Arkansas Renaissance Festival
- Dates
- Expected September 2027
- Status
- Expected
- Venue
- Dragonstone Springs, 275 Adkisson Rd, Mount Vernon, AR 72111
- Price
- Not announced
- Camping
- None on site
- Last checked
- Oct 16, 2026
Arkansas Renaissance Festival's 2027 dates haven't been announced yet. The last festival was 29 August to 4 October 2026 in Mount Vernon, AR. Froligo tracks ticket prices, attendee feedback and travel details.
The experience
What's special
The Arkansas Renaissance Festival is the state's largest and only permanent Renaissance festival, staged at Dragonstone Springs in Mount Vernon, roughly 35 minutes from Conway. Across six themed weekends from late August through early October (every Saturday, Sunday and Labor Day, 10am-6pm), it immerses guests in a 16th-century village with live jousting, sword fights, stage performers, artisan markets, and a permanent build of shops set in a shaded forest. Each weekend carries its own theme, from high fantasy and pirates to a Venetian masquerade, Celtic highlands, Vikings and a Halloween-tinged finale, and add-on experiences include the Champion's Feast and the Queen's Tea. Since opening in 2024 it has drawn regional recognition, placing second for Best Festival in the Southeast at the 2024 Southeast Ren Fest Awards
What people love
Attendees describe the festival as surprisingly large and well put together, worth a long drive, with most shows included free and a warm, family-friendly atmosphere; visitors report having a great time even in bad weather. Central Arkansas fans have long wished for a big local faire, and many praise the shaded, forested grounds and the permanent village build. A recurring question from newcomers is whether alcohol is sold, as beer and wine were not available on-site in the early seasons
Last time around
Recent attendee accounts describe a big, well-run faire with strong turnout, plenty happening around the grounds, and free shows throughout; some visitors traveled several hours and still felt it was well worth the trip
Themed weekends
Open every Saturday and Sunday plus Labor Day, from August 29 through October 4, 10am-6pm, across six themed weekends. A School Days event runs September 21
On the lanes & stages
Set in the Medieval, Renaissance periods. Event style: faire.
Lineup
2027 lineup not yet announced. Here is who played in 2026:
Costumes & what to wear
Do I need a costume?
Costumes are welcome but entirely optional; organizers say the majority of guests wear only light costuming or none at all, and first-timers will not feel out of place in ordinary clothes
Costume rules
Costumes are highly encouraged but not required, and many guests dress in Renaissance, fantasy, or themed attire. Each weekend has a theme that guests are welcome to embrace fully, add their own twist to, or skip entirely. The festival is run as a family event and organizers say they will address anyone whose attire is too revealing
Joining in
An interactive event where guests embark on quests, can be knighted by the Queen, test their aim in the Royal Archery Competition, try Viking games, splash with mermaids, trade trinkets, and dance the Maypole. Live shows run all day; most performances are free, while activities such as axe throwing, javelin, archery and food are paid separately. Alcohol was not sold on-site in the early seasons
Getting there
How do I get to Arkansas Renaissance Festival?
By car
Most people drive to Arkansas Renaissance Festival. Check current road and traffic conditions before you set off, and see parking below.
By train
No direct passenger rail to the venue was found. Drive, fly in, or use a shuttle instead.
By bus & public transit
No scheduled intercity bus or public transit route to the venue was found. Drive, fly in, or use a shuttle instead.
Taxi & rideshare
LIT is the nearest airport with regular commercial service, about 45 to 50 minutes from Dragonstone Springs. Uber and Lyft operate normally from the terminal, but a rideshare direct to Mount Vernon runs long and pricey given the distance; most visitors combine a short in-city trip with a rental car for the final stretch
Book / info →Because Mount Vernon and Conway sit well outside Little Rock's transit and rideshare coverage, a rental car from the LIT terminal is the practical way to reach the festival and its recommended lodging
Book / info →Taxis and rideshare such as Uber and Lyft can be limited near the venue, especially late at night or in rural areas. Agree a pickup point and time in advance and keep a backup plan.
🅿 Parking
Cost Not stated.
🚙 Car hire
Compare car hire
If you are hiring a car, it is worth checking parking near the venue before you go.
Search car hire →Car hire links may earn Froligo a commission; they never change the price you pay.
Where
Map shows the centre of Mount Vernon. The venue's exact point is not confirmed yet.
Venue
Dragonstone Springs, 275 Adkisson Rd, Mount Vernon, AR 72111
Camping & Accommodation
Where can I stay near Arkansas Renaissance Festival?
No on site camping. Here is where to stay nearby.
Budget stays 1
Conway, AR, off I-40 near Lake Conway
≈ $55-75 / night approx, book direct with the hotel
Check rates →Mid-range hotels 2
2330 Sanders Street, Conway, AR
≈ $120-160 / night approx, book direct with the hotel
Check rates →805 Amity Road, Conway, AR
≈ $140-190 / night approx, book direct with the hotel
Check rates →Airport hotels 2
4301 East Roosevelt Road, Little Rock, AR 72206
Link coming soon3121 Bankhead Drive, Little Rock, AR 72206
Link coming soonAirbnb & private camping
Conway and the wider central-Arkansas area carry a moderate short-term-rental supply; weekend festival dates through the fall run may see tighter availability than midweek
Search Airbnb →Hipcamp lists private-land and farm camping around central Arkansas, including options closer to Mount Vernon and Greenbrier than a Conway hotel, for visitors who want to camp nearby without using the festival's own partner campgrounds
Search Hipcamp →Browse all hotels near Dragonstone Springs, 275 Adkisson Rd, Mount Vernon, AR 72111 →
Hotel links may earn Froligo a commission; they never change the price you pay.
Accessibility & comfort
What the organiser or venue publishes about getting around, and what they do not.
Confirm your specific needs with the organiser's access team before you travel.
Pricing
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