Noble lords and ladies, listen as I spin a tale of high medieval adventure! Exquisite crafts, sensational swordsmanship, delectable foods and beverages, and more await you at renaissance fairs. And there are a number to attend in California during July and August.
Central Coast Renaissance Festival – Located approximately 140 miles west of Bakersfield in San Luis Obispo, California at the El Chorro Regional Park. This fair will be held July 21st – 22nd from 10:00 am – 6:00 pm on Saturday and 10:00 – 5:00 pm on Sunday. Parking will be $1. Tickets are $14 for adults, $10 for seniors, $8 for kids ages 6 – 12, and free for children ages 6 and under. Those wishing to dress in period attire will need to keep weapons sheathed and peace-tied. Visitors can witness the dramatic Royal Joust twice a day, and watch villagers giving interesting living history demonstrations. Children will enjoy a petting zoo and pony rides. Performers will provide ongoing entertainment on multiple stages and throughout the village. Vendors will be selling handcrafted items such as jewelry, clothing, art, and weapons. More information can be found on their website at http://www.hisrev.org.
Willits Celtic Renaissance Faire – Located approximately 155 miles northwest of Sacramento in Willits, California at Willits Recreation Grove Park. This Scottish-themed fair will be held July 28th – 29th from 10:00 am – 6:00 pm on Saturday and 10:00 am – 5:00 pm on Sunday. Tickets will be $10 for adults, $8 for seniors ages 65 and older and kids ages 8 – 15, and free for children under 8 years old. Those who wish to dress in costume will be required to keep weapons sheathed and peace-tied. No alcohol will be sold or permitted. A special feature of this fair is the opportunity to have friends “arrested” and punished by being soaked with water, which is a great way to cool off from the summer heat. Enchanting music, bold dancing, and astonishing magic shows will entertain visitors. Additional information is available on their website at http://www.rustyswordproductions.com/willits_ren_faire.htm.
San Diego Renaissance Faire – This fair will be held in San Diego, California from August 4th – 5th from 9:30 am – 7:00 pm on Saturday and from 9:30 am to 6:00 pm Sunday. The gates will open at 10:00 am, and there will be a front gate show starting at 9:30 am both days. Tickets will be $15 for adults; $10 for seniors ages 55 and older, reservists, military dependents, and students with ID; $5 for kids ages 6 – 12, and free for military with ID and children ages 5 and under. Parking will be free. Those who wish to dress in period costumes must keep weapons sheathed and peace-tied. Picnics are allowed, but no outside alcoholic beverages are permitted inside the fair. Continual medieval entertainment such as music, comedy, dancing, and more will be provided on 8 stages. Artisans will be offering finely crafted wares including art, bath products, jewelry, toys, and leather goods. For more details, visit their website at http://www.sdrf.com/SDRF_more_info.htm.
Big Bear City Renaissance Faire – Located approximately 95 miles east of Los Angeles in Big Bear Lake, California. This fair will be held weekends August 11th – 19th from 10:00 am – 6:00 pm. Tickets will be $15 for adults, $12 for seniors and kids ages 6-12, and free for children ages 5 and under. Parking will be free. Those who choose to dress in period attire will need to keep weapons sheathed and peace-tied. Smoking will not be allowed on the faire grounds. This fair offers special wedding packages. Special features include interactive children’s performances and jousting. Entertainment includes appealing music, raucous comedy, fascinating storytelling, and majestic birds of prey. Vendors will be selling period foods, drinks, and artistic crafts such as jewelry, art, clothing, leather goods, weapons, and armor. More information can be found on their website at http://www.bigbearrenfair.com.
Golden Gate Renaissance Faire – This Elizabethan-themed fair will be held in San Francisco, California on August 25th – 26th from 10:00 am – 6:00 pm on Saturday and 10:00 am – 5:00 pm on Sunday. Tickets will be $15 for adults; $10 for seniors ages 65 and over, military, and teens ages 13 – 17; $5 for kids ages 6 – 12 and free for children under ages six and under. Those wishing to dress in costume will be required to keep weapons sheathed and peace-tied. Special events include a Rapier Tournament and Iron Skillet Competition. Visitors will enjoy astounding demonstrations in blacksmithing and woodworking, as well as thrilling jousts and sword fights. Musicians, jugglers, and magicians will entertain young and old. Additional detail can be found on their website at http://www.sffaire.com.
And now, my good people, this chapter is done. The next one begins with you, journeying to experience these fine renaissance fairs firsthand!
