See how the fun was had in Elizabethan times. Take in a Renaissance Faire and travel back in time.
If you’ve ever attended a Renaissance faire or festival, you know that the purpose is to transport you back in time to the age of the Renaissance period (1300-1600 A.D.). Most often, these events bring to life the outdoor festivals held during the reign of Queen Elizabeth I, and portrays life for festival-goers as it was in the “old days.” You can expect costumed entertainers, food and drink of the times (think turkey legs and mead), and shows performed as they would have been back then. Some states run them throughout the summer months, and others host them for just a weekend or two, but even one day at a Renaissance Faire is worth the experience. We’ve rounded up several across the country for your consideration.
Northern California Renaissance Faire, Hollister CA
Set to run weekends from September 14th to October 20th, the Faire will host different theme weekends including an Oktoberfest scheduled for October 6th-7th. The Faire will feature a concert series each weekend featuring six different artists over the course of the six weekends. The Marketplace will feature food, artisans, and crafters, as well as games and activities. For information visit www.norcalrenfaire.com. San Benito RV Campground is less than 15 minutes from Hollister.
Michigan Renaissance Festival, Holly MI
Come enjoy a day in the fictional English town of Hollygrove set in Elizabethan times. The festival will run weekends from August 17th to September 29th, as well as Labor Day. Each weekend will carry a separate theme, and there’s even one for your pet to enjoy (Pirates and Pets on August 18th-19th). Don’t miss the daily Feast, which features a six-course meal set in Blackstone Castle. For more information visit www.michrenfest.com. Holly is about 70 miles from St. Clair RV Campground.
The Ohio Renaissance Festival, Harveysburg OH
Set on 30-acres of a re-created English Village, the Ohio Renaissance Fair will run weekends from August 31th to October 27th this year. Each weekend of the festival will be a different theme, and will include Barbarian Invasion Weekend, Feast of Fools Weekend and Pirates Weekend. The Village Shoppes will feature period artisanry including jewelry, leather goods, and archery items, as well as swords and shields. Entertainment includes a joust, a silent comedy show using only whistles and gestures and “Theater in the Ground”, held in the “muditorium”, and is billed as the muddiest show of them all. For more information visit www.renfestival.com. Wilmington RV Campground is about 12 miles away.
The Pennsylvania Renaissance Faire, Manheim PA
Thirteen weekends of fun, merry, olde English style are scheduled this year, beginning August 3rd and running through October 27th. Theme weekends include Heroes of the Realm, that will honor real-life heroes including active and retired military personnel, police, firefighters, and emergency medical technicians. Other theme weekends include Wizarding Weekend, and Pyrate Invasion. Royal Dog Days allows your pet to responsibly attend the Faire as well. Check out the website at www.parenfaire.com. PA Dutch RV Campground is also located in Manheim.
Bristol Renaissance Faire, Bristol WI
This fair runs from July to September (ending on Labor Day Weekend). Event-goers are sent back in time to experience a visit from Queen Elizabeth I, in the English port town of “Bristol.” Entertainment includes aerialists, acrobats, belly dancers, and sword play. All rides are muscle-powered, and the faire is fun for all ages. Kids can be knighted by the Queen and try on armor, while adults can enjoy. For more information, visit www.renfair.com/bristol. Bristol is located about 55 miles from the Pine Country RV Campground.