The Renaissance Faire at Sleepy Hollow 2026

The Renaissance Faire at Sleepy Hollow 2026 returns to Des Moines, Iowa, on September 5–6, 12–13, and 19–20, opening only on Saturdays and Sundays across three themed weekends. Held in Sleepy Hollow’s permanent Renaissance village, the fall faire features live jousting, birds of prey, aerial acrobatics, fire performances, musicians, interactive characters, artisan demonstrations, and entertainment across multiple stages.

Visitors planning other historical events in the state can also explore Renaissance and Medieval Festivals in Iowa.

📅 2026 Fall Faire Dates

The fall season runs for six individual operating days rather than continuously throughout September:

Saturday, September 5: 10:00 AM–6:00 PM
Sunday, September 6: 10:00 AM–6:00 PM

Saturday, September 12: 10:00 AM–6:00 PM
Sunday, September 13: 10:00 AM–6:00 PM

Saturday, September 19: 10:00 AM–6:00 PM
Sunday, September 20: 10:00 AM–6:00 PM

The faire operates rain or shine, with performances beginning after the gates open.

The season is also included among Renaissance Faires and Medieval Festivals in September 2026.

⚔️ Theme Weekends

Each of the three 2026 fall weekends has its own official theme.

September 5–6: Viking Invasion

The opening weekend focuses on Viking-inspired entertainment, warriors, music, and activities. Harp Twins and Volfgang Twins are confirmed to perform during the September 5–6 weekend, with their performances included with regular faire admission.

September 12–13: Magic and Mischief

The second weekend centers on magic, illusion, comedy, unusual feats, and fire-based entertainment.

September 19–20: Party Like a Pirate

The final weekend turns its attention to pirates, treasure hunting, and nautical characters before continuing into the Saturday evening Cannon Ball.

⚔️ Entertainment and Activities

The permanent Renaissance village offers entertainment across nine stages, along with performers and characters who interact with visitors throughout the grounds.

Confirmed features for the 2026 fall season include:

• Live jousting
• Birds of prey in flight
• Aerial acrobatics
• Fire-breathers and fire entertainment
• Live musicians
• Magicians
• Royal Court characters
• Fey and fantasy characters
• Games of skill and chance
• Artisan demonstrations
• Living-history-style encounters
• Interactive street entertainment

The grounds cover approximately 15 acres, allowing the stages, vendors, food areas, castles, performance spaces, and character encounters to be distributed throughout the village.

Visitors looking for more events of this kind can browse MedievalAgenda’s Renaissance Faire events.

🏴‍☠️ The Cannon Ball

The Cannon Ball takes place after the regular faire closes on Saturday during the third weekend, September 19.

Hosted by the Royal Rogues and Renegades, the after-hours pirate event includes live music, fire, acrobatics, drinks, and additional entertainment.

Confirmed Cannon Ball performers include:

• Knotty Bits Pirate Circus
• Loreweavers
• Norsefyre
• The Langer’s Ball

The Cannon Ball is open to all ages, although its entertainment is geared more toward adults and alcohol is available.

A ticket that specifically includes Cannon Ball admission is required.

🎟 Admission

Tickets for the fall faire function as weekend passes. A regular admission ticket allows the holder to attend Saturday and return on Sunday of the same festival weekend.

Regular Admission: $25
Children age 12 and younger: Free
Cannon Ball + Week 3 Admission: $40
Season Pass: $55 for all three weekends
Cannon Ball + Season Pass: $70

Children age 12 and younger receive free regular admission.

Buy tickets for The Renaissance Faire at Sleepy Hollow

🏰 The Renaissance Village

Sleepy Hollow has hosted Renaissance faire events for approximately two decades and contains a permanent Renaissance village rather than a temporary collection of festival tents.

The grounds include castle-inspired structures, taverns, shops, performance stages, entertainment areas, and shaded spaces spread across the property. The village setting provides a permanent backdrop for jousting, Royal Court appearances, fantasy characters, craftsmen, and other festival activities.

Sleepy Hollow itself occupies a larger recreational property in eastern Des Moines. The park opened in 1994 and later became known for hosting seasonal recreation and large special events. Polk County acquired the property in 2022, while the Renaissance Faire continues to operate as a separate contracted event using the grounds.

🛍 Artists, Crafters and Vendors

More than 80 artists, crafters, and vendors are part of the faire marketplace.

The village includes handmade art, clothing, jewelry, swords, armor, woodworking, and other merchandise. Artisan demonstrations also take place during the festival, allowing visitors to see craftspeople at work rather than limiting the marketplace to retail booths.

🍗 Food and Drink

Food and drink are available throughout the village. Confirmed offerings include:

• Loaded baked potatoes
• Bubble waffles
• Buttered beer
• Vegetarian meal options

The faire also partners with Van Wijk Winery for Iowa-made mead and wine.

Outside alcohol may not be brought onto the property.

🅿️ Parking

Parking arrangements depend on how admission is purchased.

Parking with an online admission purchase: Free
General Parking at the ticket booth: $7
VIP Parking: $15 per day and available only through advance online purchase

Parking areas are staffed by Sleepy Hollow personnel during the event.

🐾 Pet Policy

Well-behaved dogs and cats are permitted, with a limit of one animal companion per person.

Pets must have proof of rabies vaccination within the previous three years and must remain on a leash no longer than four feet. Owners are responsible for maintaining control of their animals and cleaning up after them.

Faire management may refuse admission to an animal considered dangerous or potentially dangerous.

🗡 Costume and Weapon Policy

Renaissance clothing is encouraged but not required, and fantasy or cosplay costumes are also welcome.

Weapons brought as part of a costume must comply with the event’s safety policy. Weapons requiring peace-tying must be secured before entering or peace-tied by staff at the front gate.

Shirts and shoes are required for all visitors.

⛺ Camping

Patron camping is not available directly at the Renaissance Faire grounds.

Camping reservations may instead be available through the nearby Iowa State Fair campground, approximately 1 mi from Sleepy Hollow.

📍 About Des Moines

Des Moines is Iowa’s state capital and its largest city, located near the confluence of the Des Moines and Raccoon rivers. It serves as a major regional center for government, insurance, finance, business, and cultural institutions.

The U.S. Census Bureau estimated the city’s population at approximately 212,000 residents in 2025, while the wider Des Moines–West Des Moines metropolitan area has more than 750,000 residents.

Sleepy Hollow is situated on the eastern side of the city, close to the Iowa State Fairgrounds.

🚗 Getting There

The faire is held at 4051 Dean Avenue in Des Moines.

Des Moines is served by Interstate 35 and Interstate 80, while Interstate 235 provides access across the metropolitan area and through central Des Moines. Visitors approaching from outside the city can use these major highways before continuing toward the eastern side of Des Moines and Dean Avenue.