Renaissance Festival FAQ
Q: How is KCRF handling COVID-19?
A: KCRF is following all federal, state and local mandates regarding COVID-19. We update as we get news and regulations put into place. At this time, we are not requiring masks or proof of vaccination, but encourage everyone to have a safe and healthy good time. Some of our vendors may require masks inside their shops, so we recommend bringing one just in case.
Q: What does the admission price include?
A: Free parking, all Stage Shows, including the Tournament Jousting, Contests, Themed Weekend Events, and entertainment around every bend in Canterbury.
Q: What are the Dates and Hours of the Festival?
A: We are open Weekends Sept 2rd – Oct 15th, 2023, plus Sept. 4th & Oct 9th. Festival hours are 10am – 7pm, rain or shine. Hours for Oct. 9th are 10am-5pm.
Q: Is the Renaissance Festival open during the week?
A: The Festival is only open Saturdays and Sundays with the exception of Labor Day and Discovery Day (Columbus Day), Sept. 4th & Oct. 9th.
Q: Are you open during inclement weather?
A: We are open rain or shine. We do not offer refunds in the event of inclement weather.
Q: What time are the Jousts?
A: Jousts are held daily during the festival at 1pm, 3pm and 5pm (except on Oct. 9th).
Q: Can I bring my dog?
A: Yes, the Festival is Dog Friendly! There will be half-priced dog admission during our Pet Weekend. See our Bring Your Dog page for more information!
Q: Are we allowed to take photos and videos?
A: Absolutely! Please be courteous and respectful to our guests, vendors and performers. Guests may not perform or pose for pictures for other guests for remunerations of any kind, including tips.
Q: What are your gluten free options? What about vegetarian options? What do I do if I’m allergic to any of the food products you serve?
A: The Kansas City Renaissance Festival offers a wide range of food options, including a limited number of vegetarian items. We also sell foods that contain peanuts, tree nuts, soy, milk, eggs and wheat. Cross contact may occur with your food due to shared cooking equipment. While we take steps to minimize the risk of cross contamination, we cannot guarantee that any of our products are safe to consume for people with peanut, tree nut, soy, milk, egg, or wheat allergies.
Instead of risking adverse reactions, we encourage our customers who are concerned about their food allergies or other dietary limitations to bring a packed lunch to enjoy safely.
Q: Are outside food and beverages allowed?
A: In most instances, no. Many beverages, including water, are sold within the grounds. There is also a wide variety of food for sale. (Exceptions may be made for very young children or guests with special dietary needs – see above.)
Q. Do you serve alcohol?
A. There are several bars at the Festival, and alcohol is served at many of our Daily Royal and special events. Alcohol service will only be provided to guests 21 or older who show a valid, government-issued photo ID. The Kansas City Renaissance Festival reserves the right to refuse service to any individual who appears to be impaired or intoxicated. No outside alcoholic beverages are allowed.
Q: If I leave the Festival, can I get back in?
A: As long as you have your hand stamped, you are allowed back into the festival for the day.
Q: Is there an ATM?
A: Yes, there are several ATMs on-site, including one outside the front gate. See the festival map to find one.
Q: Do all of your vendors accept credit or debit cards?
A: In most cases, you can use either cash or cards. However, we recommend bringing cash or using our ATMs, as there are a few cash-only locations.
Q: Is the Festival wheelchair accessible?
A: The Festival is held in a natural, outdoor setting. At times, the grounds may be muddy or difficult to maneuver in a wheelchair.
We do offer disabled-accessible parking and disabled-accessible portable toilets.
Q: Does the Festival provide any accommodations for the hearing impaired?
A: Yes. Sign language interpreters are available on-site.
Q: Where can I camp near the Festival?
A: There is no camping or overnight parking on the Festival grounds. The nearest campgrounds are the Walnut Grove RV Park in Merriam, Kansas and the KOA in Lawrence, Kansas, both within 25 miles of the grounds. There are other campgrounds in the Kansas City area; most are 40-50 miles away.
Q: Do you offer Discount Tickets?
A: Discount tickets and coupons can be found at various locations. We will update the website as new outlets are added for the season.
Q: Where can I breastfeed at the Festival?
A: You are welcome to breastfeed anywhere you feel comfortable doing so! We do have a more private area in our Children’s Realm available, if you prefer.
Q: Are there special discounts for Military Service Members?
A: Show your military or veteran’s ID at the gate for a $20.95 adult ticket.
Q: Are two-day Festival Admission passes available?
A: We are offering a 2-pack of adult tickets for $36 in advance ($18 per ticket). These tickets can be ordered in multiples of two.
Q: Do I have to wear a costume?
A: No, but we encourage it! We ask that you keep it “family-friendly” and avoid anything that could cause a safety hazard, such as masks that obstruct vision. (See below regarding prop weapons.) Remember, we have rough terrain, so be careful! Footwear is required at all times.
Q: Can I bring prop or peace-tied weapons?
A: Unfortunately, weapons are strictly restricted on the festival grounds (even if they are peace-tied). Plastic, cardboard, and wood replica weapons are allowed, as long as they do not have any sharp edges and are not handled in a way that might strike someone. Bows are not permitted unless transported, by competitors, unstrung, to and from official Festival events. The Festival bans firearms on our premises. See our Key Policies page for more detail.
Q: What if I buy a weapon from one of your vendors?
A: Vendors will send your weapons purchases to the front gate, where you will be able to pick them up as you leave the Festival. Please coordinate with individual vendors to ensure that you receive your item before you leave.
Q: What if I feel unsafe or threatened at the Festival?
A: We have security personnel on-site on all Festival days. Do not hesitate to ask them for assistance, or ask other staff or vendors to contact them. Our Policy Against Harassment and Discrimination can be found here. We want to make sure everyone to has a great, safe time!
Q: What if I need medical attention?
A: The Renaissance Festival provides a fully equipped and professionally staffed First Aid Station. If you need assistance, Festival staff and vendors can reach our Safety & Medical teams to request help. Please do not call 911 while on site, except in cases of life-threatening emergency.
Q: Where is the lost and found?
A: Anything that is turned in can be found at the Information/Will Call Booth near the front gate that weekend. Otherwise, you may call the office at 913-721-2110 during Festival hours and Monday – Friday, from 10am-4pm, to collect items.
Q: What if I have other questions?
A: You can call our office at 913-721-2110 or email office@kcrenfest.com for other inquiries.
Knights of Lights FAQ
Q: What are the admission prices?
A: Prices at the gate are $20 for adults and $12 for children 5-12. Children under 5 are always free!
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Q: What are the dates and hours of Knights of Lights?
A: We are open Fridays through Sundays from November 25th to December 18th. Additionally, we’ll be open December 21st to 24th, and the 30th and 31st. Hours are 5:30-10pm.
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Q: Where do we enter?
A: Come to the King’s Gate entrance at 633 N. 130th St. (between K-7 and State Ave.). This is the large gravel parking lot and main gate.
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Q: Are discount tickets available?
A: Several local businesses are sharing coupons for $5 off. A list of confirmed outlets can be found here. We recommend contacting them in advance to make sure they have coupons in stock.
We also offer a $5 off discount for anyone who brings 5 or more non-perishable food items, and a $3 discount for active military or veterans at the gate. Honors students can also receive a free ticket, as they do during Festival.
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Q: Can I bring my dog?
A: Dogs are welcome at Knights of Lights! Admission is $5. See our Bring Your Dog page for our rules and policies regarding pets.
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Q: What is there to do at Knights of Lights?
A: Aside from admiring the displays, you can interact with Santa, Scrooge and other costumed characters, watch a juggling performance, listen to holiday music, enjoy food & drinks, do some shopping, ride a giant rocking horse, make crafts, and go home with a goodie bag! We also have door prizes every weekend – sign up at the merchandise booth, and we’ll announce winners each Monday.
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Q: What costs extra?
A: Food, drinks (except hot chocolate for the kids), the rocking horse, a few crafts and our shops and merch (of course). All the entertainment and the goodie bags are free! Our list of vendors can be found here.
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Q: Are there ATMs on site?
A: We currently do not have ATMs available during Knights of Lights. However, our vendors (including food booths and the box office) can take credit and debit cards.
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Q: What about restrooms?
A: Our regular “Royal Privies” are out of service during the winter, but there are port-a-potties around the site and outside the front gate.
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Q: Are you open rain or shine?
A: Unlike the regular Festival, Knights of Lights is held entirely after dark. This makes the site more challenging than usual if it starts to rain (not to mention sleet or snow). If our management believes that the site is becoming too dangerous, we will close the event early. Please visit our social media pages or the home page of this website for updates during inclement weather.
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Q: What is Feast of Lights?
A: Feast of Lights is your chance to enjoy a gourmet Italian meal inside a heated “igloo” while you view our lights. For $150, you get admission to Knights of Lights, plus the dinner and a bottle of wine. Go here for information and tickets.
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Q: What are you doing for New Year’s Eve?
A: Having a party! After 10pm, the site will be closed to anyone under 21. We’ll have entertainment, food & champagne until 1am, at a cost of $30 ($20 for designated drivers, who will receive free soft drinks). The price includes admission to the regular Knights of Lights event from 5:30-10pm. If you already have event tickets, you can upgrade to party tickets at the gate for $10, with no upcharge for designated drivers.
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