Hear ye! Hear ye! Celebrate in grand medieval fashion at a renaissance fair! There are a number to attend in Alabama and Tennessee.
Ardmore Renaissance Faire – Located approximately 110 miles north of Birmingham in Ardmore, Alabama. Held annually one weekend in mid to late April, exact dates for 2008 will be announced. Those wishing to attend in period dress must keep weapons sheathed and peace-tied. No alcohol will be sold or permitted. Attendees will enjoy charming music in between sensational archery and fencing contests. Vendors will offer fine crafts such as candles, clothing, weapons, jewelry, leather goods, and fairy wings. Additionally, this fair allows weddings. For more information, visit their website at http://www.ardmore-renfaire.com.
Alabama Renaissance Faire – Located approximately 65 miles west of Huntsville in Florence, Alabama. This fair will be October 27th – 28th from 10:00 am – 6:00 pm Saturday and 12:00 pm – 6:00 pm Sunday. Parking and admission will be free. No alcohol will be sold or permitted. There will be dancing, music, and more each day. More detail is available on their website at http://www.alarenfaire.org.
Mobile Renaissance Faire – Located approximately 175 miles south of Montgomery at the Greater Gulf State Fairgrounds in Mobile, Alabama. This fair will be held on November 17th – 18th from 10:00 am – 5:00 pm. Parking will be free. Those wishing to dress up in costume will be required to keep weapons sheathed and peace-tied. No alcohol will be sold or permitted. Visitors will indulge in medieval foods and drink while enjoying exciting jousting knights, enthralling music, and diverting dancers. Games and rides will amuse young and old as vendors offer appealing crafts. More information can be found on their website at http://www.mzrf.net.
Tennessee Renaissance Festival – Located approximately 25 miles south of Nashville in Arrington-Triune, Tennessee. This fair runs every weekend May 5th – May 28th from 10:00 am – 6:30 pm. Parking is free. Adult tickets are $17, seniors age 62 and over and US military tickets are $15, kids ages 6 – 12 are $6, and children under 6 are free. A featured special event is School Day. Theme weekends include Romance Weekend, Pirate Invasion, and International Jousting Tourney. Visitors can watch a riveting action-packed human chess match, majestic birds of prey, and impressive knife throwing shows. Games of skill and rides delight all ages. Merchants entice attendees with weapons, instruments, art, jewelry, clothing, and more. For more detail, visit their website at http://www.tnrenfest.com.
Shakespeare and Friends Renaissance Faire – Located approximately 80 miles east of Knoxville in Rogersville, Tennessee. This fair will be June 2nd – 3rd from 10:00 am – 6:00 pm. Parking will be free. Tickets will be $10 for adults and $8 for seniors over 60 and kids ages 12 – 18, with children under the age of 12 admitted free. Passes are available. Those who wish to dress up must keep weapons sheathed and peace-tied. No alcohol will be sold or permitted. Featured events include a Queen’s Parade held at the beginning of the day and at midday in which children can join, and interactive storytelling. Skilled artisans will be selling items including armor, clothing, weapons, jewelry, and more. Performances will include fire shows, music, and more. Find out more on their website at http://www.shakespeareandfriends.org.
