Labor Day wipeout: KC Renaissance Festival joins list of COVID-19 cancellations
The Kansas City Renaissance Festival has been canceled for 2020 because of the COVID-19 pandemic, leaving the Kansas City area with a barren Labor Day weekend.
The move, announced on the festival’s website, wipes out what had been the lone surviving major event for the holiday, which traditionally is loaded with fairs and festivals in the area. Previously canceled were the Kansas City Irish Fest, SantaCaliGon Days and the Kansas City Air Show. The Irish Fest will have virtual events.
The 44th Renaissance Festival was scheduled to run Sept. 5-Oct. 18 in Bonner Springs.
“It is clear that the current state directives will not change significantly in time to allow the festival to open this fall,” the website says. “Although we disagree with the current directives that prevent a spacious outdoor venue from opening, we appreciate the open and cooperative spirit of our discussions and recognize the difficulty of the governmental task.”
As the number of coronavirus rises, Wyandotte County is following state of Kansas recommendations against any gatherings of more than 45 people and limits attendance at large outdoor venues. Sporting Kansas City, for example, is welcoming fans back at 14% normal capacity.
Last week, the festival website had indicated the festival dates would be postponed to Sept. 26-Oct. 25, but that was changed. A festival spokesperson was unavailable for comment on Tuesday.
Tickets and passes purchased for this year will automatically roll over to the 2021 Renaissance Festival, scheduled for Sept. 4-Oct. 17.
This story was originally published August 25, 2020 at 10:35 AM.
