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Deep in the forests of Mt. Vernon in central Arkansas, there lies the realm of Dragonstone Springs.
Enter through the gates and be transported back to the time of champion feasts fit for a knight, of teatime fit for a queen and a time of music and magic.
Arkansas now has its first permanent Renaissance Festival! This immersive event brings to life the spirit of a 16th-century European village, filled with history, fantasy, and community.
From Labor Day weekend to the first weekend in October, Dragonstone Springs comes alive with a multitude of activities, performances and more. Bring your family, friends, or go yourself and explore the Viking village, where your journey to completing a quest from the local Jarl can begin or join the Queen’s court by completing the Queen’s quest.
Watch the Jousting Tournament by the Knights of Mayhem. A group of nationally ranked Jousting Champions who compete each weekend in 160lbs of 14th-century armor atop their 1,800-lb. war horses. If you like horses, stay around after the Joust for a chance to ride one of them around the field!
Enjoy the music performances from the bard in the Pirate village, the Nemeton group in the Viking Village, Carnival of Sound in the Travelers Camp, or the handful of performers you can find while walking around the realm. Laugh with the puppet Shakespeare as his animal friends perform Hamlet. Explore the artisan vendors throughout the realm who share their beautifully handcrafted wares. Candles, jewelry, clothing, leather goods, and so much more!
Hungry? Take a break at the food court, eat a turkey leg, fish and chips or perhaps a baked potato. Perhaps you will get a sweet tooth. Enjoy a multitude of booths and vendors with sweet berries and cream, cold slushies, or chocolate-covered cheesecake. You can also find burgers, fries and pizza. They have options for any picky eaters.
Want a fancy experience? Have tea with the Queen. Did you come up with an awesome outfit/costume? Compete in the costume contest!
Explore all the different stages for acrobats, dancers, storytellers, jugglers, fire eaters and fire breathers.
Try your hand in the archery tournament qualifiers or go and watch the archery tournament. Or learn to shoot a bow at the archery range. You can even learn to throw an axe or knives at the booth next door.
Each weekend comes with its own theme. You can dress however you want. Street clothes, cool. Looking like a Viking, perfect. Want to wear fairy wings with a flowing dress, stunning. Immerse yourself in the world of the Renaissance and experience the past becoming the present.
For history enthusiasts, fantasy lovers, or anyone simply looking for a day of unique entertainment, the Arkansas Renaissance Festival offers an unforgettable experience for the whole family. Grab a turkey leg, don your favorite costume, and join us for a journey into the past like no other.”
5 Tips for attending the festival:
- Given its remote location, be sure to bring CASH. Cards may be used at some food vendors, but most do not have reliable internet access or signal to use card readers or apps for transactions. Cash makes things swift and easy for all parties. You can even exchange your cash for realm currency at the bank building located inside the gates to the festival. *Pro tip: bringing cash also helps when tipping the performers. Most of whom do their shows full-time at different Renaissance fairs and locations. Your support means everything.
- Hydration- we live in Arkansas, y’all. The temperature is still reaching the 90s during the fair’s open season. Check the weather before you go and bring a water bottle, chalice, goblet or pint. There are water stations around the festival for you to find a drink to cool off.
- Dress up! Get into character and experience the festivities like a local Renaissance lord or lady…or faire…or witch…or Viking…or pirate…or, well, you get the idea. Have fun and join in, especially with the weekend themes!
- Plan for the day —if you plan to go only for a day, plan for the whole day. The schedule and map of Dragonstone Springs can be found on their website or at the information center just inside the gates. There are a multitude of activities and performances happening throughout the realm all day. Take your time and explore all there is to see and do.
- Lastly, go tech-free! Turn off your phone or set notifications to silent and let yourself experience the magic all around you. Get lost in the Renaissance.
*pro tip: take pictures to remember all the great experiences and then post and tag @arrenfest and all the performers! This community is all about supporting each other, so the more you share, the more they can continue doing what they do!
And if you missed the Renaissance Festival this year, fret not, my friend —you can always attend next year. In the meantime, be on the lookout for the other two events at Dragonstone Springs!
- The Viking Thing (February 2026)
- “A winter gathering of strength, story and spirit. Celebrate the traditions of the Norse. Step into a world inspired by Viking history and culture, filled with competitions of strength, ancient games, live entertainment, and powerful traditions that honor the past.”
- Arkansas Viking Thing at a Glance
- Viking Games of Old- Jomswikiger, Toga hönk, Hnefatafl and Kubb
- Competitions of Valor- Warrior Challenge & Beard and Braid Contest
- Entertainment- Norse storytelling, myths and music across multiple stages
- Marketplace- Handcrafted goods from artisan vendors
- Ship Burning Ceremony- A powerful memorial ritual closing the festival
- The Highland Games Event (June 2026)
- “Experience the spirit of the highlands. A festival honoring Scottish strength, culture and tradition. From thrilling athletic competitions to lively music and dance, this even brings the rich heritage of Scotland to life in Arkansas.”
- Arkansas Highland Games at a Glance
- Full weekend of Scottish games & entertainment; hours to be announced
- Highland Games Strength Competitions- Hosted by the Arkansas Highlanders, open to the public to compete and enjoy
- Scottish Clan Tents – Connect with heritage and interact with clan representatives.
- Patron Games – Wife Carry, Tug of War, Arm Wrestling and the Sheep Toss
- Entertainment – Multiple stages of Scottish and Irish dancing and the sound of bagpipes
- Handcrafted Vendors – Artisan goods and festival keepsakes.
Watch for their exact date announcements on Facebook or Instagram (@arrenfest).
All other information can be found on their website:https://www.arrenfest.com/
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