Iowa Renaissance Faires, SCA, and LARP Events
Where is a Ren faire, LARP, or SCA event in Iowa?
There are plenty of medieval and Renaissance events for you to attend in Iowa. Here, we break down events by event type. This will make it easier for you to check out a Renaissance faire, LARP, or SCA event in Iowa. In addition, we list upcoming events and recurring yearly events. Check back regularly for future events! We will keep this page updated regularly as events pass and more info for other events becomes available.
Faires
Event Name | Location | Date | Link |
| Ames Renaissance Faire | 1400 South 4th Street, Ames, Iowa 50010, United States | 04-12-2025 – 05-13-2025 | https://www.strideevents.com/ames-renaissance-faire/event-information |
| Fairfield Renaissance Faire | 2606 West Burlington Avenue, Fairfield, Iowa 52556, United States | 04-20-2024 – 04-21-2024 | https://www.fairfieldrenfaire.com/ |
| Travellers Renaissance Village | Adair County Fairgrounds, 900 NE Elm St, Greenfield, IA | 05-10-2025 – 05-11-2025 | https://www.travellersrenaissancevillage.com/ |
| The Renaissance Faire at Sleepy Hollow Spring | 4051 Dean Avenue Des Moines, IA, 50317 | 05-10-2025 – 05-18-2025 | https://www.facebook.com/sleepyhollowrenfaire/ |
| Nordic Fest | Decorah, Iowa | 07-24-2025 – 07-26-2025 | https://nordicfest.com/ |
| Iowa Highland Games | Waterloo, Iowa 50703 | 08-01-2025 – 08-03-2025 | https://iowairishfest.com/activity/highland-games/ |
| Midlands Renaissance Revel | Ditmars Orchard near Council Bluffs, Iowa | 08-19-2023 – 08-20-2023 | https://www.midlandsrenrevel.com/ |
| The Renaissance Faire at Sleepy Hollow Fall | 4051 Dean Avenue Des Moines, IA, 50317 | 08-30-2025 – 09-14-2025 | https://www.facebook.com/sleepyhollowrenfaire/ |
| The Greater Quad Cities Renaissance Faire | Credit Island Park, 2200 West River Drive, Davenport, Iowa | 09-28-2024 – 09-29-2024 | https://quadcitiesrenfaire.com/ |
| Riverssance Festival | Riverside Park, 1301 Riverside Blvd, Sioux City, IA 51109, USA | 10-05-2024 – 10-06-2024 | https://www.river-cade.com/riverssance/ |
| Iowa Renaissance Festival & Gathering o’ Celts | 801 U Avenue Middle Amana, Iowa 52203, United States | 10-12-2024 – 10-13-2024 | https://iowarenfest.com/ |
| Denmark Iowa Renaissance Faire | 3265 Old Quarry Road Wever, Iowa 52658, United States | 10-19-2024 – 10-20-2024 | https://denreniowa.com/ |
Reenactments
Event Type | Event Name | Location | Date | Link |
| Society for Creative Anachronism (SCA) | Calontir Fall Brawl | 2101 Madison St, Emmetsburg, IA 50536, USA | 10-11-2024 – 10-13-2024 | https://www.calontir.org/events/ |
| Society for Creative Anachronism (SCA) | Calontir University of Villa Frumentaria | 530 W Bluff Street, Cherokee, IA 51012 | 05-03-2025 | https://www.calontir.org/events/ |
| Society for Creative Anachronism (SCA) | Calontir Pirates, Bards, & Thieves, Oh My! | Middle Amana, IA | 05-16-2025 – 05-18-2025 | https://www.calontir.org/events/ |
Other
Event Name | Location | Date | Link |
| Anime Nebraskon | Mid America Center, 1 Arena Way, Council Bluffs, IA 51501 | 10-18-2024 – 10-20-2024 | https://animenebraskon.com/ |
| Quad City Con Des Moines | Merle Hay Mall, Des Moines, IA | 10-26-2024 – 10-27-2024; 12-14-2024 – 12-15-2024 | https://quadcitycon.com/ |
| Quad City Con Davenport | Northpark Mall, Davenport, IA | 12-07-2024 – 12-08-2024 | https://quadcitycon.com/ |
| Quad City Con Cedar Rapids | Hilton Convention Complex, Cedar Rapids, IA | 02-08-2025 | https://quadcitycon.com/ |
| Des Moines Con | Iowa Events Center, 730 3rd St, Des Moines, IA 50309 | 05-31-2024 – 06-02-2024 | https://www.desmoinescon.com/ |
| OCon Expo | Mid-America Center, 1 Arena Way, Council Bluffs, IA 51501 | 07-28-2024 – 07-30-2024 | https://www.theoconexpo.com/ |
What info can I find about SCA events and Ren Faires in Iowa?
We list the name of each event, its location, the date or dates that it is happening, and a link to recently updated info. The event names and other info that we offer comes from what is listed freely online by the organizers and associations. Please keep in mind that while we try to list the most recent info, event details can change as past years have taught us. Medieval Collectibles is not responsible if the info has changed or is no longer available. In addition, we are not responsible for or affiliated with any of these events unless otherwise stated.
What happens at an SCA event?
Firstly, SCA stands for Society for Creative Anachronism. This organization chiefly focuses on historical reenactments. The separate groups of the organization covers various styles and looks. For example, there are groups that have a Viking or Renaissance theme. Also, there are many other themes that they cover. Some SCA participants act as officers and rulers over their part of the organization, such as a king, queen, or baron.
While the exact rules vary from group to group, they strive for as much historical accuracy as possible. Many SCA events will be battles. Other events focus on the artistic and scientific parts of reenacting. In fact, many groups will have events dedicated to these topics. Make sure to reach out to your local group to find out all their rules and activities.
What can I do at an Iowa Renaissance Faire?
Lots of things! Renaissance faires are filled with all sorts of fun things to do. There are usually booths for food and shopping. They will provide a range of food and drinks for you to try. When it comes to shopping, you can buy various items to add to your home or outfit. Many Ren faires will have live music and entertainment. There can be live performers, musicians, and more.
Also, you can dress up in medieval clothing or wear a fantasy outfit. Then, some faires have weekend themes for you to enjoy. These themes can focus on pirates, steampunk, Vikings, or other themes. Other faires may follow a made-up storyline with different characters that interact with guests. Regardless, faires and festivals are intended for people to have fun.
What if I don’t see a Ren faire or LARP event near me in Iowa?
Don’t forget to look nearby, particularly in states like Minnesota, Wisconsin, Illinois, Missouri, Kansas, Nebraska, and South Dakota! Many events take place close to state or national borders. We list events by the state or province. There may be events in those areas that are close to you as well. Of course, you can always check out events across the United States and Canada.
What if I don’t see a faire, LARP, or SCA event that I know about?
That’s great! You can help us expand our list of Renaissance faires, LARP, or SCA events in Iowa. Reach out to us via phone, email, or through our live chat. Contact us here! We are happy to take a look at your suggestions and add events to our lists!
