Step Back in Time: Topeka Renaissance Festival Promises Adventure and Enchantment

The air in Topeka is set to crackle with the thrill of jousting knights, the swagger of pirates, and the might of Vikings this June. Local visionary Angela Kearney is orchestrating the inaugural Topeka Renaissance Festival, transforming a 13-acre expanse in North Topeka into a captivating medieval and fantastical realm.

Imagine stepping into a vast outdoor tented festival boasting 15,000 square feet of indoor space as well, a true portal to days of yore. This isn’t just about entertainment – Kearney’s vision includes giving back, with partnerships forged with four local charities.

Prepare to be enthralled by the thunder of real live jousting matches and the raw power of the Highland Games. The Highland Games will be on Saturday only (proceeds benefit SENT Topeka). There is also Team Tug of War on Sunday (proceeds to benefit the Helping Hands Humane Society), plus the Viking Shield Art Contest (proceeds to benefit NOTO Art District’s Youth Art program) and last but not least… A build-your-own Gnome Home Contest, with proceeds to benefit Habitat for Humanity Restore in NOTO.

Entertainers and vendors hailing from five states will populate the festival grounds, their talents showcased on two main stages (one indoor, one outdoor) and at charming smaller performance spots nestled along the festival pathways.

The Woodshed Event Center at 1901 North Kansas Avenue will be the epicenter of this enchantment. Behind its castle-like facade, the main ballroom will morph into Valhalla Hall, a haven for vendors, art, a welcoming bar, and spaces to rest weary travelers’ feet. Venture through the mystical forest to discover the adults-only “under the deck” Pirate bar, complete with its own stage and an adjacent outdoor smoker’s lounge.

Beyond the indoor wonders, the 13-acre Woodshed property will teem with life. Picture this: live jousting tournaments unfolding alongside whimsical gnome homes and a dedicated Children’s area, the enchanting Pixie Hollow brought to life by Once Upon a Party KS. Majestic Fresian horses will grace the grounds, alongside Juniper the War Cow and the mesmerizing Mermaids from OKC. For the adventurous at heart, archery and axe-throwing await, while unique treasures can be found among specialty vendors nestled within an enchanted festival. A petting zoo and face painting will also delight the younger visitors.

For Kearney, the dream of a Topeka RenFest has been brewing for years. “It’s always been in the back of my mind,” she shared, “But you know how life is – sometimes all the things take a while to come to fruition. Over the past year or so, things have just been falling into place.”

Woodshed event manager Jeanice Brown, whose motto is “If you can dream it, we can create it,” wholeheartedly embraced Kearney’s vision.

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Mark your calendars for Saturday and Sunday, June 21st and 22nd, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. each day. An affordable entry fee of $16 per day (or $30 for a two-day pass) awaits, with children aged 5-13 entering for just $5 per day. Savvy time travelers can snag discounted tickets by visiting www.geminivibeskansas.com before June 1st. This promises to be an incredible family-friendly event, with a dedicated space for adults to revel in the fun as well!

Adding to the magic, a Royal Ball will be held on Friday, June 20th, from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m. This masquerade ball for adults 21 and over offers a sneak peek of the festival, complete with characters, vendors, and food trucks. Limited tickets are available at $35, offering a chance to witness the King and Queen holding court at the Royal Dance in the enchanted ballroom.

Kearney and the other organizers are brimming with confidence that the festival will blossom into a cherished bi-annual tradition for Topeka and its surrounding communities. “It’s a chance for all Topekans to have something to be proud of,” Kearney affirmed.

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For more information on the Topeka Renaissance Festival, or if you would like to become a sponsor of this epic event, please visit them on Facebook, Instagram or Tiktok – Topeka Renaissance Festival.

-Lee Hartman | Metro Voice     Lead photo: Peter Trimming | Wikimedia Commons (Other photos submitted)

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