DENVER (KDVR) — Huzzah! 'Tis time to don your medieval frippery: The Colorado Renaissance Festival returns this Saturday to Larkspur.

The beloved festival offers a trip back in time to when kings and queens ruled the land, with opportunities for feasting, revelry and sights that will leave you wondering. The festival runs for eight weekends, from June 14 through Aug. 3, in Larkspur.

There is a plethora of entertainment and fun offered at the festival, including talented artisan booths with wares for sale and stage shows, including jousting, ensuring there's something for everyone at the fair.

How to get tickets

The Colorado Renaissance Festival has three ways to purchase tickets for the festival.

The lowest price is offered through King Soopers. The grocery chain partners with the festival each year, offering single-day tickets. This year, the tickets can be purchased at participating locations for $29 for adults and $14 for children ages five to 12. Anyone younger than five can enter the fest for free.

Single-day tickets can also be purchased through the festival's website. Each of those tickets will cost adults $30.50 and $14 for children.

If you want to purchase tickets at the fair's gates, that's going to be the highest cost: $32 for a single-day adult ticket and $15 for a single-day children's ticket. All tickets are non-refundable.

Location and parking

The Colorado Renaissance Festival opens its doors every Saturday and Sunday at 650 Perry Park Ave. in Larkspur. The festival takes place no matter the weather, although its doors are only open on weekends.

The Douglas County Sheriff's Office has been strict in its directions for traffic in years past. In 2024, the agency said the festival can be accessed via Spruce Mountain Road to Perry Park Avenue or Interstate 25. Last year, Bear Dance Drive south of Tomah Road was closed except for golfers with tee times.

Parking is free — but you will be parking in a field, so some ground clearance is advisable.

What is and isn't allowed

To ensure everyone has a good time at the fest, guests are asked to follow these rules:

• No outside food or beverage except a factory-sealed water bottle
• No coolers allowed
• All food and beverages are cash-only sales
• Shirts and shoes are required.
• Full face masks are not allowed.
• Costumes are allowed and encouraged.
• Costume swords and daggers are allowed if they are properly sheathed and peace-tied. Costume wearers must check with safety services before entering.
• No pets allowed
• Commercial photography, taping or video of the festival without written consent is strictly prohibited

Themed weekends, discount ticket opportunities

Every year, the Colorado Renaissance Festival announces themes for each of its eight weekends. Here are the plans for this year.

June 14-15: Magical Fantasy Weekend

Calling fae of all kinds: Grab your glitter, flower crowns and fairy wings and make your way to the fest. The weekend is dedicated to fantasy creatures of all ages and varieties, and a costume contest will be held at noon on the Rose Stage.

The weekend is also First Responder Appreciation Weekend, offering buy one, get one tickets for all firefighters, police and sheriff department personnel. Children under the age of 12 for first responders get free access to the fair. Tickets must be purchased at the festival box office.

June 21-22: Ale and Art Festival

This weekend is a celebration of art, and the art of ale-making. There will be free beer tasting for adults at the Dancing Bear Pub, and speed drawing competitions offer prize opportunities.

The weekend is also the festival's Military Appreciation Weekend. All prior and active duty military members can purchase the buy-one, get-one-free adult tickets at the festival box office. Children under 12 are free with a military ID. The deal is offered only once per military ID.

June 28-29: Celtic Weekend

Does the blood of the Irish run through your veins, or perhaps you're of Scottish lineage? This weekend is for you. The sounds of Celtic musicians, Scottish pipe bands and madrigal singers will ring throughout the festival grounds.

There will be opportunities to sing along with an Irish troubadour, and the Pikes Peak Highlanders will also have performances. Visitors should don their kilts, as there's a Men in Kilts contest scheduled for noon on the Rose Stage.

July 5-6: Children's Weekend

The wee little ones are the focus for the first weekend of July at the festival. Children 12 and under can enter the festival for free with a paying adult admission ticket, but the child's ticket must be picked up at the festival box office.

Special activities include the Prince, Princess and Pirate costume contest on the Rose Stage at noon, as well as the Royal Quest, knighting ceremonies and photos with the King and Queen.

July 12-13: Pirate Invasion Weekend

Arr! Pirates and rabble-rousers have taken over the festival grounds, and it's sure to be a good scallywags' favorite weekend.

Children should go to the front gate and join the Captain's crew to seek out his legendary treasure, and a costume contest will be held at noon on the Rose Stage.

July 19-20: Wine and Revelry Weekend

Wine is a beloved drink across the world, and has been since Medieval times. This weekend is dedicated to the drink, with free sampling offered from local wineries at the Dancing Bear Pub from 11:30 a.m. through 2 p.m.

Participate in the Grape Stomp competition for a chance at a prize, to be held at noon on the Rose Stage.

July 26-27: Renaissance Romance and Masquerade Weekend

Channel your inner Romeo or Juliet for this weekend, which is dedicated to lovers. On both Saturday and Sunday, there will be a "Renewal of Vows" ceremony held at the Rose Stage at noon.

A wooing competition will also be ongoing in the streets throughout the day. Show your romantic capabilities, as romance is in the air.

Aug. 2-3: Time Travelers Weekend and Final Huzzah

The King will soon be leaving Colorado, but that leaves time for one last "huzzah."

The weekend is dedicated to one last celebration, with a costume contest at noon on the Rose Stage.

What's new at the Colorado Renaissance Festival in 2025

This year, entertainers include a Guinness World Record-holding whip cracker, joining the village for the first time. New musicians, wenches, fire manipulators, comedians and a mermaid will all be acts at the festival.

New artisans include the Fantasist Stained Glass, Authentic Wardrobe and The Contrary Raven, a Colorado-based mixed-media artist who creates pirate-themed flasks, bottles and home decor.

Don't worry: Crowd favorites, like the Washing Well Wenches, the Kamikaze Fireflies and Zilch the Torysteller, will abound.