A Different Time

Experience the gaieties of Anglo civilization’s rebirth with more than 500 costumed characters on 13 stages and 16 acres of shaded lanes in Wyandotte County (628 North 126th Street in Bonner Springs) during the Kansas City Renaissance Festival. Celebrate the sensual, mysterious Middle East this weekend, when the theme is “Beyond the Veil, Tales for the Sultan.” Meet Aladdin and Prince Habib, see harem women shake their thang, get adorned with henna and watch belly-dancing demonstrations. For those who prefer weaponry, the Midwest Longbow Tournament begins at 10 a.m. today and Sunday. Get two-for-one tickets this weekend by bringing five canned food items for Harvesters. Ren Fest, now in its 33rd year, runs 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. every weekend through October 18. Tickets at the gate cost $17.95 for adults and $8.95 for those ages 5 to 12. (Children younger than 5 go back in time for free.) The ads say the festival is 15 minutes and 500 years from downtown, but we just tell folks it’s off Exit 224, where Interstate 70 and Kansas Highway 7 meet.

Saturdays, Sundays, 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Starts: Sept. 5. Continues through Oct. 18, 2009