Colorado Renaissance Festival: The Ultimate Guide
Every once in a while, you might feel the intense desire to “get medieval”, and the best place to truly get medieval is the Colorado Renaissance Festival. In most of the world, in fact, these types of festivals, the ones with chamber maids and Robin Hood types frolicking around, are typically referred to as “Medieval Festivals.” They have become increasingly popular worldwide, and ever since the success of Game of Thrones, they have been growing at an incredible rate. Among the finest and most sought-after Renaissance experiences in the world can all be found in greater Denver, at the Colorado Renaissance Festival.
This guide will break down everything visitors need to get a smooth trip.
Looking for a rental in the metro-Denver while you enjoy all the wizards at the Colorado Renaissance Festival?
History of the Colorado Renaissance Festival
The Colorado Renaissance Festival has been an integral part of Denver and Colorado’s cultural tapestry for years. What began as a small, traveling fair has grown into a permanent summer tradition along the I-25 corridor. The Colorado Renaissance Festival started in 1975 as a teardown event in Morrison with about 60 artisan booths, then shifted south, first to Castle Rock and, by the late 1970s, to its purpose-built village in Larkspur.
Photo courtesy of the Colorado Renaissance Festival
Today, it spans multiple stages, hundreds of vendors, and draws crowds across eight themed weekends each summer.
Remember, we have properties like our Mountainside Escape in Larkspur and other areas near the Renaissance Festival.
When is the Colorado Renaissance Festival?
The Colorado Renaissance Festival is traditionally held across eight weekends during the summer, specifically on Saturdays and Sundays, from mid‑June through early August. The 2026 season ran from June through early August on Saturdays and Sundays, 10:00 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., rain or shine. The weather is amazing during this time of year in Colorado, with most days being sunny and no clouds in the sky.
Where is the Colorado Renaissance Festival?
The Colorado Renaissance Festival (CRF) lives in a permanent Tudor-style village at 650 Perry Park Ave in Larkspur, which is about 39 miles from Denver and 32 miles from Colorado Springs. Expect themed weekends, nonstop stage shows, artisan booths, mead, and a full-armor joust.
📍 Good to know (policies & vibe):
- Parking is free (it’s a field, ground clearance helps).
- No pets and no full-face masks; costume weapons must be peace-tied.
- 2025 introduced daily online ticket limits to manage crowding; in-person sales at King Soopers and the gate still ran without caps.
Why go to the Colorado Renaissance Festival?
People go to the Colorado Renaissance Festival because of all the fun activities and experiences that are available! It’s really one of the best Renaissance Festivals in the United States, and some of the highlights are as follows.
The joust and royal court
Just like at most Renaissance Festivals, the joust is the signature event. Knights in full armor charge at each other with lances in the festival’s tournament arena, trying to defend the honor of their shire. In between jousts, the royal court parades through the village, complete with Queen Isabella, her attendants, and jesters who pull the crowd into their antics.
Themed weekends
The Colorado Renaissance Festival has special themed weekends throughout the year that cater to different popular tastes. Each of the weekends has a different theme geared towards kids, adults, or both. Some of the previous highlights include:
- Celtic Festival Weekend with bagpipers, Irish dancers, and a traditional Highland games showcase.
- Pirate Version where the village fills with sea shanties, pirate crews roaming the streets, and special rum tastings.
- Wine & Revelry Weekend featuring local Colorado wineries pouring tastings alongside live flamenco.
- Children’s Weekend with costume contests for kids, discounted tickets, and interactive story hours.
One-of-a-kind live performances
Beyond the joust, there are crowd favorites like The Washing Well Wenches, a slapstick comedy show, or The Ded Bob Show, a skeletal puppet with sarcastic humor that’s been a festival staple for years. These puppets’ music ranges from lute players to full bands like The Poxy Boggards or Tartanic, a bagpipe-and-drum ensemble that draws huge crowds.
Artisan marketplace and live demos
At the Colorado Renaissance Festival, it’s more than shopping; it’s shopping in the year 732. Blacksmiths hammer at forges, glassblowers shape molten glass, and leatherworkers craft armor on-site. In past years, festival-goers could try their hand at archery or axe throwing, or commission custom jewelry or swords.
Medieval food
If you’ve never gotten down on some Medieval food before, now is a great time to start. The giant roasted turkey leg is iconic, but regulars know about other staples: honey mead from local brewers, “steak on a stake,” funnel cakes dusted with powdered sugar, and bread bowls filled with chowder. During themed weekends, special menus pop up like shepherd’s pie during the Celtic Weekend festivities.
Colorado Renaissance: Dates, themes, tickets, and hours
Photo courtesy of the Colorado Renaissance Festival
Below you can find the essential information for this year at a glance, including season dates, theme weekends, hours, and typical ticket pricing.
| Item | Details (2026) |
|---|---|
| Season | June 14 – August 3 (8 weekends, Sat–Sun) |
| Daily hours | 10:00 a.m. – 6:30 p.m., rain or shine |
| Themes | Magical Fantasy, Ale & Art (+Military), Celtic, Children’s, Pirate Invasion, Wine & Revelry, Romance & Masquerade, Time Travelers/Final Huzzah |
| Ticket (gate) | Adults ~$32; kids 5–12 ~$15; under 5 free |
| Ticket (online) | Adults ~$30.50; kids ~$14 (all-in pricing) |
| Discounts | King Soopers often has the lowest price (e.g., $29 adult / $14 child in 2026) |
Need a place to stay near the action you can’t get anywhere else?
Getting there and parking
CRF traffic is a known thing, seriously. With all of the demand from both out-of-state and in-state visitors to visit one of the top Renaissance festivals in the US, it’s no surprise that I-25 can get clogged like no other. Seasonal traffic plans encourage drivers to use I-25 to the Larkspur exit and park only in designated lots. Certain frontage and back roads may be restricted on busy weekends to keep congestion in check. Make sure you build a buffer and arrive before opening for the closest lots and the least stress.
Quick planning for visitors
- Bring: hat/sunscreen, refillable water bottle, closed-toe shoes, small daypack with some cash, portable phone charger, and a light rain poncho.
- Food & shows: classic fair food and mead; lines peak noon–2 p.m. Eat early or late. Check the schedule at the gate and plan around the joust.
- Beat crowds: arrive before opening for closer parking; do shopping/photos early and a second show block late afternoon.
- Costumes & rules: dress lightly with sturdy footwear; props must be peace-tied. No pets or full-face masks.
- Families & access: bigger-wheel strollers do best; pick a meet-up spot. Paths are dirt/gravel; budget extra time.
- Weather & connectivity: reapply sunscreen, hydrate steadily, and screenshot tickets/maps in case cell service lags.
Day-trip budget examples (Family of 4)
So, you have a family of four with two little tykes that carry an insatiable appetite for dragons and various medieval jousts. You might be asking yourself: How much is this going to cost me? Is it going to be an arm and a leg or simply an arm? Use this as a simple, family-of-four day-trip model, no lodging, free field parking, and Denver round-trip mileage.
We assume a few things here. We assume online ticket pricing, a modest meal and drink per person, light participation in rides/games, and one small souvenir. Your total drops with grocery-store ticket discounts, shared snacks, or skipping merch; it rises with extra drinks, costumes, premium activities, or multiple souvenirs. Packing refillable water and a few kid-friendly snacks is the easiest way to keep spending in check.
It’s important to note here as well that Larkspur and the Colorado Renaissance Festival are not so far from the Colorado Outlet Malls in Castle Rock. If you can’t handle driving by a place with amazing discounts without stopping, be prepared to spend a little more!
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The Perfect Festival Experience Starts Here
The Colorado Renaissance Festival only lasts a few weekends each year, but planning your stay early makes the experience so much smoother. Trust us, with all that live-jousting and wench activity during the day, it’s a pain to have to worry about accommodation. Between cheering on jousts, tearing into giant turkey legs, and wandering streets filled with performers, you’ll want a comfortable place to recharge at the end of the day.
That’s where AirSimplicity comes in. Whether it’s a cozy cabin, a family-sized home, or a stylish retreat close to the festival, you’ll find options that fit every need. Booking direct means better rates and extra perks, so it pays to secure your spot before the rush. Lock in your stay now and make sure your festival getaway feels just as unforgettable as the festival itself.
FAQ
Is the festival accessible for guests with mobility needs?
The grounds are a mix of dirt, gravel, and wood-chip paths, so plan for uneven footing. There are accessible parking areas near the entrance and accessible restrooms, but moving between stages can take extra time. Guests using wheelchairs or strollers with larger wheels tend to have an easier day. Arrive early, map out shaded rest stops, and consider a lightweight cushion or cooling towel for comfort.
How can we stay connected if cell service gets spotty?
Coverage can slow down during peak hours, which affects texts and card readers. Screenshot your tickets, schedule, and a simple site map before you go. Set a meet-up spot and times (e.g., front gate at noon and 3 p.m.) in case messages lag. A small battery pack helps keep phones alive for photos and payments.
What amenities do festival-goers look for in nearby rentals?
Proximity and easy parking top the list, followed by fast self-check-in and clear quiet hours. A kitchenette with basics (coffee, tea, simple breakfast supplies) helps guests skip one meal out.