Red Wolf Renaissance Fair 2026

The Red Wolf Renaissance Fair 2026 returns to Craighead Forest Park in Jonesboro, Arkansas, on October 24–25, 2026. This two-day Renaissance fair features full-contact jousting, live entertainment, artisan vendors, costume contests, and family-friendly activities. The event also supports efforts to protect the critically endangered American red wolf.

Visitors can discover a weekend of medieval-inspired entertainment while contributing to a local conservation initiative. The fair is part of the growing calendar of Renaissance and medieval festivals in Arkansas.

The fair takes place at Craighead Forest Park, a recreational area in southern Jonesboro. The event brings together performers, merchants, and visitors in an outdoor setting dedicated to Renaissance entertainment and red wolf conservation.

⚔️ Entertainment and Performers

The 2026 entertainment lineup includes armored jousting, music, comedy, dance, and choreographed performances.

Knights of Mayhem

Knights of Mayhem brings full-contact, heavy armor jousting to the fair. Led by Charlie “Sir Charles” Andrews, a 13-time Heavy Armor Jousting World Champion, the group presents competitive jousting in which armored riders charge toward one another on horseback.

Magpie Swallows

Magpie Swallows performs folk arrangements, original songs, and bardcore interpretations of contemporary music. The act combines instrumental performance, vocals, historical influences, and humor.

Pester the Jester

Pester the Jester introduces audiences to the history of jesters through interactive comedy. Visitors can also participate in the Silliness, Mockery, Entertainment, Laughs, and Libations University and pursue a diploma in professional foolishness.

Terra Nova Troupe

Based in Fayetteville, Arkansas, Terra Nova Troupe presents performances combining dance and music, drawing on the ensemble’s experience in belly dancing and related performing arts.

A-State Merry Minstrels

The Arkansas State University Flute Studio and its student performers return with a repertoire ranging from Renaissance compositions to flute arrangements of modern popular music.

Funtime Channel Performing Arts Colorguard

The A-State Funtime Performing Arts Colorguard presents choreographed routines featuring flags, coordinated movement, and visual performance.

🏆 Contests and Competitions

The 2026 fair features several opportunities for visitors to participate in creative competitions and costume events.

Art Contest

Artists can submit their work for an opportunity to receive a gift card, trophy, or certificate. Visitors participate in the first round of judging through $1 votes, followed by a final selection made by a panel of community judges.

Costume Contest

The costume competition invites visitors to present their Renaissance clothing, fantasy-inspired outfits, and handcrafted creations. Audience applause determines the winner.

Saturday, October 24: 1:00 PM–1:45 PM.

Sunday, October 25: 1:00 PM–1:45 PM.

Location: Revelry Road Stage.

Participants can register in person before the competition at the stage.

Pet Royalty Contest

The Pet Royalty Contest gives visitors an opportunity to present their cats or dogs for royal recognition. Participants provide a brief description of their pets’ personalities and antics for a chance to be crowned King, Queen, or a member of the royal court.

Sunday, October 25: 3:15 PM.

Location: Revelry Road Stage.

Registration takes place in person before the event.

🎟 Tickets and Admission Prices

Tickets for the Red Wolf Renaissance Fair 2026 are available online, with options for one-day admission and a two-day adult pass.

• 1-Day Adult Admission: $15.
• 2-Day Adult Admission: $18.
• 1-Day Kids Admission (under 12): $8.

Digital tickets provide admission with a hand stamp issued at the event gates.

Visitors can also make an optional donation to support the fair’s mission.

🐺 Supporting American Red Wolf Conservation

The Red Wolf Renaissance Fair connects its entertainment program with efforts to protect the critically endangered American red wolf.

The event supports the proposed American Red Wolf Research and Conservation Center at Craighead Forest Park, a project intended to establish secure habitats for a managed population of red wolves and contribute to long-term recovery efforts.

The fair also supports the Red Wolf Giving Fund, which is designed to provide ongoing financial assistance to organizations working toward red wolf conservation.

Through its conservation mission, the festival combines community participation, cultural entertainment, and support for an endangered species native to the southeastern United States.

📍 Getting to Craighead Forest Park

Jonesboro is located in northeastern Arkansas and serves as a regional center for Craighead County.

Visitors traveling by car can reach Jonesboro via US Highway 63 or other regional highways. Craighead Forest Park is situated south of the city’s central area.

Fair location: Craighead Forest Park, Access Road 6, Jonesboro, AR 72404.

Visitors planning to attend other events in the region can explore the October 2026 Renaissance fairs and medieval festivals calendar or browse the Renaissance Fairs category.