in Bonner Springs next to Sandstone Amphitheater and host more than a dozen stages. Browse over 150 shops and 165 booths, watch a working blacksmith, and join a free Living History Tour. Shows range from comedy and music to magic and storytelling, making it easy to build a day around your favorites.
Key Takeaways
- Opens Labor Day weekend and runs seven weekends through mid‑October.
- About 200,000 visitors enjoy 13+ stages and lively performances.
- Shop more than 150 vendors and see hands‑on artisan demos.
- Location is easy to find by Sandstone Amphitheater in Bonner Springs.
- Plan your schedule around show times and bring cash for food and crafts.
Kansas City Renaissance Festival: Dates, Location & Essential Info
Plan your visit around key dates and the site layout to get the most from a day here.
Where it happens: The grounds sit at 628 N 126th St in Bonner Springs, right next to Sandstone Amphitheater. This makes parking and rideshare drop‑offs straightforward for folks coming from the broader kansas city metro.
When it opens: The season starts on Labor Day weekend and runs seven weekends through mid‑October, with added Monday openings on Labor Day and Columbus Day for extra flexibility.
Hours at a glance: The main rhythm is Saturdays and Sundays, so plan your schedule around weekend showtimes and vendor hours to avoid missing headliners.
Festival footprint & vibe
The 16‑acre village blends shaded lanes, murals, and banners across more than 150 shops and roughly 165 booths. With about 13 stages and a lively lineup, a single visit will only scratch the surface.
Attendance: Expect around 200,000 guests across seven themed weekends. Use official channels for up‑to‑date information: kcrenfest.com or call (913) 721‑2110.
- Exact address: 628 N 126th St, Bonner Springs, KS 66012.
- Bring comfortable shoes and a map to prioritize shows and stalls.
- Embrace the Canterbury theme for photos, costumes, and immersive fun.
Tickets, Timing & Planning Tips for Your Kansas City Visit
Buy early and plan your day so you get the most from the village experience.
Buy early and save
Purchase tickets at kcrenfest.com to secure weekend themes, skip onsite lines, and catch seasonal discounts. Official pricing lists Adults, Children (5–12), and Seniors/Students. For groups, parties, or wedding packages call (913) 721‑2110 or email marketing@kcrenfest.com.
What to wear and bring
Choose supportive shoes and breathable costume pieces. Layer up for changing Midwest weather and pack rain gear if showers show up.
Essentials: sunscreen, refillable bottle, phone charger, and a tote for artisan finds.
Family, groups & getting there
Student and senior options stretch budgets. Group rates help with birthdays and larger meetups; book early for best availability.
Navigate to 628 N 126th St in Bonner Springs and build in extra travel time on busy weekends. Consider nearby lodging and rideshares to ease parking stress.
“Arrive near opening to enjoy quieter paths, hit headliner shows, and still leave time for shopping.”
| Category | Typical Price Tier | Best For | How to Buy |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adult | Standard | Solo and couples | kcrenfest.com |
| Children (5–12) | Discounted | Families | Online or gate |
| Senior / Student | Reduced | Older guests, students | Online specials |
| Group / Party | Bulk rates | Weddings, birthdays | Call (913) 721‑2110 |
Must‑See Shows, Stages & Village Experiences
Plan a mix of headline acts and casual discoveries so you leave with both big memories and small surprises. Pick a few anchor events, then wander lanes to catch buskers, jesters, and pop‑up storytelling.
Don’t miss the joust
Make the joust your anchor event. Grab seats early for thundering hooves, cheers for your champion, and immersive pageantry that plays like a live tournament.
Stages and weekend themes
With 13 active stages, scan the schedule and cluster nearby shows to reduce walking. Comedy, music, magic, and rotating themes—like Celtic Celebration or Barktoberfest—help you pick contests and parades to watch.
Taste the era and artisans at work
Savor smoky turkey legs, mead, and ale between headliners to avoid lines during peak service. Stop at the IHEA blacksmith shop to watch iron shaped by hand, then join the free Living History Tour for richer context.
- Shop more than 150 merchants for handmade keepsakes.
- Use show times as your day’s backbone and build meals around them.
“Arrive early, plan a route, and let the village surprises find you.”
Conclusion
Aim for a balance of scheduled shows and spontaneous discoveries to make the most of your visit. Anchor the day with the joust, then thread between stages and stalls to catch surprise acts.
Keep the essentials in mind: the kansas city renaissance sits at 628 N 126th St beside Sandstone Amphitheater and runs from Labor Day weekend through seven weekends, plus Labor Day and Columbus Day. Check kcrenfest.com before you go for the latest schedule and ticket options.
Fuel up with classic fair fare, sip water often, and pace your meals so you can enjoy encore performances. Spend time with artisans and the Living History Tour to add depth to the spectacle and the renaissance festival vibe.
With a few anchors and openness to wander, this city renaissance trip becomes a fall tradition you’ll want to repeat each season.
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