This post is sponsored by the Des Moines Renaissance Faire.
Enjoy a day of family fun at The Des Moines Renaissance Faire May 14-16, 2021!
About The Des Moines Renaissance Faire – The ‘Family Friendly’ Festival
The DES MOINES RENAISSANCE FAIRE which began in 2004 was created by Gregory & Bonnie Schmidt with the concept of introducing the new catch-phrase and theme of “edutainment.” His company, Festivals International, had already created several regional Renaissance faires that specifically catered to kids and families.
Since other such festivals in Kansas City and Minnesota relied heavily on PG-13 and R-rated entertainment, Schmidt wanted to make sure his attendees wouldn’t be embarrassed or put out by having their children exposed to such experiences. “It started out as simply a marketing approach to attract an informed audience, but through the years has grown into what we really are – educators as well as entertainers.” he explains.
With so many young people turned off by the concept of history being boring or even academic, the DM Renaissance Faire took on the challenge of making their historical presentations as interesting and involving as possible. For example, Schmidt sees his living history encampment groups as outdoor museums with a mix of cultural authenticity and hands-on experiences.
He describes the event as a three ring circus with two musicals thrown in. Also, from years of producing and directing theater, he finds his Renaissance faires to be the ideal venue to showcase so many of the region’s artisans and performers. And to prove it his company, Iowa-based Festivals International, provides more working opportunities for these talented folks than does the Iowa Arts Council.
Perhaps, one of the most obvious identifiers that the Des Moines Renaissance Faire caters to kids and families is that the admission cost for those under 14 is well below the norm around the city. Families who become attendees, then fans and patrons, will be able to watch the event grow and transform along with the new site grounds in Saylorville Township, Puttmasters Park. Plus, Schmidt and his staff will be open to suggestions and novel ideas on what else might be possible as ‘edutainment’ for the metro’s kids.
The Des Moines Renaissance Faire – Event Information
Location: Puttmasters at the Pine; 2977 NW 66th Avenue, Des Moines IA 50313
Date: May 14-16, 2021
Hours of Operation:
Friday 4:30 to 8:30 pm
Saturday 10:30 am to 7:30 pm
Sunday 10:30 am to 5:30 pm
Cost of General Admission: $13 adults, $7 kids (8-14), 7 and under FREE. Extra days just $3.
Parking: FREE
For additional information about the Faire, visit https://dmrenfaire.com/.
Photos provided by Des Moines Renaissance Faire.
We are so glad to have resources like dsm4kids.com to spread the word about our event. 2020 was a rough year for all of us, and our vendors and entertainers were hit really hard when they lost almost all their income due to cancelled events. We are truly grateful to those who come out to support them this year.