Event Details:
June 3 – 4 // W.H. Lyon Fairgrounds // 10 a.m. – 7 p.m. and 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Come one, come all good lords and ladies to the 22nd Annual Siouxland Renaissance Festival. The two-day affair brings people of all ages back to 1575 in Shrewsbury, England.
This festival brings the Renaissance period to life with its vibrant festivities, lively entertainment, and rich historical atmosphere. Whether you’re a fan of fantasy or history, or looking for a new and memorable experience, the Siouxland Renaissance Festival has something for everyone.
The festivities begin at 10 a.m. with the Opening of the Gates Ceremony. As you enter the festival grounds, you’ll be captivated by the antics of our Festival Court and the theatrics of our festival entertainers as they welcome you to the festival. Between jousting tournaments, sword fighting, musical acts, and comedic shows, there’s never a dull moment.
“Our multiple stages of entertainment and wandering acts have something for adults and children,” said Kari Blom, Siouxland Renaissance Association development committee chair.
The six stages introduce a talented fleet of performers as they bring the streets of the Renaissance era to life.
“We’re introducing new acts with DragonFire, a fire-breathing act, Brothers Dymm, a comedy sword fighting act, Riddle Master of Hallow Hill, along with aerialists from Cirka Performance Arts,” said Blom.
“We have Over 50 Talented Entertainers who come from far and wide to perform for us each year.” -deborah johnson
“After watching the aerialists, guests will have the chance to purchase a lesson on the skills for themselves,” Deborah Johnson, entertainment committee chair continued.
For the kids, the Children’s Realm welcomes them to the merriment, from the festival scavenger hunt to the storytelling from Lyrique the Mermaid.
“There’s a designated game area with giant checkers, children’s jousting, and other games and crafts,” said Blom.
Be sure to check out the must-see full-armored jousting at 11:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. as well as the hysterical act from The Tortuga Twins on the Crown Stage.
“The Tortuga Twins perform classic fairy tales that are fractured beyond belief with the help of the audience,” said Blom. “Each performance is different thanks to the audience members they select to portray the fairy tale characters.”
The twins will perform two times a day on the Crown Stage, as well as present their Sword Fighting and Stupidity Show in the Dragon Event Tent.
The Dragon Event tent is home to adult geared performances including the Naughty Bawdy Brigade and Rogue’s Daughters.
Beer, wine, and mead are available for purchase in the Pub Stage Tent along with a daily taster event.
“The Pub Tent also features non-stop music and fun acts from The Dregs, Four Pints Shy, and Bathos the Muse,” said Johnson. “Those who make their way to the tent bright and early can enjoy a wake-up drink with Barátok Belly Dance and count it as morning aerobics.”
2023 Performance Acts:
Barátok Belly Dance
Bathos the Muse
Brothers Dymm
Cirka Performance Arts
DragonFire
Four Pints Shy
In the Rigging
Lighting Juggler
Lyrique the Mermaid
Mustafa Ali
Naughty Bawdy Brigade
Peasants for Hire
Ravenscroft Musicke Guild
Rogue’s Daughters
Sioux City Renaissance Recorder Ensemble
The Dregs
The Tortuga Twins
War Horse
Zilch the Torysteller
Join in the fun and festivities at the Renaissance Festival with Renaissance-era costumes. Whether you’re a noble knight, a fair maiden, or a mischievous jester, the period-appropriate costumes add to the overall ambiance.
“Join in the Scavenger Hunt and play the pirate on the hunt for loot or the prince or princess out for a day at the market, the possibilities are endless,” said Blom.
Blom adds that while dressing up is fun, guests can come as they are.
“My biggest advice to stay comfortable is that you dress for the weather and rest under the shaded trees amongst the festival grounds,” expressed Blom.
For those looking to dress up, but unsure of where to begin, various vendors located in the Royal Exhibit Hall and throughout the multiple vendor villages are equipped with pieces to add to your wardrobe.
“Come for a day or the weekend to relax, enjoy, and take in the sights, sounds, and fun of the renaissance festival.” -kari blom
“You can find bodices, tunics, very fine hats, silk skirts and pants, and more,” said Johnson.
Under the air-conditioned hall are artisans and vendors showcasing their unique crafts and wares. Stroll through the marketplace and discover handcrafted jewelry, period clothing, bags, honey, and more.
“Throughout the day, satisfy your appetite with a delectable assortment of food and drink options. A variety of food tents and trucks will be located throughout the fairgrounds, keeping your stomach full.
“Be sure you get your turkey leg,” said Blom. “It’s a staple everyone must try.”
For more information, visit siouxlandrenfest.com+
