Jonesboro, AR – (JonesboroRightNow.com) – Fantasy and history will collide next month as the Red Wolf Renaissance Fair returns to Craighead Forest Park for the second year to raise awareness for red wolf conservation.
The fair is a collaboration between Arkansas State University and the City of Jonesboro’s Parks and Recreation department, aiming to raise money for A-State’s American Red Wolf and Conservation Center. The center, according to a 2022 A-State press release, would be a 5,600-square-foot education and operations facility, as well as have 10 acres of fenced area to house at least 12 red wolves.
The red wolf is the most critically endangered wolf in the world, with only about 250 alive in total, and fewer than 17 known to be in the wild in North Carolina, according to the release.
“Last year we developed the fund in order to try and help fund that project since it’s a $5 million project,” Red Wolf Renaissance Fair Board president Lauren Hopkins said. “My future goal for it would be create an action of philanthropy in Jonesboro, so eventually, we would be giving to red wolf organizations every year with the interest from that fund, but the overall fund would be to bring the conservation center to Jonesboro, which would have 12 real-life red wolves on site.”
New to this year’s fair will be the Red Wolf Clash of Steel Armored Combat Tournament, organized by the Memphis Armored Fight Club. Teams from across the area will compete for prizes in categories such as Duels in Sword and Shield, Longsword, 3-v-3 Melees, and Pro Fights.
Hopkins said at last year’s event, the Memphis Armored Fight Club had some demonstrations, but fair organizers heard feedback that people wanted more combat demonstrations and fights on site, hence why the tournament was established.
She also noted several other activities, such as the Architect of Archery’s precision archery, the Arkansas Diamond Siren Mermaids, the Wild Ones Ranch Petting Zoo, as well as a knighting ceremony.
There will also be entertainment across all three stages, including musicians, stilt walkers and jesters, a fire eater and sword swallower, storytellers, pirates, and more.
Fairgoers can participate in the costume contest both days for a chance to win tickets to the 2026 fair, or they can bring their pets to enter the Pet Royalty Contest.
The Merry Market will feature 78 different vendors from artisans offering handcrafted jewelry, clothing, art, weaponry, and unique wares to food and drink vendors. Plus, there will be the Hearts with Hooves’ 360° Photo Booth and pony rides.
Red wolf recovery advocates from the Red Wolf Coalition and the Arkansas Center for Biological Collections will also be on site to teach about the history and importance of the red wolf.
Admission is $10 for one-day adult wristband or $15 for a two-day wristband. Children 12 years and under are $5 a day. Family packages are $25 deal for one day and include two adults and two kids, or $35 package for two days, plus $3 each for extra kids.
The fair will be Nov. 1-2 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. along Access Road 6 at Craighead Forest Park.
For more information or a complete schedule, visit the Red Wolf Ren Fair website or Facebook page.