The Kansas City Renaissance Festival is a longstanding, annual event that celebrates the lore, culture, and historical fantasy of the Renaissance period. Typically running on weekends from late August to mid-October, this festival is set in a recreated 16th-century English village named Canterbury, which comes alive with the era’s sights, sounds, and tastes. It’s best to plan for tickets in advance, as more than 200,000 people attend these events over the short season.
The Kansas City Renaissance Festival in Bonner Springs, KS, is one of the largest and most popular Renaissance-themed events nationwide. Each weekend has a fun theme, including “Wine, Chocolate, & Romance” for couples or the more family-oriented “Heroes & Villains.” Whichever sounds up your alley, there’s plenty to explore, from live entertainment on 13 stages to 165 booths to check out for goods, food, and celebration.
Before you plan your getaway to Kansas City for medieval fun, you’ll want to secure your lodging in the area. Our bed and breakfast near Kansas City in Independence is one of the best places to stay, especially for those who appreciate historic eras. Our Inn was built nearly two centuries ago, and through thoughtful restorations and modern updates, you can enjoy a quick getaway or an extended retreat with Silver Heart Inn as your home away from home. Book your lodging today!
Kansas City Renaissance Festival & More Unique Things to Do
There are plenty of unique things to do in Kansas City, and the Kansas City Renaissance Festival offers a rich, immersive experience in the history and culture of the Renaissance era. Here are the best things to know if you’re planning on attending the festival this coming year:
- Each festival weekend typically features a different theme, such as Pirate Weekend, Highland Fling, or Oktoberfest. These themes can include special events, contests, and themed entertainment, adding variety for repeat visitors.
- The Kansas City Renaissance Festival features a variety of performances, including music, reenactments of knightly jousts, comedy, magic shows, and theatrical plays, all inspired by Renaissance themes. These performances are spread across multiple stages throughout the festival grounds, entertaining for all ages.
- Artisans from all over the country come to the festival to sell their wares, which range from handcrafted jewelry and clothing to medieval weapons and artwork. Shoppers can find unique items that are not available elsewhere.
- The Kansas City Renaissance Festival is known for its traditional fare, including turkey legs, mead, ale, and other food options. The culinary experience is a big draw for many visitors, offering a taste of the past.
- The festival fosters a sense of community among attendees, many of whom dress up in period costumes to immerse themselves fully in the experience.
Other Unique Things to do in Kansas City:
While the Kansas City Renaissance Festival is such a thrilling outing, here are a few more off-the-beaten-path adventures in the area:
- Arabia Steamboat Museum: This museum has artifacts salvaged from Arabia, a steamboat that sank in the Missouri River in 1856.
- The National Museum of Toys and Miniatures: For one of the largest collections of miniatures and historic toys, this is a super fun stop in Kansas City!
- Wandering Vine at the Castle: This local landmark offers wine tasting and a meal celebrating cuisine from the American West.
- Truman Presidential Library & Museum: Located in Independence, this local library and museum gives a glimpse into the life of our 33rd president.
- Swope Park: While this large urban green space is a well-known park, it’s worth a visit for its woodlands, grassy meadows, and outdoor theater.
The Best Bed and Breakfast in Kansas City
Independence, Missouri, is a lovely destination for all who visit to witness its historic charm, which is at every turn in the town’s architecture and beautiful surroundings. Our bed and breakfast near Kansas City offers visitors the chance to relax and unwind in a way impossible at home. You can enjoy the local charm while admiring the surroundings, and events like the Kansas City Renaissance Festival and the other unique things to do are all no more than a 30-minute scenic drive.
Our bed and breakfast near Kansas City offers guests the perfect blend of historic accommodations and casual elegance. We’re just far out of the city for a restful escape, but close enough for you to enjoy the city to the fullest. We have four elegant guest rooms in the main house and two stand-alone cottages for private getaways. All lodging options have luxurious amenities and modern touches for a relaxing getaway.
Another fantastic perk of staying at Silver Heart Inn is our beautiful breakfast service each morning. We love to cook, and that’s quickly apparent when you try our delicious recipes with seasonal and local ingredients. We’re always more than happy to accommodate special dietary requests; just let us know at the time of your reservation. We can’t wait to host you; book your lodging today!
