Each September, the Sleepy Hollow Renaissance Faire opens its gates at 4051 Dean Avenue in Des Moines, inviting thousands of visitors to step into a meticulously crafted medieval world for its 21st annual celebration.
Family Legacy and Innovation
The festival is the brainchild of Amy Coble, who oversees operations as festival director, and Kevin Coble, the creative director whose enthusiasm for medieval combat began nearly three decades ago at a North Carolina renaissance event. Kevin, a veteran jouster who founded JoustEvolution in Iowa, rides the steeds he helps train, while Amy prepares the horses that power the jousting bouts, underscoring a family partnership that blends tradition with fresh ideas.
The program features a roster of attractions that capture the imagination: knights in full armor clash in structured jousts, including a dramatic sword‑and‑shield duel on September 5 where Sir William unseated Sir Lucas; magical performances, puppet shows, energetic dance numbers, and striking bird‑of‑prey displays add variety to the schedule.
Admission is affordable, with an adult weekend pass priced at $25, a Cannon Ball plus Week 3 ticket for $40, and a Cannon Ball plus season pass for $70, while children twelve and under enter free of charge; most merchants accept cash for trinkets and turkey legs, though a few accommodate credit cards such as Visa and MasterCard.
The event’s immersive atmosphere, enriched by period music, storytelling and themed décor, creates a vivid sense of stepping back in time, reinforcing the faire’s significance as a cultural highlight for the Des Moines area.