Renaissance Fairs in Florida July Through December

Is it nigh impossible to remember when you last visited a renaissance fair? Then it’s time to plan for raucous medieval fun with piratical flavor! There are several fairs to attend in Florida in the later months of the year.

Lady of the Lakes Renaissance Faire – Located approximately 35 miles northwest of Orlando in Taveres, Florida. This fair will be held November 2^nd – 4^th from 9:00 am – 6:00 pm. Tickets will be $15 for adults, $7 for kids ages 3 – 11, and free for children under age 3. Special events include and Education and Senior Day with discounted ticket prices. Those dressing in costume will be required to keep weapons sheathed and peace-tied. The fair will feature over 100 performers including enthralling musicians, riveting jousting knights, impressive fire-eaters, fearsome pirates, alluring dancers, and much more. Skilled artisans in such crafts as glass blowing, pottery, leather working, and blacksmithing will compete for attention among vendors offering period foods in a recreation of a 16th century market. More information can be found on their website at http://www.medievalfest.com.

Camelot Days – Located in Hollywood, Florida. This fair will be held November 10^th – 11^th from 10:00 am – 5:30 pm. Parking will be $1. Tickets will be $10 for adults, $3 for kids ages 6 – 12, and free for children under 6 years old. Those who wish to dress up must keep weapons sheathed and peace-tied. Featured kid activities include a Knighting Ceremony, Solve the Quest mystery game which requires participants to interact with festival characters to solve the mystery in order to get some of the King Arthur’s treasure. Entertainment will include music, belly dancing, living chess games, comedy acts, and more. Vendors will have a variety of quality crafts, food, and beverages to offer. For more detail visit their website at http://www.camelotdays.com.

Sarasota Medieval Fair – Located approximately 55 miles south of Tampa in Bradenton, Florida. This fair will be held weekends November 10^th – 18^th from 10:00 am – 5:30 pm. Parking will be free. Tickets will be $16.95 for adults, $14.95 for seniors and students, $8.95 for kids ages 5 – 12, and free for children under age 5. Those dressing in period costume must keep weapons sheathed and peace-tied. New features include a free children’s activity center. There will be 14 stages holding over 85 lively performances daily. Vendors will be offering exquisite crafts such as jewelry, art, sculpture, clothing, musical Instruments, and more. Additional information can be found on their website at http://www.sarasotamedievalfair.com.

Florida Pirate Festival – Located approximately 25 miles southwest of Tampa in St. Petersburg, Florida. This fair will be held November 16^th – 18^th from 10:00 am – 10:00 pm Friday and Saturday, and 10:00 am – 6:00 pm Sunday. Ticket Prices are $12.00 for adults and $8.00 for kids age 12 and under. Children age 3 and under will be admitted free. Those who wish to dress in costume will only be permitted unloaded period firearms. A special extra event at this fair is the Pirate Adventure with Captain Jack Family Lunch, with ticket prices being $10 for adults and $7 for children. It will be required that children must be accompanied by an adult. There will be exciting cannon demonstrations, gripping magic and fire shows, magnificent birds of prey, and much more. Vendors will be selling fine clothing, jewelry, and leather goods among other treasures. More details are available on their website at http://www.piratefair.com.

Pirates in Paradise Festival – Located in Key West, Florida at the wooded beach and parade grounds of Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park. This fair will be held November 30^th – December 2^nd from 10:00 am – 5:00 pm. Tickets will be $4 for adults and $2 for children under 12, as well as park admission price. The Village Thieves’ Market and Living History Encampments will feature vendors selling period arts, crafts, and colorful pirate clothing; the Pirate Pub and Tavern offering tasty food and beverages as well as wild piratical entertainment; and the Kid’s Stage with pirate puppet shows and more. Engaging storytellers, fun treasure hunts, and intriguing black powder weapons demonstrations will delight all ages. Special events include the Pirate Skirmish with His Majesty’s Royal Military Forces and March to the Fort, and Historic Reenactment of the Pyrate Tryal of Anne Bonny and Mary Read. More information can be found on their website at http://www.piratesinparadise.com.

So prepare to set course for rowdy pirate festivals or rousing medieval escapades. You’ll find both in Florida!