Best Renaissance Festivals In California

Are you a fan of the Renaissance period and all its glory? Then, you would be happy to know that California has some of the best Renaissance Festivals in the country. Each festival has its own unique charm and attractions. So, if you’re ready to put on your armor or corset, grab your tankard, and head out to enjoy some jousting, music, and good old-fashioned fun, here are the best Renaissance Festivals in California that you cannot afford to miss:

1. Southern California Renaissance Pleasure Faire 🍷

The Southern California Renaissance Pleasure Faire is the granddaddy of all Renaissance Faires in the state and the largest. It is also one of the oldest fairs in the country, having started in the 1960s. Held annually in Irwindale, this festival celebrates the Elizabethan era with entertainment, food, and shopping. There are more than 1,500 performers, including jousters, minstrels, and jesters, as well as over 100 merchants selling handmade goods.

Where and when is the Southern California Renaissance Pleasure Faire?

The Southern California Renaissance Pleasure Faire is held annually at the Santa Fe Dam Recreation Area in Irwindale, California, from April to May.

What are some of the activities to look forward to at the Southern California Renaissance Pleasure Faire?

Some of the activities to look forward to include jousting, archery, and falconry demonstrations, as well as performances by musicians, comedians, and acrobats. You can also enjoy traditional Renaissance food and drinks, such as turkey legs, mead, and ale.

2. Northern California Renaissance Faire 🪓

The Northern California Renaissance Faire has been an annual tradition since 1963. This festival takes place in the heart of the wine country, and visitors are encouraged to come in costume. The faire is spread over 25 acres and includes over 200 artisans selling their handmade wares. The entertainment is also top-notch and includes Shakespeare performances, dueling knights, and music from the era.

Where and when is the Northern California Renaissance Faire?

The Northern California Renaissance Faire is held annually at Casa de Fruta in Hollister, California, from September to October.

What are some of the activities to look forward to at the Northern California Renaissance Faire?

Some of the activities to look forward to include jousting, sword fighting, and archery demonstrations, as well as performances by musicians, comedians, and acrobats. You can also enjoy traditional Renaissance food and drinks, such as meat pies, turkey legs, and ale.

3. Koroneburg Renaissance Festival 🗡️

The Koroneburg Renaissance Festival is a smaller but no less charming festival that takes place in Corona, California. The festival is set in the fictional village of Koroneburg, which is supposed to be located in Bavaria. The village is filled with costumed performers and vendors selling handmade goods. Visitors can participate in games and activities, such as archery and ax throwing.

Where and when is the Koroneburg Renaissance Festival?

The Koroneburg Renaissance Festival is held annually at Crossroads Riverview Park in Corona, California, from May to June.

What are some of the activities to look forward to at the Koroneburg Renaissance Festival?

Some of the activities to look forward to include archery, ax throwing, and games of skill, as well as performances by musicians, comedians, and acrobats. You can also enjoy traditional Renaissance food and drinks, such as sausages, pretzels, and beer.

4. Central Coast Renaissance Faire ⚔️

The Central Coast Renaissance Faire is one of the newest fairs in California, having started in 2017. The festival features knights, pirates, and fairies, and is held in San Luis Obispo County. The fair has a strong emphasis on family-friendly activities, such as puppet shows and storytelling, and visitors can enjoy food and drink from local vendors.

Where and when is the Central Coast Renaissance Faire?

The Central Coast Renaissance Faire is held at Laguna Lake Park in San Luis Obispo, California, in July.

What are some of the activities to look forward to at the Central Coast Renaissance Faire?

Some of the activities to look forward to include jousting, sword fighting, and archery demonstrations, as well as performances by musicians, comedians, and acrobats. You can also enjoy traditional Renaissance food and drinks, such as turkey legs, mead, and ale.

5. Escondido Renaissance Faire 🎭

The Escondido Renaissance Faire is a two-day festival that takes place in the beautiful Felicita County Park. It features music, street performers, and over 50 vendors selling handmade goods. Visitors can also participate in activities such as archery, games, and dancing.

Where and when is the Escondido Renaissance Faire?

The Escondido Renaissance Faire is held at Felicita County Park in Escondido, California, in October.

What are some of the activities to look forward to at the Escondido Renaissance Faire?

Some of the activities to look forward to include archery, games of skill, and dancing, as well as performances by musicians, comedians, and acrobats. You can also enjoy traditional Renaissance food and drinks, such as turkey legs, mead, and ale.

6. Big Bear Renaissance Faire 🏰

The Big Bear Renaissance Faire is a three-weekend festival that takes place in the beautiful mountain town of Big Bear Lake. The faire features over 100 vendors selling handmade goods, as well as entertainment from musicians, dancers, and acrobats. Visitors can also participate in activities such as archery and games of skill.

Where and when is the Big Bear Renaissance Faire?

The Big Bear Renaissance Faire is held in Big Bear Lake, California, from August to September.

What are some of the activities to look forward to at the Big Bear Renaissance Faire?

Some of the activities to look forward to include archery, games of skill, and dancing, as well as performances by musicians, comedians, and acrobats. You can also enjoy traditional Renaissance food and drinks, such as turkey legs, mead, and ale.

7. Fresno Pirate Festival 🏴‍☠️

The Fresno Pirate Festival is a unique festival that combines the Renaissance and the Golden Age of Piracy. The festival features live music, pirate reenactments, and over 100 vendors selling handmade goods. Visitors can also participate in activities such as sword fighting and blacksmithing demonstrations.

Where and when is the Fresno Pirate Festival?

The Fresno Pirate Festival is held at Kearney Park in Fresno, California, in October.

What are some of the activities to look forward to at the Fresno Pirate Festival?

Some of the activities to look forward to include sword fighting, blacksmithing demonstrations, and performances by musicians, comedians, and acrobats. You can also enjoy traditional Renaissance and pirate food and drinks, such as turkey legs, mead, beer, and rum.

8. Age of Chivalry Renaissance Festival 🛡️

The Age of Chivalry Renaissance Festival is a three-day festival held in Las Vegas, Nevada, but it is worth the drive from California. Visitors can enjoy jousting, sword fighting, and archery demonstrations, as well as performances by musicians, comedians, and acrobats. The festival also has a strong emphasis on education and offers workshops on medieval life and crafts.

Where and when is the Age of Chivalry Renaissance Festival?

The Age of Chivalry Renaissance Festival is held annually at Sunset Park in Las Vegas, Nevada, in October.

What are some of the activities to look forward to at the Age of Chivalry Renaissance Festival?

Some of the activities to look forward to include jousting, sword fighting, and archery demonstrations, as well as performances by musicians, comedians, and acrobats. You can also enjoy traditional Renaissance food and drinks, such as turkey legs, mead, and ale.

9. The Central Valley Renaissance Faire 🏹

The Central Valley Renaissance Faire is a weekend festival that takes place in Hanford, California. The festival features live music, jousting, and over 50 vendors selling handmade goods. Visitors can also participate in activities such as archery and games of skill.

Where and when is the Central Valley Renaissance Faire?

The Central Valley Renaissance Faire is held at the Kings County Fairgrounds in Hanford, California, in October.

What are some of the activities to look forward to at the Central Valley Renaissance Faire?

Some of