The Kansas City Renaissance Festival transforms a 16-acre village in Bonner Springs, Kansas, into a medieval wonderland each fall, celebrating its 48th year in 2025. This seven-weekend event features over 150 booths, 20 stages of entertainment, full-contact jousting, and themed weekends drawing 200,000 visitors annually. Running from August 30 through October 12 (Saturdays and Sundays 10 am-7 pm, plus Labor Day and Columbus Day), the festival offers one of the largest Renaissance experiences in the United States. For RV travelers, the festival's location just 30 minutes from Kansas City and the region's excellent RV infrastructure, make it perfect for combining medieval merriment with comfortable outdoor living. Whether you're seeking a weekend adventure or an extended Midwest exploration, an RV rental puts you minutes from both the festival grounds and Kansas's stunning prairie landscapes.
The Kansas City Renaissance Festival is a themed fair that takes place in Bonner Springs, Kansas, transforming the venue into a typical Renaissance-era village with banners, murals, and period entertainment. Started in 1977 as a fundraiser for the Kansas City Art Institute, the event is currently operated by Minneapolis-based Mid-America Festivals.
Each weekend features a different theme, such as Celtic Celebration, Viking Invasion, or Oktoberfest, with special events, contests, and themed entertainment adding variety for repeat visitors. Over 150 booths and multiple stages are set up throughout the site, featuring actors in elaborate costumes performing entertaining stage shows while also interacting with guests and sharing information about Renaissance art, science, and medicine.
The festival offers diverse performances, including music, reenactments of knightly jousts, comedy, magic shows, and theatrical plays, all inspired by Renaissance themes spread across 20 stages throughout the festival grounds. Artisans from across the country sell handcrafted jewelry, clothing, medieval weapons, and artwork that shoppers can't find elsewhere.
For those planning to explore the festival with an RV, discover Kansas City RV rentals perfect for your festival adventure, just minutes from the festival grounds.
Adult tickets cost $24.95, children (5-12) tickets are $15.95, and seniors/students pay $22.25. Children 4 and under enter for free. Season passes are available, ranging from $95 for adults to $250 for the Royal Collection Pass, which includes perks like complimentary tickets and merchandise.
Discounted advance passes go on sale online several months before the festival, with special rates available for students, seniors, and military personnel. Group discounts and special pricing for schools and youth organizations are also available.
Check out the Kansas City Renaissance Festival website for updated information on tickets and pricing.
Kansas City serves as an excellent hub for RV rentals, with numerous providers offering everything from compact Class B camper vans perfect for easy navigation to spacious Class A motorhomes ideal for larger families attending the festival.
Most Kansas City RV rental locations are strategically positioned within 20-30 minutes of both downtown Kansas City and the Bonner Springs festival venue, with convenient access via major highways like I-70, I-35, and I-435. This means you can easily pick up your RV and be at the festival grounds within an hour.
The festival takes place at 628 N. 126th Street in Bonner Springs, Kansas, approximately 30 minutes west of downtown Kansas City. You can reach the venue via I-70 West to the Bonner Springs exit. Free parking is available on-site, though lots tend to fill up quickly during popular weekend themes.
Free parking is available at the festival grounds, but these spots fill up fast on busy festival days. While there is no camping or overnight parking on festival grounds, RVs can easily access the parking areas during festival hours.
Public transportation options are limited to the Bonner Springs area, so having your own RV provides the most convenient access to the festival while allowing you to explore the greater Kansas City region.
Onsite camping is not permitted on the festival grounds. Fortunately, there are several great options in Bonner Springs and the surrounding areas.
Kansas City offers exceptional RV camping options that put you within easy reach of the Renaissance festival while providing modern amenities and comfort. The metro area's RV infrastructure is excellent, with options ranging from budget-friendly campgrounds to luxury resorts.
Top RV Parks Near the Festival:
Kansas City East/Oak Grove KOA provides convenient access to both the festival and Kansas City attractions. Located about 20 miles east along I-70, this KOA features full hookups, a saltwater swimming pool, jump pad, outdoor games, and scheduled activities including ice cream socials and pancake breakfasts, perfect for families.
Basswood Resort Campground offers an award-winning RV resort experience north of Kansas City on the Missouri side. This family-friendly destination features full-service campsites with electricity, sewer, and water hookups, plus a hotel lodge, cabins, and cottages for varied accommodation preferences.
Watkins Mill Campground at Watkins Mill State Park provides a more natural setting for RV camping in western Missouri. Sites feature electrical hookups (or primitive options), along with showers, dump stations, laundry facilities, and drinking water, making it one of the easier places for RV camping near Kansas City.
The nearest campgrounds mentioned by the festival are Walnut Grove RV Park in Merriam, Kansas, and the KOA in Lawrence, Kansas, both within 25 miles of the grounds.
The fair takes place outdoors, and you’re likely to be doing a lot of walking. Strollers are recommended if you’re with children. Some parts of the venue can be challenging to navigate in a manual wheelchair without assistance. Motorized wheelchairs will be available for rent near the front gate.
Get into the spirit of the fair by dressing as a historical character or in a costume of your choice. Some visitors choose to keep things comfortable in shorts and a t-shirt. Weapons like swords and knives that are part of your costume are prohibited, unlike many other Renaissance festivals. Since the festival takes place in late summer through early fall, you may want layers for varying temperatures throughout the day.
Be sure to carry a valid ID along with your ticket. Other essentials include sunscreen, a hat, comfortable walking shoes, and a water bottle. Some vendors don't accept cards, so bringing cash is recommended, though several ATMs are available on-site.
Protect yourself from the prairie sun with plenty of sunscreen and a hat. The Renaissance Festival provides a fully equipped and professionally staffed First Aid Station, with Safety & Medical teams in purple shirts available via call or text at 913-298-3791. Stay hydrated throughout your visit, as water is available for purchase throughout the grounds.
Most Kansas City area campgrounds allow portable grills, making it easy to prepare meals at your RV. Stock up on supplies at local grocery stores before heading to your campsite for authentic Kansas City barbecue cooking experiences.
You’ll find good food for every budget in Bonner Springs. For those who prefer to go for something tried and tested, many of the large restaurant chains have outlets in town. If you love Mexican food, you’re in luck. The area boasts some great restaurants serving authentic, tacos, burritos, enchiladas, and other delicious treats.
There will be various designated food areas at the venue with stalls selling yummy treats. A delicious selection of vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free food will be available. You can head to one of the bars on site for alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. Be sure to try the signature drinks created especially for the Kansas City Renaissance Festival.
Security personnel conduct bag checks at entrances and patrol the grounds throughout festival hours. Unlike many Renaissance festivals, weapons are prohibited even if secured or peace-tied. Avoid carrying valuables and keep important items secured in your RV.
The festival operates rain or shine, with Kansas fall weather typically bringing warm days and cooler evenings. Late summer can be quite warm, so dress in layers and stay hydrated.
A fully equipped First Aid Station with professional medical staff is available on-site, with Safety & Medical teams reachable at 913-298-3791. The lost and found is located at the Information/Will Call Booth near the front gate.
