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The 2024 Des Moines Renaissance Faire: 7 Essential Things You Need To Know Before You Go

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Step back in time and prepare your finest garb! The Renaissance Faire at Sleepy Hollow, widely known as the Des Moines Renaissance Faire, is gearing up for its biggest season yet, offering a spectacular escape from the modern world. As of December 21, 2025, the official schedule for both the Spring Fling and the legendary Fall Faire is confirmed, promising two separate opportunities to immerse yourself in a world of knights, jesters, and mythical creatures.

This year’s event, held at the permanent fairgrounds of Sleepy Hollow Sports Park, continues its tradition of blending historical recreation with high-energy fantasy entertainment. From jousting tournaments to the bustling artisan marketplace, here is the essential, up-to-the-minute information you need to plan your journey to the realm.

The Complete 2024 Renaissance Faire at Sleepy Hollow Schedule

The Des Moines Renaissance Faire is a unique event in the Midwest, offering two distinct seasons of merriment: the Spring Fling and the multi-weekend Fall Faire. This dual-season approach ensures that the experience remains fresh and dynamic, with different performers and themes each time you visit.

  • Location: Sleepy Hollow Sports Park, 4051 Dean Avenue, Des Moines, IA 50317.
  • Hours: The fairgrounds are open from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm, rain or shine, on all scheduled days.

Spring Fling 2024 Dates

The Spring Fling is the perfect way to kick off the festival season, offering a concentrated dose of medieval fun.

  • Weekend One: Saturday, May 11, 2024 – Sunday, May 12, 2024
  • Weekend Two: Saturday, May 18, 2024 – Sunday, May 19, 2024

Fall Faire 2024 Themed Weekends

The main Fall Faire is the "big kahuna," running for three consecutive weekends and featuring a rotating cast of performers and a specific theme for each week, which dictates the costumes, street acts, and special events.

  • Weekend 1: Celtic Ceilidh (August 31 – September 1): A vibrant celebration of Scottish and Irish culture, featuring bagpipes, Highland games, and traditional Celtic music. This is a must-see for fans of Gaelic heritage.
  • Weekend 2: Dungeons, Dragons, Wizards, and Fae (September 7 – September 8): A high-fantasy weekend where the worlds of D&D and mythical creatures come to life. Expect elaborate costumes from wizards, elves, goblins, and all manner of magical beings.
  • Weekend 3: Pirates, (steam)Punks, and Pets (September 14 – September 15): A popular, anachronistic blend of swashbuckling adventure and Victorian-era science fiction. This weekend also encourages attendees to bring their well-behaved, leashed pets to join the fun.

Ticket Information and Saving Money at the Gate

Planning your budget is crucial for any festival experience, and the Sleepy Hollow Ren Faire offers several options for admission. The general admission price is set to provide excellent value for a full day of entertainment.

Weekend admission is typically $20 per person. However, the faire organizers strongly encourage purchasing tickets online to take advantage of key savings.

  • Free Parking: Parking at the venue is $10, but this fee is waived if you purchase your admission tickets in advance online. This is a simple way to save money immediately.
  • Children’s Discount: Children under 13 receive a discounted admission rate, making it a budget-friendly option for families.
  • Early Bird Specials: Keep an eye out for early bird discounts, which are often available for a limited time before the event dates.

The Performers and Artisans: An Entity List of Entertainment and Shopping

The true magic of the Des Moines Renaissance Faire lies in its immersive environment, created by a massive cast of professional performers and skilled artisans. The 2024 season is set to feature a total of 34 stage and street acts, ensuring there is always something new to see around every corner of the village.

Must-See Entertainment and Acts (Entities)

The lineup includes both national touring acts and beloved local favorites. The schedule of acts changes each weekend, encouraging repeat visits. Key highlights and recurring entertainment elements include:

  • The Cannon Ball: A thrilling, high-energy spectacle that is a mainstay of the faire.
  • Jousting Tournaments: Daily, full-contact jousting is the centerpiece event, featuring knights in shining armor competing for the Queen's favor.
  • Street Theatre: Impromptu performances from jesters, beggars, and royalty that interact directly with the crowd.
  • The Bawdy Buccaneers: A popular musical act known for their raucous, pirate-themed songs.
  • Professional Comedians and Musicians: A variety of lute players, harpists, and stand-up acts that entertain on multiple stages.

The Artisan Marketplace (Shopping Entities)

The marketplace is a labyrinth of unique, handcrafted goods, perfect for finding a one-of-a-kind souvenir or a new piece of garb. The 2024 season has welcomed ten more artisans, significantly expanding the shopping village and ensuring a diverse selection of medieval-themed wares.

A few of the unique vendors you can expect to find include:

  • Under The Rainbow: Likely specializing in bright, colorful clothing and accessories.
  • The Sunken Hollow: A mysterious vendor, possibly offering fantasy-themed jewelry or props.
  • The Realm Of the Artist: Featuring fine art, illustrations, and portraiture.
  • Spire Creations: Known for high-quality leather goods, armor, or intricate metalwork.
  • Quilt and Carriage Books: Offering period-appropriate literature, scrolls, and perhaps handmade quilts.
  • Peverill's: A general store offering a variety of unique trinkets and wares.
  • This That And The Other: A catch-all shop for fascinating and eclectic items.

Tips for Maximizing Your Sleepy Hollow Experience

To ensure your visit is as magical as possible, a little preparation goes a long way. The Sleepy Hollow Ren Faire is a massive event, and knowing a few key details can enhance your day.

Costumes are Encouraged: While not mandatory, dressing in period clothing—whether as a peasant, noble, pirate, or fantasy creature—is highly encouraged. It adds to the atmosphere and is a great way to interact with the street performers and other patrons.

Food Novelties: The food is a major draw. Look out for the famous giant turkey legs and other food novelties that are added each year. Be sure to try the mead, a traditional honey wine, and other unique festival fare.

Plan for the Weather: The faire is open "rain or shine," so bring appropriate gear. Comfortable walking shoes are a must, as you will be on your feet exploring the extensive grounds of the Sleepy Hollow Sports Park.

Bring Cash: While many vendors and ticket booths accept cards, cash is often faster and is preferred by many of the smaller artisan shops and food stalls. Having small bills on hand is always a good idea.

The Renaissance Faire at Sleepy Hollow remains one of Iowa's most anticipated annual events. With the addition of new food options, more artisans, and the return of the popular themed weekends, the 2024 season is poised to be an unforgettable journey back to the Age of Knights and Fantasy.

The 2024 Des Moines Renaissance Faire: 7 Essential Things You Need to Know Before You Go
renaissance festival des moines
renaissance festival des moines

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