Ready to journey into a world of knights, fairies, and enchanting characters? The annual Carolina Renaissance Festival returns every Saturday and Sunday from October 5th to November 24th! Gates open at 9:30 AM, so be sure to arrive early to make the most of your day. Spanning over 25 acres, this Renaissance Festival is one of the largest outdoor Renaissance-themed events in the country. Enjoy everything from circus acts and games to jousting knights and falconry.
Explore Fairhaven Village at the Carolina Renaissance Festival
As you step into the family-friendly Renaissance Fair — just down the street in nearby Huntersville — you'll be transported to the 16th century. The village of Fairhaven greets you with stone structures, colorful banners, and the welcoming servants of the land.
Throughout the festival, you'll hear a beautiful blend of live music, from guitars to harps, accompanying traditional dancers, who perform with swords, sticks, and bells. Immerse yourself in the magic and have a merry ol’ time!
Fun for All Ages: Rides, Games, and More!
The Carolina Renaissance Festival is packed with exciting activities and rides for the whole family. Hop on the World's Largest Rocking Horse, take a spin on Da Vinci's Flying Machine, or set sail on the Voyage to the New World! You can also try your hand at archery, ride a camel, or check out the continuous comedy, dance, music, circus, and vaudeville acts taking place continuously across 16 stages.
Kids will love riding camels or visiting the petting farm, and for a little added fun, try your hand at archery or challenge a peasant at the Vegetable Justice game. And don’t miss the Living Mermaids Exhibit! See graceful sirens flip, swim, and frolic in a 3,000-gallon aquarium.
Rides and games are pay-as-you-play and typically range from $2 to $7, offering endless entertainment for visitors of all ages.
Feeling hungry? The Carolina Renaissance Festival offers over 20 delicious food and drink options to satisfy every craving. Treat yourself to a royal feast at The Cottage Bakery, savor a Sausage on a Stick at Lancer’s Kitchen, or indulge your sweet tooth at The Waffle & Funnel Cake Inn.
Of course, no visit is complete without devouring a giant turkey leg! To wash it all down, head to the Tudor Rose Pub or the Cappuccino Inn for a refreshing beverage.
Feast Like a King
Witness the Trill of the Joust!
No Renaissance Festival is complete without a thrilling jousting match! Watch brave knights in shining armor battle for honor in a reenactment of a medieval jousting tournament. Taking place three times daily in the Shire’s tournament field, this event is a must-see!
Knights don heavy suits of armor, mount their steeds, and charge at one another with lances in a heart-pounding display of skill and courage. You won't want to miss the Queen's bravest knights competing for her honor, including a dramatic joust to the death!
Renaissance Festival Tips
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Arrive early. Crowds and lines can grow huge, so plan to arrive 30 minutes or more before the gates open.
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Wear comfortable shoes, or bring a pair with you for walking around.
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Bring more cash than you think you need because some vendors don’t accept cards. This can also help you avoid the notoriously long ATM line.
Carolina Renaissance Festival Tickets
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Purchase your tickets early because they often sell out.
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Tickets are date specific, and tax and fees apply. $34.00 for Adults ages 13 and up. $20.00 for Children ages 5 - 12.
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Want to go again and again? Consider a season pass. Valid every day of the season, they cost $205.00 for Adults ages 13 and up. Tax and fee apply.
Special Event Weekends
Throughout the Carolina Renaissance Festival, there are certain specially-themed weekends and events that you will want to attend! From the Pirate's Weekend to the Brewfest Festival, you can find a weekend ideally suited for you.
Opening Weekend
October 5-6
Receive 2 Adult Tickets for $44 ($24 Savings)!
Opening Weekend Only!
Wizard & Revels Weekend
October 12-13
Receive 1 FREE Child Admission with the purchase of 1 full-price Adult Admission. Coupon required. Valid for ages 5 - 12 (4 & under, always free).
Brewfest Weekend
October 19-20
Learn the time-honored craft of beer brewing! Sample a selection of fine micro-brewed ale! Play a series of RenFest Beer Games! Adventurous, costumed ladies are invited to strut their stuff in the Saucy Maiden Costume Contest flirtatiously! All in good, clean, fun, of course! Prizes will be awarded. Brewfest activities start at 12:00 pm at the Haven (behind Edgewood Stage). Sampling sales end at 3:15, sampling last call is 3:30, and activities end at 4:00 PM.
Halloween Daze and Spooky Knights
October 26-27
Enjoy FREE Child Admission, with no coupon required, for all children ages 12 and under. Free child tickets are available online at www.carolina.renfestinfo.com/buy-tickets with a date selection of October 26 or October 27. Children must have a ticket. Adults accompanying children must already have a ticket if the event date has sold out.
Celtic Music Weekend
November 2-3
Special guest musicians Magnus & Maggie join Festival Mynstrel to present a bevy of your favorite Celtic music! Don't miss CRAIC and The Reelin Rogues! Win tickets for a return visit and much more! Hunky Highlanders are encouraged to show their stuff in the Men of Skills Competition! Contests include a Test of Strength, a Test of Confidence, and a Test of Skill. All in good fun! Prizes will be awarded. Contest 3:00 p.m. at The Haven (beyond the Edgewood Theatre) Huzzah!
Pirates' Christmas Weekend
November 9-10
ARRRRGH! It's foolish pleasures and pirate's treasures! Plunder the Village with early Holiday shopping and save at the Fairhaven Artisan Marketplace! Spend $250 or more on the day you attend and receive 1 FREE Adult Ticket. Spend $350 or more on the day you attend and receive 2 FREE Adult Tickets. You can also win free tickets for a return visit (and other prizes) in the Pirate Costume Contest! Dress as your favorite scallywag and win prizes! The contest is at 3pm for children and adults. The contest will follow immediately after at the Haven (located beyond the Edgewood Theatre).
Time Travelers' Weekend
November 16-17
You don’t need a passport to Time Travel to the 16th Century! Come as you are or dress as your favorite time-traveling character inspired by movies, TV, comic books, science fiction, and/or fantasy - all costume genres welcome! Win FREE tickets for a return visit (and other prizes, too) in the Time Traveler’s costume contest! The contest starts at 3 pm for children, and the adult contest will follow immediately after at the Haven (located beyond the Edgewood Theatre). Enjoy book signings by popular local science fiction and fantasy authors!
The Final Huzzah!
November 23-24
Chomp a Turkey Leg before Turkey Day, and don't miss the last chance of the year to experience your best day out in History! Take advantage of your last opportunity of the year to experience your best day in History! Children ages 5-12 are FREE with a donation of canned food items at the Festival entry (ages four and under are always free).
The Carolina Renaissance Festival is a collision of fantasy and history. Prepare thy heart for a day of entertainment. Thee wilt not beest twid’ling mine thumbs at this festival! Find more details here. And don’t forget to tag us in your time-traveling adventure to the Middle Ages @VisitLakeNorman.
