Each October, the Kingdom of Riverssance takes over Riverside Park and transforms it into a magical experience straight out of the 16th century! Until this year though, I had not had the opportunity to experience the wonderful Kingdom of Riverssance myself. I'll update again with more personal experience after attending myself if I get to, but for now here's what families should know *ahead* of the 2024 Kingdom of Riverssance:
What is the Kingdom of Riverssance?
The Kingdom of Riverssance is Sioux City's annual renaissance festival, held the first weekend of October each year. The 2024 Kingdom of Riverssance will take place on Saturday, October 5th and Sunday, October 6th, 2024, beginning at 10am. It is organized by many of the same creative people as the Rivercade Festival in summer! The Kingdom of Riverssance features a kids zone, live entertainment, food, drink, and souvenir vendors, plus lots of creative surprises. I'll dive into each of those categories a bit more below!
Where is the Kingdom of Riverssance?
The Kingdom of Riverssance takes place at Sioux City's Riverside Park at 1301 Riverside Boulevard in Sioux City, Iowa. There is ample free parking in the park's many lots.
Fairy Forest at the Kingdom of Riverssance
Fairy Forest is the official Kids Zone where the magic really happens for the youngest attendees (ages 2 to 12) at the Kingdom of Riverssance (kids are also welcome in the rest of the kingdom except for a few select areas where 21+ beverages are sold.) There, kids can enjoy
- crafts
- games
- bubbles
- stories
- and lots of other fun!
Entertainment at the Kingdom of Riverssance
2024 is "the year of the joust" at the Kingdom of Riverssance, and there's actual jousting on horses, as promised by this name! There's also a children's joust with pool noodles and stick horses, which is so cute and creative.
There is also live music and other live entertainment throughout the park during the Kingdom of Riverssance including falconry, a sword show, bawdy pirates, and more (expect innuendo at the renaissance faire. the performers intend it to be generally subtle enough that it'll be over kids' heads, but do be ready to redirect if a bit of irreverent humor is not what you want your kids to hear.) All the vendors and many villagers will be in costume and in character throughout the park to enhance the experience, plus there are performances throughout the day.
Food and drink at the Kingdom of Riverssance
There are a wide variety of food and drink vendors at the Kingdom of Riverssance, so be sure to bring some extra cash if you'd like to get a treat or a meal while you are there.
Vendors at the Kingdom of Riverssance
Beyond the food and drink, there are also dozens of creative vendors selling all sorts of entertaining wares for those who would like a fun gift or souvenir. In photos from past years I saw pottery, renaissance attire, candles, handmade wooden pieces, and lots more!
What to wear or bring to the Kingdom of Riverssance
Everyone is welcome at the Kingdom of Riverssance regardless of garb. Come in jeans or sweats or whatever you're wearing that day if you'd like! Most attendees wear their standard modern attire. But if you'd like to dress up, that's also welcome! At the Kingdom of Riverssance, people who choose to dress up most commonly dress in approximately 16th century garb, as fantasy characters (think hobbits, wizards, elves, and fairies) or as pirates. This can be as realistic or as imaginative as you would like! I told my kids it's a "princesses and pirates party" taking over the whole park, which they of course thought sounded awesome!
Shop your closet: If you want to dress slightly Renaissance-ish without buying a whole new wardrobe, the currently-trendy peasant style dresses or tops plus a corset belt and some simple short boots would be super easy and cute.
For what to bring, I recommend sunscreen, a camera or your phone, changing supplies if needed, and water to drink.
I also asked specifically and strollers, diaper bags, and sippy cups are all welcome in the Kingdom of Riverssance.
More about the Kingdom of Riverssance
To find out more about the Kingdom of Riverssance, visit the Sioux City Rivercade website or connect with the Kingdom of Riverssance on Facebook
Tickets are available at the Kingdom for $15 per adult or teen 13+, or $5 per child 6-13. Babies and children who are 5 or younger get into the Kingdom for FREE! The King's Smoker 21+ experience tickets are $25 per person. Prior to October 1st, reduced price teen/adult admission tickets (not including the King's Smoker) are also available at local Hy-Vee stores for $11.
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