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General Information
Experience
the “Age of Enlightenment” at the Des Moines Renaissance Faire.
Enter our gates and you will go back in time to an era when royalty ruled,
knights jousted, and the arts came alive! The excitement begins Labor Day
weekend and extends through the next two weekends in September. Browse through
more than 50 specialty shops. Attend the spectacle of the coronation at
the Royal Court. Shout the battle cry of your favorite knight at the jousting
arena. Partake in demonstrations by glass blowers, blacksmiths, potters,
wood carvers, and painters. Bring a purse full of coin, for our merchants
offer the finest in jewelry, weaponry, leather goods, candles, clothing,
children’s items, chocolates, pottery and more. Come Hungry! The irresistible
aromas of the various vendors’ baked goods, smoked meats, stir fry,
roasted nuts and caramel corn will delight even the pickiest eater. In addition
to the delicious Midwest fare and unique shopping,
this festival offers 8 stages featuring comedians, musicians, minstrels,
jugglers, pirates, belly dancers and more! You will also find games of skill
and chance as well as period man-powered carnival rides. The architecture
of the village, with Marick Castle overlooking it, will transport you to
the best-detailed and realistic simulation of Renaissance Europe that Iowa
has ever seen. Visit the gorgeous 16-acre Festival Park, the first-ever
permanent location for the Faire, and enjoy a wonderful and educational
experience for all ages! So, come! Bring your family and friends and spend
the day reliving the past. Feel free to dress in Renaissance attire if you
so desire!
Don’t miss out!
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Dates and Times For 2008
The Des Moines Renaissance Faire runs for 3 weekends in September beginning
Labor Day weekend
Opening Gate Show: 10:00 AM
Faire Hours: 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM Daily
August 30 &31st, September 1st
[Labor Day]
Pirates, Heroes & Daring Duels (1st
Weekend): The good folke of the Des Moines Renaissance Faire invite you
to walk the plank August 30 and 31st as well as September 1st! Rub shoulders with the
scurviest dogs you’ve ever met this side of the high seas. Or toss back a
tankard with the prettiest and liveliest wenches in all of Christendom. Aaargh,
mateys!
September 6th, 7th
Highlanders, Celts & Lucky Lasses
(2nd
Weekend): Honor is not dead at the Des Moines Renaissance Faire! Partake
in the pageantry of noble knights vying for fair damsels. Compete in games
of skill and chance and show off your prowess. Collect tokens of esteem and
be dubbed "the most chivalrous man or woman" by Queen Catherine.
Proudly sport your clan’s tartan colors and proclaim your heritage
September 6th and 7th! All hail the Queen!
September 13th, 14th
Romance, Wine & Royal Revelry (3rd Weekend): September 13th and 14th can be also called the "weekend of wine, women, and song"—for these are the days to celebrate the best in grape-stomping, romantic-nuzzling, and nuptial ceremonies. Come, join in the authentic English court dances, savor fine wines and ales, and steal kisses from the one you love! Yonder comes my lover!
Choose one weekend or all three to experience the spirit of Renaissance Europe. Each exciting weekend includes Jousting, musicians, pirates, comedians and a variety of artisan demonstrations.
Ticket Information
2008
Pricing
Coming Soon!
Adult Single Day: $15.10*
Child Single Day: $8* (12 and under)
Adult Two Day: $25*
Adult Season: $55*
* Add Tax
Children age 4 and under are free
Group Pricing
Sleepy
Hollow offers discount tickets for large groups, corporations, church groups,
to name a few. We would like to help you plan an exciting day at the Renaissance
Faire. Choose a date and your employees and their families will receive
discounted tickets for the day! This is a great way to reward your employees
without having to take a day out of the work week. The Renaissance Faire
is a perfect activity for family reunions or get-togethers. For more information,
please contact Mary Flatt, events coordinator, at 262-4100.
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Hotel accommodations
Are you bringing a group from out of town? Stay at the EconoLodge on
East 30th street by the State Faire Grounds. Just ask for the Sleepy
Hollow rate! Their number is 515-262-2525. Click
here for a map.
Maps
Click on the image to get directions.
Employment Opportunities
Join
the crew! Sleepy Hollow and Festivals International are looking for enthusiastic
and experienced actors, actresses, or others who have been a part of Renaissance
events. We are also looking for inexperienced village folk who are willing
to learn a character. If you are interested in becoming a part of the Des
Moines Renaissance Faire, as a character or as a vendor or merchant, contact:
Greg Schmidt at: 641-494-8457 or email: greg@festint.com
Policies
Pets
Pets (cats & dogs only, one per person) are welcome at the Des Moines
Renaissance Faire for the ticket price of $3.00. You will be provided with
a pet ID, which must be worn in clear view.
Pet owners are required to clean up after their pets and dispose of waste
in the designated receptacles.
Dogs on the property must wear a muzzle at all times.
All animals must have proof of shots – rabies, distemper and parvo
vaccinations within 3yrs (tags are sufficient).
All pets must be leashed and under complete control
at all times.
Leashes may not exceed 4 ft.
Aggressive behavior will not be tolerated.
Pet owners are required to report any accident to the Fair
Management personnel immediately.
The Des Moines Renaissance Faire officials retain the right to refuse entrance
to any pet considered dangerous or potentially dangerous.
Each pet owner must sign a hold harmless agreement, releasing the the Des
Moines Renaissance Faire and the cities of Des Moines and Pleasant Hill
for pet owner’s negligence.
If the pet owner fails to adhere to the aforementioned rules he/she may
be requested to leave the Faire grounds without a refund.
With the purchase of an admission ticket, you will receive a “Doggie
Bag” containing a Pet ID tag, plastic bags and gloves. Pet owners
are required to clean up after their pets and dispose of waste in the designated
receptacles.
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Weapons
All patrons must be at least 18 years to carry a weapon on site.
Weapons may NOT be drawn at any time. If a weapon is drawn, the patron is subject to (but not limited to) loss of weapon, removal from the Renaissance Faire property and possible prosecution by the City of Des Moines.
If a patron wishes to use a weapon for a special event (such as a wedding)
this must be cleared in advance with the Des Moines Renaissance Faire officials
including Festival Park President, Rick Flatt.
This policy applies to anyone carrying a weapon in with them or anyone
purchasing a weapon while at the Faire.
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Restricted Allowances (weapons of all types must be completely sheathed and peace-tied at all times and may not be accessible to the public):
Swords,
Knives, Dirks & Daggers – These weapons must be completely
sheathed and peace-tied and may not be accessible to the public.Not Allowed:
Antique Firearms (guns)
Firearm replicas (toy guns)
Pikes and Halberds
Allowed:
Walking sticks
Quarterstaffs
Definitions
of Weaponry:
Sheath – a protective covering, usually of thick leather that protects the edge of the blade, the wearer and anyone near the weapon from damage. The sheath must cover the entire blade, not just the tip.
Peace-tied – the method of securing a weapon to the sheath, belt or body of the wearer. If the weapon is not peace-tied upon arrival at the Faire a front gate worker must peace-tie it for you.
Alcohol
Alcohol may not be brought onto the premises but may be purchased at the
Faire.
Attire
Shirt and shoes are required of all guests at all times.
Dress in Renaissance garb is encouraged!
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Weddings
Weddings
at the Des Moines Renaissance Festival are performed according to the style
of marriage seen in Europe between 1350 and 1650 (Medieval/Renaissance).
The cost to perform a ceremony at the Faire is $250.00, which covers the cost of honorarium to the clergy, minstrels, color guard, prep time, clean-up and some decorations. A renewal of vows ceremony is $200.00. You will receive 15 Faire tickets for weddings and 10 Faire tickets for renewal of vows for the immediate family/wedding party. Any other guests must pay at the gate or the wedding party may purchase tickets prior to the ceremony at a discounted rate. The wedding package also includes participation in the Royal Parade and a toast by the King and Queen.
The ceremony may not last longer than 30 minutes (unless otherwise permitted), as there are other events scheduled for the stages for the same day.
You
will have to be in period costume for the wedding ceremony, as well as the
wedding party or anyone who is up on the “altar” facing the
audience. If you need help locating wedding attire, we will be happy to
provide vendor contact information. You can choose to dress as royalty,
nobility or peasants.
You have the option to plan and design your ceremony including, but not limited to, the language of vows, music and pageantry. You are personally responsible for supplying your own flowers, cake and other decorative accents.
The marriage must be lawful according to the guidelines and requirements of the State; appropriate license and other papers must be completed in accordance with the State’s designated procedures as well.
You may choose any stage or the designated wedding space at which the ceremony will be performed. If you want to have a private reception on-site you may do so but the space must be reserved in advance. To make a reservation or for more information regarding reception facilities and catering options, please contact Mary Flatt, Sleepy Hollow Events Coordinator.
If you would like, the groom can be knighted and the bride can have a ladyship bestowed upon her as part of the ceremony.
By choosing to perform your ceremony at the Des Moines Renaissance Faire
you will receive two free admissions to next year’s faire.
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Our Sponsors
Click on the photos to visit our sponsor websites!
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Sponsorships
Another way to join in the fun, growth and success of the Des Moines Renaissance
Faire is to become a sponsor. Currently there are 4 sponsors contributing
various amounts. The three sponsorship packages are the Platinum, Gold and
Sterling and are 3-years in duration.
3 Platinum Sponsor Opportunities ($10,000 ea.)
All Sponsorships are for a 3 year duration – 9 events.
- Jousting Field Including royal box, audience seating, etc. Entertainment includes: Joust, Sword Play School, Lumberjack Show and main act for Country Jam.
- Castle Main Stage Nationally known entertainers – comedians, wenches, magicians and jugglers.
- Guild Hall On-going artist demonstrations – ironwork, glass blowing, pottery etc.
5 Gold Sponsor Opportunities ($5,000 ea.)
All Sponsorships are for a 3-year duration – 9 events.
- Pavilion Stage Home of Queen Catherine and King William and The Great Pumpkin.
- Feasting Hall A venue for fine food and fabulous entertainment.
- Pub Stage(s) Located in the Pub. Entertainment includes: sea chanties, songs of innuendo, Sing-a-longs and bawdy humor.
- Front Gate Location of the ribbon cutting ceremony opening the Governor’s Ball.
- Landscaping Trees, bushes, planters, fall flowering perennials, water features etc.
3 Sterling Sponsor Opportunities ($3,000 ea.)
All Sponsorships are for a 3-year duration – 9 events.
- Pirate Ship Stage Rollicking privateers and scallywags.
- Children’s Stage Storytellers, fairies and characters from legend.
- Minstrel Stage Musicians of all kinds, harps, madrigals, folk songs.
As
a sponsor you will have your company name prominently displayed on printed
promotional materials and programs for all Festival Park events including
The Des Moines Renaissance Faire, Pumpkin Fest & Harvest Faire and the
Iowa Country Jam & Cajun Fest. You will also receive on sight sign(s),
complimentary festival tickets, tickets to events promoting the festivals
and other perks. Please contact Rick Flatt at Sleepy Hollow for more specific
information.
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Visit www.dmrenfaire.com for more details.