What to Know Before Visiting the Renaissance Faire at Sleepy Hollow
For three weekends in September, Sleepy Hollow in Des Moines becomes a village filled with knights, Vikings, pirates, musicians and performers. The Renaissance Faire at Sleepy Hollow combines live shows, interactive entertainment, food and shopping in a wooded setting that feels far removed from the surrounding city.
You don’t need a costume or any previous Renaissance faire experience to enjoy it. Come ready to explore, watch a few shows and see what happens around the next corner.
When is the 2026 Fall Faire?
The Renaissance Faire at Sleepy Hollow will be open during the first three weekends of September:
- September 5–6
- September 12–13
- September 19–20
Hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. each day. The event is held rain or shine.
Each weekend has a different theme, so the experience changes depending on when you attend.
Where is the Renaissance Faire?
The faire is held at:
Sleepy Hollow
4051 Dean Avenue
Des Moines, Iowa 50317
The grounds include wooded paths, hills and a collection of buildings that help create the feel of a Renaissance village. Plan to spend plenty of time walking between performance areas, vendors and food stands.
How much are tickets?
General admission is $25 for visitors ages 13 and older. Children ages 12 and younger receive free admission.
The official website currently lists discounted advance admission for $21. Tickets are sold as weekend passes, which means one ticket allows you to attend both Saturday and Sunday of the selected weekend.
Visitors planning to attend more than one weekend can purchase a season pass. Regular season passes are $55, with discounted passes currently listed for $50.
General parking costs $7 when paid at the ticket booth. Parking is free when admission is purchased online. VIP parking is available for $15 per day and must be purchased in advance.
Ticket prices and discounts may change, so check the official website before your visit.
Choose your themed weekend
Viking Invasion: September 5–6
The opening weekend brings Vikings, warriors, drums and Norse-inspired entertainment to the village.
Magic and Mischief: September 12–13
Magicians, comedians, fire performers and masters of illusion take over during the second weekend.
Party Like a Pirate: September 19–20
The final weekend is devoted to pirates, treasure hunting and swashbuckling entertainment.
A separate after-hours event called the Cannon Ball takes place on Saturday of the final weekend. It features live music, acrobatics, fire performances and drinks after the regular faire closes. A combination ticket covering the third weekend and the Cannon Ball is $40, with discounted tickets currently listed for $34.
What can you expect during your visit?
Much of the experience comes from the entertainment happening throughout the village. Some shows take place on stages, while other performers move through the grounds and interact with visitors.
Entertainment may include live jousting, birds of prey, aerial acrobats, fire-breathers, magicians, comedians and musicians. You’ll also encounter costumed characters who may pull you into a conversation, encourage you to cheer or invite you to join an activity.
Check the day’s schedule when you arrive. Several performances may happen at the same time, so it helps to choose one or two must-see shows and leave the rest of the day open for exploring.
Food and drinks
Food stands are scattered around the grounds, making it easy to stop for a meal or snack between performances. Offerings may include turkey legs, loaded baked potatoes, bubble waffles, buttered beer and vegetarian options.
Mead, wine and other alcoholic beverages are available for adults. Outside alcohol is not permitted.
The faire’s visitor information states that food vendors and the ticket booth are cash-only. Bring cash with you instead of relying entirely on a credit or debit card.
Shopping in the village
More than 80 artists, crafters and vendors are expected at the faire. Their booths offer clothing, jewelry, leatherwork, artwork, costumes, swords, armor and other Renaissance-inspired items.
Even if you aren’t planning to buy anything, the vendor area is worth exploring. Many of the items are handmade, and you may get a chance to meet the person who created them.
Do you need to wear a costume?
Costumes are encouraged but not required. Some visitors arrive in detailed Renaissance clothing, while others wear everyday clothes. Either choice is perfectly acceptable.
Comfortable shoes are more important than a costume. The event covers a large outdoor area with hills and uneven ground, so plan for plenty of walking.
Anyone bringing a costume weapon should read the faire’s weapons policy before arriving. Approved weapons must remain sheathed and peace-tied. Firearms and replica firearms capable of firing a projectile are prohibited.
Is the Renaissance Faire family-friendly?
The faire is designed for both adults and children, with a mix of action, comedy, music and interactive entertainment. Free admission for children ages 12 and younger also makes it an affordable option for families.
Parents should be prepared for occasional loud noises, fire performances and large crowds. Live jousting and birds of prey may be especially popular, so arrive early if you want a good viewing spot.
Can you bring a pet?
Well-behaved dogs and cats are allowed under the faire’s current pet policy. Animals must have proof of rabies vaccination, remain on a leash no longer than four feet and stay under the owner’s control.
Pet owners are responsible for cleaning up after their animals and must sign a hold-harmless agreement. Because of the crowds, noise and other animals, consider whether your pet will be comfortable in a busy festival environment.
Tips for your first visit
Purchase tickets online if you want to save on parking, and bring cash for food and purchases inside the faire. Wear shoes suited for hills and uneven ground, and check the weather before leaving home.
Once you enter, look over the entertainment schedule and identify the shows you most want to see. Don’t schedule every minute, though. Some of the most memorable moments come from meeting roaming characters or discovering an unexpected performance.
For tickets and the latest event information, visit the Renaissance Faire at Sleepy Hollow website.
