Black Hills Renaissance Festival Heads to Sturgis
Knights, fairies, mermaids, musicians, artisans, and costumed guests will gather in Sturgis this weekend as the Black Hills Renaissance Festival returns to Kickstands Campground for two days of entertainment, demonstrations, shopping, and family-friendly activities.
The festival takes place Saturday, June 27, from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Sunday, June 28, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Kickstands Campground just outside Sturgis.
Visitors can expect a full weekend of Renaissance-inspired attractions, including jousting exhibitions, sword-fighting demonstrations, live entertainment, artisan vendors, themed contests, food, drink, and interactive experiences throughout the festival grounds. Many attendees arrive in costume, though festival organizers emphasize that costumes are encouraged, not required.
The Black Hills Renaissance Festival began in 2021 and has continued to grow each year, drawing visitors from across the region. What started as a small local event has expanded into one of the Black Hills’ largest themed festivals, bringing together performers, craftspeople, merchants, historical enthusiasts, fantasy fans, and families for a weekend unlike any other on the local calendar.
In addition to live entertainment, guests can browse vendor booths, meet costumed characters, enjoy festival food and drinks, and explore attractions inspired by both history and fantasy. Organizers promise a weekend filled with knights, fairies, music, merchants, mermaids, mead, and turkey legs.
Camping is available on-site through Kickstands Campground for visitors looking to spend the entire weekend at the festival.
Admission is $20 for adults and $15 for youth ages 6–12 for a single-day pass. Weekend passes are available for $35 for adults and $25 for youth. Children ages 5 and under are admitted free.
The Black Hills Renaissance Festival takes place June 27–28 at Kickstands Campground near Sturgis. Tickets are available online and at the gate.
Saturday, June 27
- Gates open: 10 a.m.
- Jousting demonstrations
- Sword-fighting exhibitions
- Artisan marketplace
- Live entertainment throughout the day
- Festival closes: 7 p.m.
Sunday, June 28
- Gates open: 10 a.m.
- Entertainment and demonstrations continue
- Vendors and merchant village open
- Festival closes: 5 p.m.
Featured Attractions
- Jousting Arena
- Sword Fighting Demonstrations
- Mermaid Encounters
- Live Music
- Costume Contest
- Children’s Activities
- Artisan Marketplace
- Food & Mead
Know Before You Go
- June 27: 10 a.m.–7 p.m.
- June 28: 10 a.m.–5 p.m.
- Costumes encouraged but not required
- Free parking
- Rain or shine
- Tickets available online and at the gate
- Camping available through Kickstands
- No pets (service animals only)