A Complete Guide to the 20th Annual Kentucky Highland Renaissance Festival 2025

Get ready for an enchanting experience at the Kentucky Highland Renaissance Festival, running from May 31st to July 20th, 2025. This celebration of living history will be held in Eminence, Kentucky, every Saturday and Sunday, rain or shine. Below is everything you need to know to prepare for your adventure!

Events and Activities

The Kentucky Highland Renaissance Fair offers a variety of engaging events and activities for all ages. Here are some of the highlights:

Jousting: Experience thrilling knightly competitions.
Games: Participate in traditional games that the whole family can enjoy.
Archery: Test your skills at the archery range.
Craft Displays: Expect to meet many artisans displaying and selling a variety of crafts including glassblowing, leatherworking, blacksmithing, spinning and weaving as well as other items like jewelry, candles and perfumes.
Family Fun: Various activities designed for family participation will be available throughout the fair.

Festival Details

Dates and Times

When: May 31st - July 20th, 2025

Days: Only Saturdays and Sundays

Starting and Closing Times: 10:00 am - 7:00 pm

Location

The festival will take place at the Kentucky Highland Renaissance Fair site at 955 Elm Street in Eminence, Kentucky.

Themed Weekends

Each weekend will feature a unique theme, enhancing the festive atmosphere and activities available. Come to the opening weekend.

May 31st-June 1st: Opening Weekend
June 7th & 8th: Pirate Weekend
June 14th & 15th: Viking Weekend (Sunday Father’s Day Discounts at the Gate)
June 21st & 22nd: Fool’s, Villains, Hero’s & Steampunk Weekend (Children’s Discount Weekend
June 28th & 29th: Tournament Weekend
July 5th & 6th: Battle of the Seasons Fall Vs. Winter (Spooky or Festive)
July 12th & 13th: Midsummer Enchanted Weekend
July 19th & 20th: Celtic/Highland Weekend

Tickets and Pricing

Adult Day Passes: are Ideal for visitors who plan to attend for just one day and cost $22.91
Adult Weekend Passes: For those who want to enjoy both Saturday and Sunday the hosts offer a discount and are $34.24
Child Day Pass (Ages 6-12) Pass can be used any one day of the festival - $17.
Child Weekend Passes (Ages 6-12): Pass can be used ANY TWO DAYS of the festival, does NOT have to be two consecutive days - $28.06
Children 5 and Younger: Free admission.
Season Pass: (Ages 6 & up) Perfect for frequent visitors who want to attend multiple weekends. This pass can be used ALL EIGHT WEEKENDS (16 Days) of the festival - $98.10

Discounts

Father’s Day Discounts: On Father’s Day weekend, special pricing will be available for fathers at the gate.

Children’s Discounts: Check specific weekends for any additional discounts offered to children..

What Should I Wear?

To fully immerse yourself in the Renaissance spirit, consider wearing costumes that reflect the era. Here are some suggestions:

Renaissance Costumes: Dress as a knight, a lord or lady of the shire or a peasant to enhance your experience.
Comfortable Shoes

Follow up with Another Cultural Weekend in Fall

After you have enjoyed yourself at the Kentucky Renaissance Highland Festival in the summer, plan to return to the same location for the next magical weekend as Eminence Kentucky welcomes everyone back to the Central Kentucky Celtic Festival & Highland Games on September 20th & 21st, 2025.

At the Celtic Fest you will experience a celebration of culture, learn more about Celtic history and enjoy Celtic and Scottish music and dancing, archery, children's activities, food, drink and more.

Book your Suite for the Faire

A Weekend Bonus For A Comfortable Stay

Pillow and Paddock Bed & Breakfast

For an authentic Kentucky experience and home away from home the Pillow and Paddock offers a Renaissance Fair Package and welcomes you for a luxurious and relaxing yet exquisite place to stay before, between and after your experiences. Staying at the Pillow and Paddock Bed & Breakfast, you will find tasteful elegance in lodging.

Just outside Louisville, located in the heart of Oldham County, and in the town of La Grange, Kentucky, this inn offers you a welcoming atmosphere with a touch of luxury. Enjoy this exquisite Bed & Breakfast enveloped by stunning rolling hills, verdant pastures, elegant estates and prestigious thoroughbred horse farms in Kentucky bluegrass country.

Relax and unwind in our beautifully appointed suites.As long as you book with plenty of time before your arrival you will have your pick of gorgeous full-service Suites with king or queen beds, hypoallergenic bedding, a flat screen TV, and 24/7 access to the Guest Pantry for complimentary hot and cold drinks, ice and snacks. Each suite has a private bathroom featuring a walk-in shower. Selecting a king suite offers the additional indulgence of a soothing bath. Wake up each morning to a scrumptious made from scratch breakfast that will nourish and sustain you.

For a self-catering experience, book one of our apartments. The Paddock Apartment sleeps up to 4 people, with a newly remodeled kitchenette and large spa bathroom. The sunroom, perfect for relaxation, can also serve as an additional sleeping area for children, thanks to the convenient pull-out sofa. Or choose the Prohibition Apartment an unique 2-bedroom walk-out basement apartment with direct access to our 1920s Theater and not-so-secret Speakeasy. Enjoy a full kitchen for preparing meals or baking treats, and unwind on the private patio with a jacuzzi, seating area, and outdoor dining overlooking our Barnyard Bandits.Both apartments have private entrances and are both child and pet-friendly.

Or book the Whole Inn which can accommodate up to 12 guests. Relax outside on the porch. Take a walk around the grounds to visit the horses and pigs. Calm your mind and body in the jacuzzi. Watch a movie in the theater. Or sample your favorite alcoholic beverage in our Speakeasy Lounge.

The Pillow and Paddock Bed & Breakfast is offering a special Kentucky Renaissance Fair Package including:

Receive a special 15% discount when staying at least two nights and & 2 Free one-day Festival Tickets
Gourmet breakfast daily for those who select a suite
Guests who stay in the apartments may also enjoy breakfast for an additional cost

Don't miss out on this great offer! What are you looking forward to most at the 2025 Kentucky Renaissance Fair? Share your excitement on our Facebook and Instagram!