Arkansas Renaissance Festival
- Dates
- Expected September
- Status
- Confirmed
- Venue
- Dragonstone Springs, 275 Adkisson Rd, Mount Vernon, AR 72111
- Price
- Not announced
- Camping
- None on site
- Last checked
- Sep 1, 2026
Arkansas Renaissance Festival comes to Mount Vernon, AR, Expected September, with Brian Pollock, Camptown Capers, Chaste Treasure, plus 2 more. Froligo tracks the confirmed lineup, 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
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
No travel details for Arkansas Renaissance Festival yet.
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Where
Exact location not mapped yet.
Venue
Dragonstone Springs, 275 Adkisson Rd, Mount Vernon, AR 72111
Camping & Accommodation
No camping or lodging details for Arkansas Renaissance Festival yet.
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Pricing
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