Black Hills 

Renaissance Festival 

2025 Dates Coming Soon!

Recreational Springs Resort

11201 US Hwy 14a, Lead, SD 57754 

Thank You From Our Hearts!

 Hear ye, hear ye, dear patrons, vendors, performers, staff, and all who made our festival magical!


A hearty thank you to the Lead Area Chamber of Commerce and Recreational Springs Resort for being our beautiful gateway to wonderland! This year's Black Hills Renaissance Festival at our new venue was nothing short of enchanting. Though we faced some hurdles with the new location and a delightful surge in attendance, we prevailed together!


By midday Saturday, we heard your concerns about shuttle wait times and limited handicap parking. We swiftly sought solutions, implementing some right away, which made Sunday smoother for all. Your frustrations are 100% valid. We apologize for any inconveniences and deeply appreciate your patience ad understanding. We will continue to strive to bring you the Black Hills Renaissance Festival you hope and expect. A special shout-out to the Lead Area School District for their valiant efforts in providing buses and easing our way. Your dedication did not go unnoticed, and we are grateful beyond words.


As we sweep away the fairy dust, dragon scorches, mermaid bubbles, and jester follies, don’t forget our photo contest! Capture your favorite moments—from Gravity Defying Aerialists to thrilling Jousting—and share them with us for a chance to win free tickets for next year!


Enter the Photo Contest


Until we meet again, faire friends, sleep well and dream of the wondrous world we shall create together. 

Reveal of Our Great Performers and Vendors

🎭 Behold, fair denizens of the realm! The time draws nigh to unveil the grand tapestry of entertainment that shall adorn the stage of the Black Hills Renaissance Festival! 🎭


🌟 Prepare thy senses for a spectacle of unparalleled wonder as we reveal the illustrious program and esteemed performers who shall grace our hallowed grounds.


🎶 From the minstrels' melodies that shall enchant thy ears to the thunderous applause of the jousting knights, our program is a symphony of excitement and delight!


🎪 Wander through the bustling lanes of our village and marvel at the feats of our acrobats, jugglers, and jesters. Partake in the revelry of our lively taverns and feast upon the bounty of our vendors' fare!


🎉 And lo, the moment thou hast awaited with bated breath: the unveiling of our esteemed performers! Prepare to be enthralled by the spellbinding feats of our magicians, the mesmerizing dances of our fair maidens, and the gallant displays of our knights in shining armor!


🔮 Stay tuned, noble patrons, for the unveiling of the full program and the roster of performers is imminent! Ready thy hearts for a weekend of magic, mirth, and memories at the Black Hills Renaissance Festival! 🔮

Huge Announcements!

🎉 Hark, goodly lords, lairds and ladies, gallant knights, mythical cryptids, and fair maidens! 🎉

'Tis with great joy and merriment that we doth make proclamation of a most splendid tidings! The winds of change bloweth favorably upon us as we announce the grand relocation of the esteemed Black Hills Renaissance Festival to the illustrious grounds of Recreational Springs Resort!

Verily, our humble festival hath grown in stature and renown, drawing folk from far and wide to revel in the delights of yore. With hearts brimming with jubilation, we declare that our new abode, Recreational Springs Resort, provideth ample space to accommodate our ever-expanding merrymaking! Do no fret about our magical friends at the park or Aspire Boutique! We have some great plans that will still incorporate them in our merrymaking and mischief! We'll announce more soon!

Prepare thy souls for an even grander spectacle, for with this newfound expanse cometh a plethora of opportunities for more merry mischief and jolly jesting. Envisioneth, if thou wilt, a landscape adorned with the vibrant hues of our Renaissance spirit, where troubadours serenade, artisans craft wondrous treasures, and jousters clash in feats of chivalry! That's right, another big announcement! Our fair friends, Order of Epona are coming back and ready to fully immerse you in the Festival!

The essence of the Renaissance shall permeate every nook and cranny of Recreational Springs Resort, transforming it into a veritable haven of revelry and enchantment. As the sun doth rise on the morn of our festival, let all who enter these hallowed grounds be swept away on a journey through time, where the echoes of history resound with laughter and mirth. Rooms, cabins and camping will go fast, so don't wait to book your spot!

So marketh thy calendars and gird thy loins, for the Black Hills Renaissance Festival at Recreational Springs Resort shall be a celebration unlike any other! Come one, come all, and let us make merry together in this wondrous new chapter of our beloved festival's saga!

Huzzah and fairest greetings to thee, from all who labor tirelessly to bring this spectacle to fruition! We will be announcing more amazing performers, special events, and tickets throughout the week! Keep your eye out on our socials! 🏰🎭🍗

Recreational Springs Resort

(Photo courtesy of Chris Yshuta, 2022)

With Heavy Hearts

Gentle Lords, Ladies, and Lairds,


It is with a sad heart we must tell you the passing of a great bladesmith. John Ertman, one of our local vendors who has been at the Fest since the beginning, has passed away.


He came to be a favorite amongst our patrons with his standout grey and red tent and finely made blades. Sweet and soft humor, he made all who entered his tent welcome at our little piece of home we've made for everyone.


Our hearts are heavy and we will miss this monumental man. Swift travels, John. May we see you after our own journeys.

Fill to me the parting glass and gather as the evening falls and gently rise and softly call goodnight and joy be to you all.

Black Hills Renaissance Festival

160 W Main St, Lead, SD 57754