Renaissance Festival of Nebraska

The Renaissance Festival of Nebraska takes over Bellevue Berry Farm on the first three weekends of May, and it bills itself as the Omaha area's largest Renaissance festival. Thousands of visitors come each weekend, many in costume.

Expect live jousting on horseback, knights in armor, musicians, comedians and acrobats across multiple stages, plus dozens of artisan vendors selling everything from leather goods and jewelry to replica weapons and corsets. Weekends often have themes, so each one feels a bit different.

The food is classic faire fare: giant turkey legs, funnel cakes and plenty to drink. It is family friendly and runs rain or shine from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Highlights

• Live jousting
• Multiple stages of performers
• Dozens of artisan vendors
• Themed weekends
• Costumes encouraged

Tips for going

• Buy tickets online through the festival site to save time at the gate.
• Wear comfortable shoes; it is outdoors on farm grounds.
• Check the weather; the event runs rain or shine.
• Arrive early to catch the first joust and find parking.
• Bellevue Berry Farm also hosts a Midwest Pirate Festival in late August.