Noble lords and ladies, harken to my words for what I speak is true. Renaissance fairs are fine medieval fun for all ages. And there are several to attend in Virginia.
Virginia Renaissance Faire – Located approximately 50 miles north of Richmond in Spotsylvania, Virginia. This fair will be held weekends May 19th – June 17th including Memorial Day from 10:00 am – 6:00 pm. Parking will be free. Tickets will be $5, with children ages 5 and under admitted free. Those who wish to dress in costume will need to keep weapons sheathed and peace-tied. A special feature will be the Poppets’ Pastymes, where children can receive a royal greeting from the Queen and even be knighted, as well as interactive fairy tales, historical games, and arts and crafts. Weddings and handfasting ceremonies can also be scheduled. Visitors will delight in thrilling jousts, captivating music, engaging storytelling, impressive demonstrations, and much more. Merchants will be offering finely crafted items such as jewelry, leather goods, weapons, armor, candles, and oils, as well as period foods and beverages. More information is available on their website at http://www.varf.org.
Potomac Celtic Festival – Located approximately 70 miles north of Fredricksburg in Leesburg, Virginia at The Historic Green at Morven Park. This fair will be held June 9th from 10:00 am – 7:00 pm. Tickets will be $15 for adults, $7 for kids ages 6 – 12, $12 for military adults, $6 for military kids ages 6 – 12, and free for children ages 5 and under. Those wishing to dress in period attire will not be allowed to carry weapons. There will be fascinating living history presentations including various time periods from Pre-Roman 50 BC to World War I 1917, and interesting demonstrations in blacksmithing and leatherworking. The fair will also include a children’s area with quiet activities, allowing young ones a chance to take a break from all the excitement. Vendors will entice visitors with delicious foods, refreshing drinks, and many beautiful handcrafted items. For additional detail, visit their website at http://www.pcfest.org.
Stone Tower Glenn Renaissance Faire – Located approximately 130 miles west of Richmond in Mt. Solon, Virginia at the Natural Chimneys Park. This fair will be held June 16th – 17th from 10:00 am – 6:00 pm on Saturday and 10:00 am – 5:00 pm on Sunday. Visitors will enjoy dramatic jousting, intriguing human chess matches, period games, and more. Artisans will be selling exquisite clothing, jewelry, bath products, weapons, toys, and many more items. More information can be found on their website at http://www.medievalfantasiesco.com/StoneTowerGlenn.htm.
The Gloucester Renaissance Festival – Located approximately 35 miles north of Newport News in the Historic District of Downtown Gloucester, Virginia. This fair will be held July 14th – 15th from 10:00 am – 10:00 pm on Saturday and 10:00 am – 5:00 pm on Sunday. Parking and admission will be free. Those who wish to dress up will not be allowed to carry weapons. No alcohol or coolers will be permitted. Several performers will entertain visitors as they wander the grounds while merchants offer exceptional items. More details are available on their website at http://www.medievalfantasiesco.com/Gloucester.htm/
So prepare yourself for some medieval merriment this year at a renaissance fair in Virginia! Huzzah!
