Mystic Mercenaries

06/16/2026

See you at the faire, adventurers!

⚔️ Huzzah, good gentles! ⚔️

The realm stirs once more, for we are delighted to welcome back the Mystic Mercenaries to the Black Hills Renaissance Festival!

Do you seek adventure? Glory? A tale worthy of being told around the tavern hearth?

This otherworldly band of wandering mercenaries has arrived with an important mission and is in need of brave souls to aid them on their journey. Heroes of all ages are invited to step forth and answer the call!

🗺️ Embark upon a festival-wide quest
⚔️ Solve challenges and complete objectives
🏰 Explore the grounds in search of clues and allies
✨ Become part of the story unfolding throughout the weekend

Think you have what it takes to prove your courage and cunning?

Seek out the Mystic Mercenaries upon your arrival to receive your FREE quest and begin your adventure. Whether you are a seasoned knight, a clever rogue, a curious fae, or a young squire seeking glory, there is a place for you among their ranks.

The fate of their journey may rest in your hands!

Happy hunting, adventurers, and may fortune favor your path! 🍃⚔️✨

06/16/2026

⚔️ Huzzah, good gentles! ⚔️

The realm stirs once more, for we are delighted to welcome back the Mystic Mercenaries to the Black Hills Renaissance Festival!

Do you seek adventure? Glory? A tale worthy of being told around the tavern hearth?

This otherworldly band of wandering mercenaries has arrived with an important mission and is in need of brave souls to aid them on their journey. Heroes of all ages are invited to step forth and answer the call!

🗺️ Embark upon a festival-wide quest
⚔️ Solve challenges and complete objectives
🏰 Explore the grounds in search of clues and allies
✨ Become part of the story unfolding throughout the weekend

Think you have what it takes to prove your courage and cunning?

Seek out the Mystic Mercenaries upon your arrival to receive your FREE quest and begin your adventure. Whether you are a seasoned knight, a clever rogue, a curious fae, or a young squire seeking glory, there is a place for you among their ranks.

The fate of their journey may rest in your hands!

Happy hunting, adventurers, and may fortune favor your path! 🍃⚔️✨

06/15/2026

Huzzah!

⚔️ Huzzah! Only TWO WEEKS Until the Black Hills Renaissance Festival! ⚔️

Are you excited and ready for adventure? We certainly are!

We've received many questions from our merry guests, so we've gathered the answers to some of the most common ones below.

🏰 What are the festival hours?
Saturday, June 27: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Sunday, June 28: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM

🐾 Are pets allowed?
Unfortunately, no. To ensure the safety of our animal performers and to respect our venue, only service animals are permitted within the festival grounds.

🎟️ Do I need to buy tickets in advance?
Not at all! Tickets may be purchased both online and at the gate.

Pre-sale tickets will close on Wednesday, June 24. Purchasing ahead of time simply helps shorten your wait at the gate during our busiest hours.

👑 Do I have to wear a costume?
Absolutely not! While costumes are highly encouraged and add to the magic, they are never required.

📍 Where is the festival located?
We are thrilled to once again be hosted by our wonderful friends at Kickstands Campground and Venue, conveniently located just off I-90 right before Sturgis.

💳 Cash or Card?
Our ticket booth accepts both cash and card. Many vendors do as well, though some are cash-only. ATM machines will be available on-site should you need them.

🎫 What are ticket prices?

Day Pass
• $20 for adults
• $15 for youth ages 6–12
• Children 5 and under enter free

Weekend Pass
• $35 for adults
• $25 for youth ages 6–12
• Children 5 and under enter free

🎭 Who are the vendors and performers?
We'll continue introducing our amazing vendors, performers, entertainers, and merchants over the next two weeks! Keep an eye on our page and website for announcements.

🌦️ What if it rains?
The festival is held rain or shine!

If the sun is shining, bring sunscreen. If the clouds gather, bring a poncho or umbrella. The adventure continues regardless of the weather.

🚗 Is parking available?
Yes! Parking is plentiful and completely free.

Please remember that we share the campground with other guests. For everyone's safety, we kindly ask that you observe the posted speed limit and do not exceed 11 mph while on the grounds.

🛡️ Is the festival family-friendly?
Absolutely! The Black Hills Renaissance Festival is an all-ages event filled with entertainment, activities, shopping, food, and fun for the entire family.

The countdown is nearly over, good gentles! Soon we'll gather for a weekend of knights, fairies, music, merchants, mermaids, mead, turkey legs, and unforgettable memories.

We cannot wait to welcome you to the realm! ⚔️✨

06/06/2026

Take home a piece of the adventure this year with official Mystic Mercenaries merch. See you at the 2026 Black Hills Renaissance Festival!

05/12/2026

Adventurers may find themselves extra busy this year. If your satchel falls short on storage, locate the Mystic Mercenaries to get your very own Quest Log™.

04/28/2026

The Orbs of Wind await your triumph! 🏰

04/22/2026

May passage be granted to the most valiant of heroes!

Huzzah, We Returneth!

04/21/2026

Be on guard! Adventure may soon call you.

01/06/2026

The excitement grows in our mercenaries as the beloved Black Hills Renaissance Festival draws nigh!

Huzzah, we returneth!

With grateful hearts, we thank all who waited patiently while we rested, regrouped, and reforged our plans for the coming year. The banners rise once more, and we are proud to proclaim that we are BACK!

📅 June 27–28, 2026
📍 Kickstands Campground and Venue, our beloved grounds once again!

Returning artists, performers, and vendors keep watch on your inboxes, for a raven (or email) shall soon arrive with details. For all others, tickets and applications will be opening soon, so ready your quills and coin!

And fear not, we have not forgotten our contests! 🏆
📸 Photo Contest submissions open Monday, January 12th.

Also, take heart and be at ease! 💰
Prices shall remain unchanged. More details regarding the campground, tickets, and all such matters will be revealed in due time, for we labor ever onward to keep our faire welcoming and accessible to all who wish to attend.

We hope your Yuletide and New Year were merry and restful, for we intend to make this year bigger, bolder, and mightier than ever before. Prepare yourselves, for an unforgettable revel awaits! 🍻✨

HUZZAH!

https://www.blackhillsrenfest.com/

07/14/2025

A tale told from the eyes of Sir Tucker of the Mystic Mercenaries: Black Hills Renaissance Festival 2025!

This year's Black Hills Renaissance Festival was a mark for The Mystic Mercenaries. I am so proud of what we have done and I'm happy I get to see people enjo...