I am so excited to be hosted as a media guest at the Topeka, Kansas Renaissance Festival. I 100% would have attended this even if I wasn’t provided a free ticket. *Updated 7/4/25 with my own experience and photos.
My mom and I took the short drive from KC to Topeka to have a wonderful time at this new festival!
When
First Topeka Renaissance Festival: Saturday and Sunday, June 21 and 22, 2025 from 10am to 6pm.
What
The Topeka Renaissance Festival is new in 2025, but it comes stocked with all the Renaissance Festival fun, even a joust! Dress up in historical or fantasy costumes and shop, eat, drink, and be merry. While in part this is a “tent” festival with colorful tents selling fun wares, it is graced with a delightful indoor space as well with air conditioning! Shop inside, eat and drink inside, and visit the pirate bar inside.
The event is family friendly, and also has separate 21+ pirate bar for bawdy entertainment with a $1 cover that gets you in and out all day. Not only does the Under the Deck Pirate Bar have ample seating inside the a/c with its own bar, but it boasts the bawdy festival entertainment so many people love most.
Activities to enjoy: 2 stages of entertainment, living history encampment, Viking Valhalla section, axe throwing, bow shooting, sword fighting, art contest, gnome home contest, mermaids, sirens, petting zoo, Juniper the Cow, face painting, and more!
Special Events and Nonprofit Partners
As a nonprofit professional myself, I love to see organizations partnering together in the community.
Sunday Only: Team Tug of War (Helping Hands Humane Society) $100 for a team of 5. Single-elimination tournament with $100 cash prize and trophy for the champions. Age 18+ (mixed gender) with matches starting at 11am. (Entry fee does not include entry to the festival, but get $2 off entry). Dress comfortably. Entry deadline June 12th.
Gnome Home Contest (Habitat for Humanity ReStore) $10 for an individual and $100 for a business. Handcrafted gnome homes (no larger than 2′ by 2′) must be dropped off Wednesday, June 18th. $25 cash prize for individual and $100 cash prize for winning business selected by Facebook votes. Homes can be sold with 10% funds benefitting the Topeka Habitat for Humanity ReStore or picked up on Monday, June 23rd.
Viking Shield Art Contest (Noto Youth Art Program) $5 to enter and entries are due June 18. You build and decorate your own shield. $50 prize to the winner selected by Facebook votes. You may choose to have your shield priced to sell with proceeds to the artist minus a 10% fee.
Friday Night: Royal Masquerade: ticketed preview event. A chance to dress up and enjoy VIP access.
Weather
Renaissance Festivals are rain or shine. Come prepared for a warm late spring day. It was quite hot, but the wind helped it feel less so. Most importantly we were able to enjoy the indoor air conditioned activities as much as the outdoor fun.
Tickets
(*check website for current pricing)
Day pass $16, Weekend Pass $30. Early bird pricing in advance.
Children’s pass (ages 5-13) $5 for the day and $10 for the weekend
Tickets are non-refundable.
Buy tickets on their website through Square and show your email receipt to get in (they will also have a list at will call). This saves money on service fees.
2025 SCHEDULE FOR FESTIVAL WEEKEND!!!
*Check their Facebook for any changes
Equus Nobilis JOUSTING: Show times ~ 11 – 1pm – 4 pm
- 10:30-11:00 Native Soils
- 11:15-11:45 Tricks for Friends
- 12:00-12:30 Sounds of the Feywylde
- 12:45-1:15 Rhythmic Ramblers
- 1:30-2:00 Whip It
- 2:15-2:45 Native Soils
- 3:15-3:45 Tricks for Friends
- 4:00-4:30 Sounds of the Feywylde
- 4:45-5:15 Rhythmic Ramblers
- 5:30-6:00 Whip It
*CHILDRENS AREA*
Pendragon Puppet Creations
SHOW CALLED THE RELUCTANT DRAGON – SAT & SUN
- 1030a – 130p – 430p
Once Upon a Party KS – Fairies throughout the day!
Face painting & Henna artist
*21 & older Below Deck Pirate Pub Schedule*
- 10:30-11:15 Bonny Way (Racheal & Brandy)
- 11:30-12:15 Grog Before Gallows (Smitty)
- 12:30 – 1pm Vertical Vibes (Lacy)
- 1:15 – 145 Scallywags
- 2:30-3:15 Bonny Way (Racheal & Brandy)
- 3:30-4:15 Grog Before Gallows (Smitty)
- 4:30- 5 pm Vertical Vibes (Lacy)
- 5 pm to close Scallywags
Tips
- What to wear: dress in layers in case it gets warm and possibly bring a change of clothing. This is a long day, you might want to change if your outfit is elaborate and it gets warm or if rain falls.
- 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 most likely be able to buy costume pieces 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 probably buy some things with cards, cash is easier for smaller vendors and is accepted everywhere.
- Food: there will be food and drink available at the festival, so outside food and drinks are not allowed. Enjoy food trucks and several bars.
- 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 and do.
- Prepare to spend a day walking outside: comfortable shoes or boots, sunscreen, bug spray, and maybe even a parasol/umbrella are in order. Stay hydrated, especially if you are drinking. I like to bring a mug with a special belt clip to really get into the spirit (you can probably buy these onsite). Take breaks as needed inside shopping or enjoying bawdy shows in the 21+ pirate bar.
- Dogs are allowed with up-to-date vaccines. Dog tickets are $3 for one day or $5 for both. Check in at Will Call (front of the Woodshed Event Center) to get the proper tag. Puppies must be at least 6 months old. Leashes cannot exceed 4 feet (check your leash length as many leashes are 6 feet). Only one dog per owner.
- No Real Weapons: foam weapons can be worn as a prop
- Bring a reusable bag for your shopping finds, so you don’t have to 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.
Location
The Woodshed Event Center
1901 N. Kansas Ave, Topeka, KS 66608
The Topeka Renaissance Festival is located at the Woodshed Event Center in North Topeka. The indoor space includes 2 spacious areas with seating, drinks, and vendors.
Topeka, Kansas is located just over an hour West from downtown Kansas City.
The fastest route from KC does include tolls. The toll free route isn’t much slower and is more scenic.
Complimentary parking is available. As with all festivals, be prepared to walk a distance from where you park. We arrived at opening and parked on a nice paved lot near the entrance.
Links
Topeka Renaissance Festival Website
Facebook for Topeka Renaissance Festival
Instagram for Topeka Renaissance Festival
Gemini Vibes Kansas (event coordinator)
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