Colorado Renaissance Festival: A First-Timer's Guide
By Connor Tien, DougCo Social · Updated August 2026
The Colorado Renaissance Festival snuck up on me again — I looked up and the season was almost gone, so I drove down to Larkspur and caught the very last day, Sunday, August 2. It's a whole village of shops and stages tucked into the pines, way bigger than I expected, and it was packed. It only runs weekends (Saturdays and Sundays), the 2026 run just wrapped, and it was the festival's 49th — which makes next year the 50th anniversary. Here's how my day went and what you'll want to know to plan yours for 2027.
The Essentials
- When: Weekends only (Sat & Sun), 10am – 6:30pm, mid-June through early August
- 2026 dates (just wrapped): June 13 – August 2, 2026
- 2027: the 50th anniversary — dates post in the spring
- Location: 650 Perry Park Ave, Larkspur, CO 80118 (about 39 miles south of Denver)
- Tickets (2026): Adult $32 box office / $31.50 Etix online / $29 at King Soopers; Kids 5–12 $15/$14; under 5 free
- Parking: Free, on-site — arrive early, closer lots fill first
- Food & drink: Cash only — bring cash
- Pets: Not permitted (service animals excepted)
Walking In
You walk up to a big castle gate and, before you're even through it, someone in costume is already heckling you. That's the tone from the first step — everyone in character, everyone committed. I was picturing a couple of tents and a turkey leg. What I got was a whole village: rows of shops, a bunch of stages, winding dirt lanes, and a jousting arena set into the hillside with a natural bowl of spectators.
It's bigger than it sounds — 60 acres, ten stages, and more than 200 artisan shops (those are the festival's own numbers). My mistake was wandering without a plan, because the place is spread out and the good seats at the good shows fill up early. The rest of this is what I'd tell a friend before they went. First, the boring-but-important stuff: getting there.
Getting There & Parking
The festival is in Larkspur at 650 Perry Park Ave, about 39 miles south of Denver. A lot of people default to I-25 and the Larkspur exit, but I'd take CO-105 — it's often the faster, more convenient route, especially if you're coming from the west side of the metro or Highlands Ranch. It's prettier too, and it skips the interstate.
Parking is free, right on the grounds. The only thing to know is that the closer lots fill first, so the earlier you arrive, the shorter your walk. I got there mid-morning and parked in an overflow lot, about a 10-minute walk to the gate. The entry line moved fast — I basically walked right in.
Tickets & What It Costs
There are three ways to buy, and the price isn't the same. Here's how 2026 shook out:
| Where | Adult | Kids 5–12 | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Box office (gate) | $32 | $15 | Walk-up. Under 5 free. |
| Etix (online) | $31.50 | $14 | Buy ahead, skip the box-office line. |
| King Soopers | $29 | $14 | Customer-service desk. $3 off — the cheapest way in. |
So the move is simple: grab your tickets at the King Soopers customer-service desk on your way through the week and save three bucks a head over the gate. And once you're inside, all food and drink is cash only — that's the festival's official policy, and it got me. There are ATMs on the grounds, but bring cash from home so you're not hunting for one when you're hungry.
The Entertainment
The jousting is the anchor, and it runs three times a day: the Tournament of Skill at 11:30am, the Tournament of Arms at 2:30pm, and the Trial by Combat at 5:30pm. Real horses, real armor. You can move around the arena to different camps to back a knight, and the whole crowd leans in. I caught two of the three and would've stayed for the last one if the sun hadn't cooked me — get to the arena early for a seat on the shaded side of the hill.
Beyond the joust, ten stages run comedy, music, and stunts all day. I caught a fire performer (the Dragonfire show), Cy the Sword Swallower doing exactly what his name promises, and Damh & Dove — a bagpipe-and-drum husband-and-wife duo, with Ashley on the drums — on the Pirate Ship Stage. There's a Royal Procession at 1pm and a Knighting Ceremony at the Chapel at 3:30pm if you want the pageantry. And if you want to do something instead of watch, there's axe throwing, knife throwing, and archery scattered around. (If you really want to commit, you can even get married there — the festival hosts weddings at the Canterbury Chapel.)
My favorite thing all day, though, was Vegetable Justice — the stocks where you pay a couple bucks to throw tomatoes at a guy locked in. The catch is he heckles you the whole time, roasting your throwing arm and your outfit while you wind up. It's dumb, it's perfect, and I could've watched it for an hour.
A Look at the Daily Schedule
Here's the 2026 daily lineup so you can see how packed a single day is — this was the schedule on my closing Sunday. Pull up the official program and the festival map when you go, pick three or four things you can't miss, and build your day around getting to those stages early.
| Stage / Show | Times |
|---|---|
| Combat Jousting (Joust Arena) | Tournament of Skill 11:30am · Tournament of Arms 2:30pm · Trial by Combat 5:30pm |
| Castle Rose Stage | The Tortuga Twins (headline comedy) 10:45 / 12:45 / 2:45 / 4:45 · Grand Finale 5:45 |
| Fortune Stage | Dxd Bob 11:00 / 1:00 / 3:00 / 4:45 · London Broil 12:30 / 2:00 / 3:45 / 6:00 |
| Pirate Ship Stage | The Washing Well Wenches 11:15 / 1:45 / 3:30 / 4:45 · Damh & Dove (bagpipe + drum duo) 12:00 / 1:15 / 3:00 / 4:15 |
| Celestial Stage | Dragonfire (fire show) 10:45 / 12:15 / 1:45 / 3:45 · Zilch the Torysteller 11:30 / 1:00 / 2:30 / 4:30 |
| Globe Stage | Arsene of Paris 10:45 / 12:30 / 2:00 / 3:45 · The Witch Trial 11:45 / 1:15 / 3:00 / 4:45 |
| Crown Stage | Blades and Bravery 11:00 / 1:15 / 4:15 · The Kamikaze Fireflies 12:15 / 2:00 / 3:30 / 5:00 · Cy the Sword Swallower 2:45 |
| The Pirate’s Pub | Chaste Treasure 11:00 / 12:30 / 2:15 / 3:15 · The Crimson Pirates 11:45 / 1:45 / 4:30 · Pub Sing 6:00 |
| Festival-wide | Royal Procession 1:00pm daily · Knighting Ceremony at the Chapel 3:30pm daily |
This is the 2026 lineup. The 2027 schedule will likely be similar, but the festival hasn't posted it yet — acts and times rotate, so always check the printed program on the day.
Eat & Drink (Cash Only)
First, one more time: the food and drink are cash only. The funny part is how much of it comes on a stick — cheesecake on a stick, sausage on a stick, steak on a stake, even mac and cheese on a stick. But there's plenty that isn't skewered too: turkey legs, an International Food Court with pizza, nachos, subs and mini donuts, and Friar Tuck's Bakery, which has gluten-free options and the coffee — that's where I grabbed my cappuccino.
I went with the steak on a stake ($9.75). It was good — thin, charred strips, a little chewy, exactly the kind of thing you eat while walking through a fake medieval village. And you don't have to eat standing up; there are picnic tables if you want to sit.
On the drinks side there's a full lineup: beer, mead, cider, wine, frozen margaritas and piña coladas, White Claw and Mike's, and an Upside Dawn non-alcoholic golden ale if you're the designated driver. One nice hometown surprise — our own Castle Rock meadery, Honnibrook Craft Meadery, was pouring.
The best piece of advice I picked up all day came from Ashley of Damh & Dove, and it's the only survival strategy you need for a hot day out there: beer, water, beer, water, beer, water, snack, repeat.
Should You Dress Up?
You don't have to, but you'll wish you had. Costumes are encouraged and a huge chunk of the crowd goes for it — full renaissance garb, fantasy get-ups, pirates, fairies, the works. Nobody's judging you either way (though, to be honest, I think I got a few looks for my standard polo), and it's way easier to get pulled into the bit when you look the part. If you're going to commit, lean into a theme weekend — pirate gear for Pirate Invasion, a cross-era costume for Time Travelers Weekend. I went in regular clothes and spent half the day mildly jealous of the guy dressed as a knight.
Themed Weekends
Every weekend of the season has its own theme, and picking the right one is half the fun. This was the 2026 lineup — 2027 will likely follow a similar pattern, though the festival hasn't posted the 2027 schedule yet. If you only go once, know that Pirate Invasion is the busiest and wildest weekend; a couple of days sold out for the first time in 2025, which (per CBS Colorado) led the festival to cap online sales.
| Weekend | Theme | What's Special |
|---|---|---|
| Jun 13–14 | Magical Fantasy / First Responder Appreciation | Opening weekend. Buy-one-get-one for active firefighters, police, and sheriff with ID. |
| Jun 20–21 | Pirate Invasion | The busiest, wildest weekend of the season. If you love the chaos, this is your weekend — but it can also sell out. |
| Jun 27–28 | Celtic Weekend | Pipe bands and highland games. Free beer tasting from 11:30am to 2:30pm. |
| Jul 4–5 | Children’s Weekend / Military Appreciation | Kids 12 and under are free with a paid adult. BOGO for active military with ID. |
| Jul 11–12 | Wine & Revelry | Grape Stomp on the Rose Stage. Free wine tasting from 11:30am to 2:30pm. |
| Jul 18–19 | Love and Romance | Renewal of Vows ceremony and romantic-themed performances. |
| Jul 25–26 | Time Travelers Weekend | Cross-era costumes welcome — come as a knight, a Jedi, or something in between. |
| Aug 1–2 | A Final Huzzah | Closing weekend — the one I made. Last call for the joust, the vendors, and the whole village before it packs up for the year. |
2026 lineup, a likely guide to 2027. Source: coloradorenaissance.com/themed-weekends
Kids & Families
It's a good day out with kids. The Children's Realm has a petting zoo and a free butterfly ride, and you'll find hair braiding and face painting around the grounds. There's also a climbing wall, archery (up by the Travelers Camp), and glass blowers to watch, plus a bunch of kid games spread across the village. During the comedy shows the performers pull kids up on stage.
One honest caveat: it's hilly, uneven dirt, so it's not the easiest place for a stroller — a wagon with big wheels handles the terrain a lot better. If the budget matters, time your visit around Children's Weekend, when kids 12 and under get in free with a paid adult.
Accessibility & the Heat
Be honest with yourself about the terrain: the whole place is hilly and the paths are uneven packed dirt and gravel. If mobility is a concern, there's an ADA brochure at the Information Booth just inside the front gate that maps the more accessible routes and where to find restrooms and first aid — grab it on your way in. And plan for heat. It's open and exposed, and the day I went was a scorcher, so shade, water, and an umbrella matter more than you'd think.
What I Wish I'd Known
A few things I'd do differently, so you can skip my rookie mistakes:
- It's only weekends — pick your date before the season starts. It runs Saturdays and Sundays for about eight weekends, and that's how it keeps slipping past me. Lock in a date in the spring.
- Round up a squad and dress up. It's more fun with people, and more fun in costume. Pick a theme weekend and match it.
- Look at the schedule and the map, then map your day. The stages are spread out and the good ones fill up. Pick your must-sees and get to them early for a seat and some shade.
- Bring cash. Food and drink are cash only.
- Consider CO-105 instead of I-25. It's often faster and more convenient, especially from the west side of the metro.
- Pack for a scorcher. Sunscreen, hat, sunglasses, an umbrella for portable shade, a blanket to sit on, comfortable shoes, and a refillable water bottle — the water fountains are marked all over the map, so you can refill for free all day.
The Photo Contest
One thing tucked into the program: the festival runs a photo contest each season. If you take photos while you're there, you can enter them — email your shots to [email protected] (or mail 4x6 prints) by the September 1 deadline, and finalists go to a public vote.
The prizes are the following year's admission: first place is two season passes plus a merch package, second is six adult tickets, and third is four. Worth knowing, because the festival doesn't sell a season pass to the public — it's single-day tickets only — so the contest is basically the one way to get a full season.
If You Go
- Season: Weekends only (Sat/Sun), mid-June through early August. 2026 ran June 13 – August 2; 2027 is the 50th anniversary.
- Hours: 10am – 6:30pm, rain or shine
- Location: 650 Perry Park Ave, Larkspur, CO 80118 · ~39 miles south of Denver · (303) 688-6010
- Tickets: Adult ~$32 gate / ~$29 at King Soopers; kids 5–12 ~$15; under 5 free
- Parking: Free on-site — arrive early
- Food & drink: Cash only
- Website: coloradorenaissance.com · Festival map
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the Colorado Renaissance Festival?+
Weekends only — Saturdays and Sundays, 10am to 6:30pm (rain or shine) — from mid-June through the first weekend of August. The 2026 season (the 49th) ran June 13 through August 2 and has wrapped. Expect a similar mid-June-to-early-August window for 2027, which is the festival’s 50th anniversary. Check coloradorenaissance.com in the spring for the exact 2027 dates.
How much are tickets to the Colorado Renaissance Festival?+
In 2026, adult tickets were $32 at the box office, about $31.50 online through Etix, or $29 if you bought in advance at the King Soopers customer-service desk — exactly $3 off. Kids 5 to 12 were $15 at the gate ($14 in advance), and kids under 5 got in free. Tickets are non-refundable. Some themed weekends include free or buy-one-get-one admission for specific groups (kids on Children’s Weekend, military and first responders on their weekends).
Is the Colorado Renaissance Festival cash only?+
The food and drink are cash only — that’s the festival’s official policy, and it caught me off guard. There are ATMs on the grounds, but bring cash from home so you’re not hunting for one at lunchtime.
Is parking free at the Colorado Renaissance Festival?+
Yes — parking is free on the festival grounds (sponsored by King Soopers). The closer lots fill first, so the earlier you arrive, the shorter your walk. I got there mid-morning and parked in the overflow, about a 10-minute walk to the gate.
Is there a festival map?+
Yes, and it’s worth a look before you go. The official map (coloradorenaissance.com/pdfviewer/map/) shows every stage, kitchen, bar, kid attraction, restroom, first-aid station, ATM, and water fountain. The grounds cover 60 acres of hilly terrain, so mapping your day around a few must-see stages saves a lot of backtracking. A printed map and program are also handed out at the front gate.
When is the 50th anniversary of the Colorado Renaissance Festival?+
2027 is the 50th anniversary. The 2026 printed program called it the 49th season, so the milestone year is next up. If you’ve been meaning to go, the 50th is a good excuse to finally make it.
Where is the Colorado Renaissance Festival in Larkspur?+
At 650 Perry Park Ave, Larkspur, CO 80118, about 39 miles south of Denver. A lot of people default to I-25 and the Larkspur exit, but CO-105 is often the faster, more convenient route — especially coming from the west side of the metro or Highlands Ranch.
Did the Colorado Renaissance Festival sell out?+
A couple of days sold out in 2025 — Pirate Invasion weekend first — so buy your tickets sooner rather than later. Per CBS Colorado, the demand led the festival to cap online ticket sales.
Are dogs allowed at the Colorado Renaissance Festival?+
No. Pets are not permitted on the grounds (service animals excepted). Between the crowds, the heat, the horses, and the food stalls, it’s not a dog-friendly day. Leave them home with a sitter.
Is the Colorado Renaissance Festival kid friendly? Can I bring a stroller?+
It’s a great day with kids — the Children’s Realm has a petting zoo and a free butterfly ride, plus hair braiding and face painting around the grounds and a climbing wall, archery, and glass blowers to watch. Just know the terrain is hilly, uneven dirt, so it’s not especially stroller-friendly — a wagon with big wheels handles it better. Children’s Weekend (kids 12 and under free with a paid adult) is the budget-friendly time to go.
Is the Colorado Renaissance Festival accessible?+
The grounds are hilly and the paths are uneven packed dirt, so it’s worth knowing if mobility is a concern. There’s an ADA brochure at the Information Booth just inside the front gate that maps the more accessible routes, restrooms, and first aid. It’s also hot and exposed — bring shade.
What should I bring to the Colorado Renaissance Festival?+
Cash (food and drink are cash only), a refillable water bottle (there are water fountains marked all over the map), sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, an umbrella for shade, a blanket to sit on at the stages, and comfortable shoes. The day I went was a scorcher — sun and shade management is the whole game.
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