Council grants permit for Ocean State Renaissance Fair at Saugatucket Park

The South Kingstown Town Council voted on Aug. 24 to grant a temporary mass-gathering permit to the Contemporary Theater Company to hold the Ocean State Renaissance Fair at Saugatucket Park and at the theater on Aug. 29–30, 2026, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., subject to execution of a hold-harmless agreement and insurance requirements. Council member Bergner moved to approve the permit; the motion was seconded and the Moderator called the vote. Council members answered 'Aye' and the motion passed.

Steven Fox, the applicant representing the Contemporary Theater Company of Wakefield, said the event is entering its second year and that last year "We saw over 3,000 people come in over the course of the weekend." He described a program of food trucks, vendors who travel to Renaissance fairs, entertainment including aerialists and musicians in the park, and live Dungeons & Dragons performances in the theater. Fox said organizers plan to keep ticket prices low to support local businesses, noting, "I think it's $15.15 bucks," and that fencing will be used mainly to secure vendor areas overnight while volunteers will be briefed to ensure the public can still walk through the park.

Fox also confirmed insurance arrangements for the event: "We have a certificate of insurance with the town named as additional insured, which matches we ended up with last year," a requirement referenced in the agenda paperwork. Council member Ali told the meeting volunteers from the community garden will staff the garden during the weekend and invited attendees to visit. The council recorded the motion, heard no further substantive objections, and approved the permit.