Last day for the Kansas City Renaissance Festival

The Kansas City Renaissance Festival is wrapping up its 50th season today, so if you have been meaning to go, this is the last day to do it. The festival has been running since September 5 and closes this evening, Sunday, October 18, with the gates open from 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM. It is held rain or shine on a 16-acre site in Bonner Springs, Kansas, about 15 miles west of downtown Kansas City near the Kansas River and the Azura Amphitheater, which it shares free parking with.

For its golden anniversary, the festival has leaned into its history. It started back in September 1977 as a benefit for the Kansas City Art Institute and is now run by Mid-America Festivals, with around 165 booths and 13 stages that pull in an estimated 200,000 visitors a year. The mix is the same one that has kept it going for five decades: jousting, period crafts and themed food. This weekend's theme is Haunted Huzzah, the Halloween-inspired send-off to a season that began with Buccaneers & Ballgowns and took in a Viking Invasion, a Celtic Celebration with Highland Games, a World Wind Celebration, Once Upon a Time and Barktoberfest along the way.

If you are planning a last-minute trip, it helps to know how the gates and the money work. There are two ways in: King's Gate at 633 N. 130th Street and Queen's Gate at 126th Street and State Avenue. Gate admission is $27.95 for adults, $18.95 for children ages 5 to 12, $25.25 for seniors 65 and over, and free for children 4 and under. There is also an online adult two-pack for $36 if you are bringing a friend. Once you are in, re-entry is only allowed with a same-day hand stamp, so don't wander out without one. Outside food and drinks are not permitted, with the exception of one sealed bottle of water, and alcohol is served at the bars and special events for anyone 21 and older.

Beyond the main gate, there is a layer of separate-entry royal events for people who want more than a stroll. A pub crawl runs $45 a person with a minimum age of 21 and includes three beers and a commemorative mug; Fairy Time Treats is $10 and aimed at ages 6 to 12; Chocolate & Mead is $35 for 21 and over; a Royal Romance Experience is $90 per couple with festival admission or $60 without, also 21 and over; and the Queen's Tea is $15. Uncorked, Barrel & Leaf and Henry's Happy Hour are included with separate admission.

A few practical notes before you head out. Costumes are encouraged but not required, and they need to be family-friendly and safe, which means no obstructive masks or weapons, though plastic and wooden toy weapons without sheaths are fine and fully sheathed swords or daggers secured with a zip tie are allowed. Firearms are prohibited. Dogs six months and older are welcome for a $10 ticket with proof of vaccination. Overnight camping is not allowed on the grounds, so if you are coming from out of town, the nearest campgrounds are Walnut Grove RV Park in Merriam and the KOA in Lawrence, both within 25 miles. Accessible parking, portable accessible restrooms and motorized scooters for rent are available, and sign language interpreters can be arranged upon request. Security and medical can be reached at 1-913-298-3789.