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The Great Plains Renaissance Festival has been an annual autumn Wichita event for ten years. The festival includes numerous scheduled performances on two stages, as well as strolling players and costumed entertainers. Over the course of a Saturday and a Sunday, you can experience a magic show, puppetry, knights in armor jousting on horseback and meeting in single combat, fencing, whip-handling, and falconry demonstrations, jugglers, and even aerial acrobats.
The festival offers a wide variety of music and dance for the enjoyment of patrons, with all-included performances ranging from an exotic casbah tent featuring the music and dance of the Middle East, to a Scots pipe band. In addition there are a number of strolling players in costume and character; with luck you'll find yourself conversing with dukes, a king and queen, ladies, knights, wenches, or even a pirate. Indeed, Mother Nature and notable wizards have both been spotted on the prowl at the festival.
The Great Plains Renaissance Festival works to bring the past into focus for everyone in fun and interesting ways. Dining, entertainment, shopping, and demonstrations of the way things used to be, all in one place, and all for your enjoyment. One of the two main stages is designed like the deck of a pirate ship, with replicas of the crews' quarters, the captain's quarters and the brig.
The festival draws on a variety of local talent, both professional and volunteer. There are regular demonstrations of combat forms and styles, and dances, from the local Society for Creative Anachronism. There's even a royal parade both afternoons. The carefully-rehearsed and choreographed entertainment and combat demonstrations will delight and appeal to anyone with a love of period costume and music. The festival is a terrific way to bring history to life for people of all ages.
There are a variety of vendors peddling unique, hand-crafted wares for your shopping enjoyment. The Festival hosts about 70 artisans and craftspeople selling everything from medieval clothing, art and jewelry, glass wear, and even musical instruments. Whatever your special area of medieval or renaissance interest, you're likely to find an artisan who shares your enthusiasm and brings that history to life. And of course, a variety of food and beverages, including foods designed to be easily consumed while in motion, and, foods likely to appeal to kids, are also available.
The festival is willing to arrange special events, including weddings, with arrangements in advance of the event. You're cordially encouraged to schedule corporate retreats, family reunions, or other special events. The festival website suggests that special rates and group discounts are available.
Celebrate where medieval meets the prairie! The Great Plains Renaissance Festival is held during a weekend in the fall at Sedgwick County Park in Wichita, Kansas.
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