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The Renaissance Faire at Sleepy Hollow  in Des Moines, IA is a magical experience for both young and old. When you enter their gates for the first time you will go back in time to an era when royalty ruled, knights jousted, and the arts came alive! With so much to see and do we wanted to give any newcomers to Renaissance Faires or Sleepy Hollow’s Castle Park a guide on what they can expect at Iowa’s only permanent Faire site.

The Themed Weekends:

The excitement begins Labor Day weekend and extends through the next two weekends in September. Each weekend has its very own theme which changes some of the look, entertainment, and activities that there are for you to experience.

Each weekend the Faire is open from 11am to 6pm, rain or shine. For information on ticket prices and other details such as directions please visit their Event Details at www.sleepyhollowrenfaire.com

All 3 weekends enjoy a full contact joust, royal court, pirate cove, fairie realm, gypsy camp, Friendly Friars Pub and Meadery, multiple food shoppes and so much more! Like Shopping !!!

August 31 and September 1-2 – Vikings and Shieldmaidens

With 2 opposing Viking encampments things could get rowdy at any time! Luckily the Queen is visiting so her Knights are here to keep things as peaceful as possible. You won’t want to miss their exciting new act: Norse Fyre, a fire and acrobatics circus troupe dazzling you with fire spinners blended with Viking like war drums and weaponry. Check out Olskipan Viking encampment and watch Viking shield fighting in the joust arena. You can try your own battle skills in the boffer arena (all ages), Special children’s entertainer, Puppies of Penzance. Come see the village all decorated and resplendent for the Queens visit and check out the many shoppes packed full of treasures for you to explore. So much to do! phew!!

September 7-8 – Highlanders & Lucky Lasses

Love plaid, all things celtic, men in skirts and a pint of Guinness? Then this is the weekend for you. Highlighted this weekend is celtic singing trio, 3 Pints Gone from Wisconsin, pipe and drum core, Mackenzie Highlanders and a celtic encampment, Knights of Avalon. Be thee Scot, Welsh, Cornish, Irish, Briton, English, leprechaun, elfin, faery or simply intrigued by these lively cultures, this weekend was created for lasting memories and the pleasure of all. No blarney, you will have a lot of fun!

September 14-15 – Pirates & Wenches

The Queen’s Navy sails the high seas yet docks at the Canterbury River only to find freebooters of all sorts, both historical and fantasy. From Capt. Morgan to Capt. Hook and from sailing wenches to tree-house faeries this is the weekend for all things of sea legend. Land-lubbers beware as their castle town gets invaded by delightful characters from lands as near as the Caribbean and as far as Persia.

Taking Part:

There are many ways to enjoy the Renaissance Faire and many things to do. From the moment you approach the bridge and cross over into their little village the street characters, stage performers, and even their vendors are excited to interact with you! Feel free to play along and be part of the world. You can meet the Royal Court, play with fairies, observe artisans at work, participate in games of skill and chance, and enjoy performances at any of their 9 stages on the grounds.

Dressing up?

Coming in costume is always welcome but not required. Please feel free to come as you are, a modern time traveler to the middle ages. Or join us in costume if you prefer. Their performers welcome all comers from any time period to be an integral part of the excitement their village has to offer. We welcome costumes of all kinds, we all know this is fantasy don’t we, so Cosplayers come on in. If you do choose to dress up please be sure to read their Policies regarding weaponry!

Shopping:

Browse through more than 50 specialty shops. Bring a purse full of coin (all accept paper, some may accept plastic), for their merchants offer the finest in jewelry, weaponry, leather goods, candles, clothing, children’s items, chocolates, pottery and more. If you are a newcomer to Renaissance Faires and would like to be able to come in costume the next day their vendor and crafts people have many options to offer and many take custom orders as well. A list of this years vendors can be found at www.sleepyhollowrenfaire.com.

Food:

Check out their new item: Poutine. You can order the standard, Greek or Verde. Come hungry! their selections from around the world to turkey legs will delight even the pickiest eater. We offer vegan and gluten free menu items. You can see a list of all their food vendors at www.sleepyhollowrenfaire.com.

Helpful hints for your first time:

Every day there is an opening gate show at 10am where the performers gather to welcome you to the Faire and then a closing gate show before the end of the day at 6pm with encore performances to bid you farewell. They are an experience you don’t want to miss.

September can be a tricky month for weather so be prepared. Sunscreen and water are highly recommended and an umbrella in your vehicle in case of rain is a good idea. Shows will go on despite the weather and there are many covered stages were you can continue to enjoy the Faire in case of rain.

An ATM is located at the front gate for your convenience.

While this is a family event, there are many styles of shows ranging from children oriented to ones with adult themes. If you are unsure if a show would be appropriate, please ask a performer about it.

 

Be sure to read their Policies so you know what is and is not allowed in Castle Park.

 

11am-6pm, Rain or Shine!

Aug. 31st – Sept. 2nd

September 7th-8th

September 14th-15th