School Days at the Arkansas Renaissance Festival
Enter the Realm on September 21st from 9am - 3pm.
A One-of-a-Kind Educational Adventure
Students and educators are invited to explore the 16th-century village of Dragonstone Springs—an 80-acre, fully immersive setting that brings classroom lessons to life. From the moment they enter the gates, students are surrounded by costumed characters, historical reenactments, and hands-on Renaissance activities. This living history environment encourages curiosity and a deeper interest in subjects like history, art, and literature, making it an unforgettable educational experience.
School Days Event Details
Monday, September 21st, 2026
Open 9am - 3pm
$14.95 for Groups of 10+
$10 for Groups of 50+
(Includes one free adult for every 10 kids)
Your Festival Day at a Glance
10:00AM: The career panel: every question is "faire" game
How do you turn performing into a living? Students hear it from people doing it right now: Marvelous Marysia, a touring circus comedian trained at the New England Center for Circus Arts; Cast Director Andy Weaver, a national finalist in the 2009 Thespian Playworks for his play "Shrunken Heads," whose playwriting earned a full scholarship offer to NYU Tisch; and Melissa Baker, our Entertainment Director and the founder of Chaste Treasure, the a cappella group she has toured to festivals across the country since 2013 while running the business behind it. More performers join through the season, and students bring the questions, from auditions and stage nerves to what it takes to build an act into a business.
11:00AM: The mounted program with Charlie Andrews of Knights of Mayhem,13-time and current reigning World Champion.
The history of horses, the feudal system, armor and weapons, and a full joust.
2:00PM: The Knighting Ceremony
The Queen and her court knight students, live.
2:45PM: Living history rotation
Short living-history stops, from the hurdy gurdy played and explained to how a lady's court gown actually goes on.
All day:
Artisans such as blacksmiths, weavers, and woodworkers working and answering questions; the new game garden and its giant chess board
Our newest Arkansas History addition:
The 7 Dragonstones, each 4 to 5 feet across, placed around the grounds, covers off a Titan II missile site, shut down by 1987, that stood in Mount Vernon, the same town as the festival.
Things to know:
Lunch is on your own timing. Food vendors are open all day and sack lunches are welcome.
Buses arrive and leave on your school's schedule, and bus parking is free.
Teacher kits, free with every booking.
Every booked class gets a kit built for its grade band: lessons for before and after the trip, printable field pages for the day, a chaperone one-pager, and the Arkansas standards codes for your trip form. Kits run for grades 3-5, 6-8, and 9-12, aligned to more than 15 Arkansas Academic Standards codes across those grade bands.
What To Do & See
Live Performances & Historical Reenactments
Enjoy a full day of captivating entertainment as musicians, storytellers, dancers, and variety artists bring history to life. Watch thrilling jousting and sword fighting, and experience the pageantry of a live Royal Court session with the Queen and her Court.
Interactive Activities
Students can try their hand at archery and axe throwing, watch live demonstrations by skilled artisans like blacksmiths and glassblowers, and attend a special session with 13-time World Champion Jouster Charlie Andrews to learn about the history and craft of jousting.
Vendor & Artist Showcases
Students can watch live demonstrations of Renaissance-era crafts, with opportunities to ask questions and explore materials up close.
Why Bring Your Students to the Arkansas Renaissance Festival?
History Comes to Life
Step beyond the classroom and into a fully immersive 16th-century village where students don’t just learn history — they live it.
Engaging, Hands-On Learning
From archery and artisan demos to live jousts and court sessions, students interact directly with historical themes and traditions.
Unique Educational Value
The festival blends performance, storytelling, and craftsmanship to create meaningful, memorable experiences that align with educational goals.
Accessible & Flexible
With discounted group rates, bus parking, and flexible entry times, the School Days event is designed to accommodate the needs of both students and educators.
Arkansas Renaissance Festival School Days
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the School Days event at the Arkansas Renaissance Festival?
School Days is a special educational event where students experience a fully immersive 16th-century village with live performances, artisan demonstrations, and interactive activities designed to bring history to life.
When does School Days take place?
TicketsSchool Days is held on a designated weekday during the festival season, typically in September, with activities running from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM.
Are there group discounts available for schools?
TicketsYes, discounted tickets are available for school groups of 10 or more, making it an accessible and affordable field trip option.
Can students bring lunch or purchase food on-site?
Both options are available. Festival food vendors will be open, and schools are also welcome to bring sack lunches for their students.
Can groups stay for the entire day or leave early?
Groups are welcome to come and go as needed between 9:00 AM and 3:00 PM, allowing flexibility to fit your school’s schedule.
Reserve Your School’s Spot Today!
Don’t miss this chance to turn history into a hands-on adventure! The Arkansas Renaissance Festival’s School Days event is a unique opportunity to inspire curiosity and engagement through live performances, interactive activities, and historical demonstrations.
