Bluffwoods Renaissance Festival (St. Joseph, MO)

Apr 24

“Step back in time”

2024 Schedule

Saturday and Sunday, May 18 and 19th from 10am-6pm.

Eat, Drink, and Be Merry!

Assuming that “Merry” is great shopping and shows! The Bluffwoods Renaissance Festival started in 2022 with a stellar first season.

Activities

Find here all the activities that you love in Renaissance Festivals: turkey legs, festival food favorites, drinking, jousting, sword fighting, shopping, engaging characters, music, shows, and historical reenactment all in the festival grounds surrounding the Castle. There is a convenient inside bar area and restroom inside the castle out of the sun. Outside you’ll find many food trucks, shopping tents, and the expected port-a-privies.

This RenFest (Renaissance Festival) isn’t set in a particular time of history but covers a wide range of times including fantastical additions like faeries and dragons.

It’s fun to play like a kid: enjoy boffer games (foam sword fighting), a catapult, warhorse rides, axe throwing, and archery. Interact with larger-than-life characters. (Real kids enjoy these features, too I suppose).

I’m entirely biased, but be sure to catch The Medieval Medicine Show! (I’m the Renaissance Nurse or RN in this 2-woman musical, medical comedy show coming to Bluffwoods for 2024!). Your ticket gets you in both days, so no excuses. Laughter is the best medicine (unless you have diarrhea…)

Tips

Amazing pricing! Tickets are $15 and function as weekend pass, so try to make time for both days. Kids 5 and under are free.
Buy your tickets in advance on the website to save time waiting in line.
Dress up to maximize the fun! It’s not required, but I love to dress up. If you don’t have an outfit, you’ll be able to buy one there.
Bring cash. It’s only proper to tip performers at least a dollar when you watch their show (more is always welcome). While you can buy some things with cards, cash is easier for smaller vendors and is accepted everywhere.
Be sure to check out the schedule of events for shows and joust times. Plan your shopping and eating around what you want to see.
Prepare to spend a day walking outside: comfortable shoes, layers, sunscreen, bug spray, and maybe even a parasol are in order. Stay hydrated! I like to bring a mug with a special belt clip to really get into the spirit (you can buy these onsite).
While there are a few paved areas the majority of the faire is set in open grassy fields in true festival style.
Bring a reusable bag for your shopping finds because it’s a long walk back to the car.
You can have a great time on your own, but it’s even more fun with friends or family.
Use this great opportunity to buy unique gifts and treat yourself.
Stick around at the end of the day for a closing ceremony.

Location

Castle Bridge Event Center

8403 US-59, St Joseph, MO 64504

St. Joseph is located just over 40 minutes North of the Kansas City International Airport, 30 minutes North of Weston, and about 1 hour North of the River Market.

To find the entrance by car, keep an eye out for the Castlebridge Event Space sign and drive back past the Bargain Barn Antique Store.

Complimentary parking is located around the festival and is mostly on grass. As with all festivals, be prepared to walk a distance from where you park.