10 Aug 2025 Artist of the Month: Patrick Taft and the Arkansas Renaissance Festival

By KD Reep

In the rolling hills of Mount Vernon, Arkansas, the past is alive — not just in memory, but in music, swordplay and storytelling. 

The Arkansas Renaissance Festival, founded by Patrick Taft, is fast becoming one of the state’s most beloved cultural events. With its immersive village, nationally renowned performers and deep commitment to education, it offers families and students a magical way to connect with history — and one another.

“We’re not just creating a festival,” said Taft, the owner. “We’re creating a place for families to make memories, a space where Arkansas can celebrate its own version of the Renaissance.”

After opening in 2024, the festival immediately racked up accolades from across the state. It was named a finalist in six categories in the Best of Arkansas Choice Awards — more than any other business or attraction — and even earned runner-up in Best Renaissance Festival in the Southeast, just ahead of Georgia’s 40-year event. Not bad for a festival that’s still in its infancy.

Set on 80 acres of scenic land, the Arkansas Renaissance Festival invites visitors to explore Dragonstone Springs, a permanent village with more than 60 structures, all built by hand in the last 18 months. 

The site boasts eight unique stages, including an aerial arts platform, a puppet theater, and dedicated areas for Viking, pirate, troll and fairy-themed entertainment. More than ^$2 million has been invested to build the infrastructure, and guests might wander from a mermaid swimming pool to a Viking village, stop by the travelers’ camp or catch a show aboard a pirate ship.

More than 100 vendors and artists fill the grounds, selling everything from hand-forged blades to fairy wings. And the entertainment? It’s world-class. “We bring in professional acts from across the globe,” Taft said. “These are full-time performers — some of the best you’ll see anywhere in the country. We’re proud to bring that level of talent to Arkansas.”

A standout feature of the Arkansas Renaissance Festival is its commitment to educational outreach. An inaugural Student Day Event is planned for Sept. 8 with discounted group pricing, this weekday event offers students an unforgettable opportunity to engage with the past. Highlights include: live combat demonstrations and scripted performances; artisan-led workshops in blacksmithing, leatherwork and glassblowing; interactive activities like archery and storytelling; and history-focused tours of the village and themed areas.

“We want to be more than entertaining — we want to teach,” Taft said. “History isn’t dry when you live it. That’s what we offer students: a chance to step into the world they’ve only read about.”

Although the festival is clearly Taft’s brainchild, he is quick to redirect praise to the people who’ve helped make that vision a reality. “There is absolutely no way I could do this alone,” he said. “It’s the performers, the craftsmen — the volunteers, families, friends — who make this place come alive. Their passion is what turns wood and paint into magic.”

That magic was on full display during the premier season, when families showed up in costume, sang along with minstrels, and cheered for knights during adrenaline-pumping tournaments. While full-contact jousting remains a fan favorite, the variety of shows and activities ensures there’s something for everyone, from toddlers to grandparents.

With every performance and every handmade structure, the sense of community grows. For many, the Arkansas Renaissance Festival is not just an event — it’s a tradition in the making. With season passes now available and momentum spreading across the state, the Arkansas Renaissance Festival is set to be a major fall fixture in Arkansas culture. The grounds will open again on August 30 for six weekends of merriment, with themed days, roaming entertainers, and expanded features in the works.

And yet, despite the rapid growth, Taft remains grounded in his original purpose: to bring people together through imagination, craftsmanship and history.

“This is about more than costumes and turkey legs,” he said. “It’s about building something real — a place where people feel wonder again, where they laugh together, where they learn. That’s the legacy I want to leave behind.”

To learn more about tickets, Student Day or vendor opportunities, visit arrenfest.com.