DES MOINES, Iowa– The Renaissance Faire at Sleepy Hollow is in full swing on opening weekend.

Attractions, performers, and artists from around the country have made their way to Des Moines for the 20th anniversary of the event. When visitors cross the bridge at Sleepy Hollow Park, they travel back in time to the only permanent renaissance faire in Iowa with various castles and old time buildings.

Festivals Director Amy Coble talks about what people can expect when they come to the faire. She and her husband also own some of the horses and compete in the jousting event, one of the main attractions at the faire.

Carolyn Rice travels across the country with the Puppies of Penzance. Rice has trained everything from puppies, to hippopotamus’, and everything in-between. She and one of her performing puppies “Salty” put on a show on Today in Iowa.

The Harp Twins and Volfgang Twins are two sets of identical twins that travel the globe performing their music. Harps Twins play electric harps and rock out with the Volfgang Twins on the Viking drums. They come together and play songs from Metallica and their classic originals which add a Nordic flare. They will be at the faire for the first weekend only, Aug. 30 – Sept. 1.

The Pirate King and Queen are a staple at the Renaissance Faire. They are from New Orleans and travel across the U.S. performing. The Queen makes all of the clothing and the tents, while the King makes all of the props and thrones.

The Renaissance Faire will be open weekends Aug. 30- Sept. 1; Sept. 6-7; and Sept. 13-14. The Faire opens at 10 a.m. daily and tickets and information can be found here.