Renaissance Festival creates magic, merriment for all ages
Out near Mount Vernon in Faulkner County, there’s a village rising. Within 80 acres, you’ll find the homes of hobbits, wizards, vikings, noblemen, artisans and jousters — where a king and queen invite you to watch the sport of the day. This is the Arkansas Renaissance Festival, hosted at the new Dragonstone Springs.
Patrick Taft and his family came up with the idea for this idyllic town. Taft owned a number of H&R Block offices across Arkansas before retiring.
“We were driving home from The Castle at Muskogee (a different permanent Renaissance Festival in Oklahoma), full of excitement and encouragement from a great day and wondered why Arkansas didn’t have anything like this,” Taft says. “During that four-hour drive, we decided to create our own.”
Dress up like the “faire-est” one of all, or come as you are to the Arkansas Renaissance Festival. Photo by Tanis Taft.
Mirth and make-believe
The idea spurs from a lifelong interest.
“I have always loved that time period, probably from playing ‘Dungeons and Dragons’ when I was a child,” Taft says. “I think it only grew the more time I spent at festivals. I love the sense of community, family and freedom to be yourself. If you want to dress your family up as hobbits or wear a kilt, you can do that without judgment.”
While Arkansas hosts several Renaissance faire events, Dragonstone Springs will be the first permanent home for a festival in The Natural State.
The Tafts searched long and hard for land to purchase for the endeavor, with very specific needs. “Our desire was to have cover and shade, and to keep the area as rustic as possible, but to also have paved access to it,” Taft says. “We didn’t want to be in town. We wanted no noise pollution, but also wanted to be no more than 45 minutes from major towns and interstates.”
The spot at Mount Vernon, 30 minutes from both Conway and Beebe, fit the bill perfectly.
“The site has a beautiful stream, six natural springs and tons of wildlife,” Taft shares.
The project has proceeded quickly. After breaking ground in October 2023 and setting up underground water and electricity runs, major construction began this April. The Arkansas Renaissance Festival’s initial run begins Aug. 31, and by then, there will be dozens of structures — including a jousting arena, marketplace, food court, pirate’s cove, Shakespearean stage, hobbit’s grotto, archery range and queen’s pavilion.
Performers will be present from the moment guests walk through the tower gate. Visitors will be able to compete in an archery competition, where the winners will have the opportunity to show their stuff in front of an audience at the end of the day. Kids can visit a fairy grove and a gypsy hollow, encounter pirates and Celts and play loads of fun games. There are six stages of different sizes with entertainment of all sorts. And then, there is the jousting.
Joust for fun
“We searched for performers for a high-impact show. I cannot tell you how happy we are to have found the Knights of Mayhem,” Taft says. “The experience, energy, passion and professionalism they bring to the festival is more than I ever hoped for. I feel their performance at Dragonstone Springs will be a great way to introduce the denizens of Arkansas to the Renaissance experience.”
Jousters on horseback will face off in a purpose-built ring, where spectators can climb the stands to watch over a unique event not offered elsewhere in our state.
There will be merchants throughout the property, offering various hand-crafted wares. Each vendor is a vetted artisan offering something unique, from baskets and pots to bows and clothing. There’s also a bakery and a food court with meat pies, food on a stick, roasted corn, baked potatoes and ice cream.
Speaking of food, twice a day during the festival, a magnificent five-course feast will be held, where visitors can dine like royalty with entertainment, pomp and circumstance. And, separately, there’s an opportunity for an audience with the queen in her garden, a beautiful grove with vine-woven fences, flowers and arbors and a fountain. In this fairyland setting, another extraordinary experience awaits.
“During the festival, three times a day, we do tea and biscuits with the queen,” Taft says. “She will come out to your table and have tea with you.” Seating for the feasts and the queen’s teas is limited, so reserving online for those activities in advance is recommended.
The garden is by the Royal Pavilion, where Royal Court will be held each day. Taft says being granted an audience at court is a memorable moment. He has witnessed kids — and adults, too! — waiting patiently for an hour for a chance to be knighted.
Over the next few years, Taft says, there are plans to add a tavern, a large viking longhouse and eventually even a castle.
About 40,000 to 50,000 people are expected to visit Dragonstone Springs over the course of five weekends from Aug. 31-Sept. 29. The festival will also be open for special events throughout the year, such as Highland Games each spring.
Guests will also be able to book weddings and small events at the property during weekends it’s not in active use.
The Arkansas Renaissance Festival at Dragonstone Springs takes place Saturdays and Sundays from Aug. 31-Sept. 29. Tickets are available online or at the gate. Daily admission is $22 for adults, $20 for senior citizens and $15 for children ages 5-15, and free for children 4 and under. Season passes are available. For more information, visit ArRenFest.com.
