Explore Fairhaven Village at the Carolina Renaissance Festival
Step into the family-friendly Renaissance Festival in Huntersville and time-travel to the greatest party since Camelot! You're welcomed into the enchanted Village of Fairhaven, where history comes alive among stone cottages, colorful banners, and the merry servants of the realm.
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! Every festival day is rain or shine. Spanning 25 acres across forest and meadow, Fairhaven brims with castles, pubs, demonstrations, games, rides, and theatrical marvels, all part of a non-stop, day-long extravaganza.
Carolina Renaissance Festival
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 comedy, dance, music, circus, and vaudeville acts taking place continuously across 16 stages. Don’t miss the Living Mermaids Exhibit either, where you can 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.
Carolina Renaissance Festival
The following mesmerizing shows are new for 2026:
Cirque du Sewer: Featuring trained cats and rats all season long.
Blades & Bravery: Knives, swords and danger on Oct. 3-4 and Oct. 10-11.
Gabs the Fool: Clowning, circus and comedy on Oct. 17-18 and Oct. 24-25.
Tiny Girl Big Show: Acrobatics, circus and comedy on Oct. 31 and Nov. 1 and Nov. 7-8.
The Lynx Show: Comedy sword swallowing on Nov. 14-15 and Nov. 21-22.
Getting hungry in line? You’re in luck. Fairhaven is a foodie’s playground with more than 20 spots to eat and drink. Grab something sweet at The Cottage Bakery (brownies, tiramisu, cheesecake—take your pick) or hit Lancer’s Kitchen for a Sausage on a Stick, corn on the cob, and those famous turkey legs. If dessert is calling your name, The Waffle & Funnel Cake Inn has you covered.
And yes, the giant turkey leg is non-negotiable. Pair it with a latte or frozen Italian soda from the Cappuccino Inn, or, if you’re of age, raise a glass at the Tudor Rose Pub with champagne, mimosas, craft beer, or wine. Keep an eagle eye out for roaming food and drink carts, and you just might find a caramel apple to snack on!
Carolina Renaissance Festival
Witness the Thrill of the Joust!
Carolina Renaissance Festival
You can’t miss the jousting! It’s the heart-pounding highlight of the day at the Festival. Three times each day on the Shire’s tournament field, knights in full armor mount their steeds and charge with lances in hand. There's the Battle for the Queen’s Favor, then the Tournament of Champions, and finally, the dramatic Joust to the Death.
These performers, talented stunt riders and actors, bring real grit and pageantry, complete with unhorsings, point scoring, and theatrical flair. It’s history brought to life, full of chivalry and showmanship. It draws a huge crowd, so it's definitely worth front-row seats.
Renaissance Festival Tips
Arrive early. Crowds and lines can grow quickly, so plan to arrive at least 30 minutes before the gates open.
Wear comfortable shoes, or bring a pair with you for walking around.
Bring more cash than you think you need, as some vendors may not accept cards. This can also help you avoid the notoriously long ATM line.
Don your favorite period costume and flower crown to bring the magic to life.
Carolina Renaissance Festival Tickets
The 2026 season will run on Saturdays and Sundays from Oct. 3 - Nov. 22. The event is rain or shine from 9:30am to 5:30pm. Parking is free, but pets are not allowed.
Tickets are date specific, and tax and fees apply. $37.99 for Adults ages 13 and up. $23.99 for Children ages 5 - 12. Children 4 and under are free.
Want to go again and again? Consider a season pass. Valid every day of the season, they cost $226.99 for Adults ages 13 and up. Taxes and fees 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 Pirates' Weekend to the Brewfest Festival, you can find a weekend ideally suited for you. You might even find discounted tickets!
Carolina Renaissance Festival
Opening Invasion Celebration!
Oct. 3-4
Kick off the festival season with Vikings, barbarians, crusaders, orcs, raiders, and more! Receive 2 Adult Tickets for $47.99 ($26 Savings)! Opening Weekend Only!
Deaf Awareness Day
Oct. 10
Enjoy interpreted performances and discounted admission for members of the deaf and hard-of-hearing community. Children ages 5-12 who are deaf or hard-of-hearing receive free admission, while adults ages 13 and up save $13 per ticket.
Brewfest Weekend
Oct. 10-11
Discover the timeless art of beer brewing! Sample a variety of finely crafted microbrews and join in on a series of lively RenFest Beer Games. Adventurous, costumed participants can show off their flair in the Saucy Maiden Costume Contest—all in good fun, of course—with prizes awarded to the most spirited entrants! Brewfest activities run from noon to 4pm at the Haven (located behind the Edgewood Stage).
Carolina Renaissance Festival
Carolina Renaissance Festival
Wizard & Revels Weekend
Oct. 17-18
Receive 1 free Child Admission with the purchase of 1 full-price Adult Admission. Coupon required. Or receive a free Child Admission with the donation of a new or gently used coat at the festival entrance. No coupon needed. Valid for ages 5 - 12 (4 & under, always free).
Celtic Music Weekend
Oct. 24-25
Tap your toes to lively performances from Magnus & Maggie, CRAIC, and The Reelin Rogues, who will fill Fairhaven with the sounds of traditional Celtic music all weekend long. Cheer on the “Hunky Highlanders” in the Men of Skills Competition at 2:30pm at The Middleshire Grove, featuring tests of strength, confidence, and skill—all in good fun with prizes to be won.
Carolina Renaissance Festival
Carolina Renaissance Festival
Halloween Daze and Spooky Knights
Oct. 31 - Nov. 1
Celebrate the Carolinas’ biggest costume party at the Carolina Renaissance Festival! Kids 12 and under get free admission (ticket required, available online). Enjoy safe trick-or-treating at more than 100 locations throughout the festival's village of Fairhaven, join the costume contest at 2:30pm at The Middleshire Grove Stage, and don’t miss the special “Knights of the Living Dead” zombie jousts. Children must have a ticket. Adults accompanying children must already have a ticket if the event date has sold out.
Pirates' Christmas Weekend
Nov. 7-8
Set sail for adventure with holiday shopping at the Artisan Marketplace and lively pirate performances by The Pyrates Royale at the Royal Pavilion. Don your best swashbuckling attire and enter the Pirates’ Costume Contest at 2:30pm at the Middleshire Grove Stage, open to both kids and adults, for a chance to win prizes and free return tickets. Big spenders can also snag bonus admission: spend $350 or more and receive 2 free adult tickets.
Carolina Renaissance Festival
Carolina Renaissance Festival
Time Travelers' Weekend
Nov. 14-15
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! Children ages 12 and under can enter free with a specific school supply donation at the festival entrance to benefit Classroom Central.
Win free tickets for a return visit (and other prizes, too) in the Time Traveler’s Costume Contest! The contest starts at 2:30pm for children, and the adult contest will follow immediately after at The Middleshire Grove (located beyond the Rocking Horse). Enjoy book signings by popular local science fiction and fantasy authors from 11:30am to 4:30pm at Arte of the Booke in the Woodswalk, as well as free Hero & Villain Training at The Haven during the same time.
The Final Huzzah!
Nov. 21-22
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! Children ages 5-12 are free with a donation of canned food items to benefit Second Harvest Food Bank at the festival entry (children ages 4 and under are always free). Win prizes in the grand Fare-Thee-Well CostumeContest at the Middleshire Grove stage at 2:30pm.
The Carolina Renaissance Festival is where fantasy and history collide. Ready thy spirit for a full day of merriment—thou shalt not be twiddling thy thumbs here! Learn more on the festival's website, and don’t forget to share thy time-traveling adventure with us @VisitLakeNorman on Facebook and Instagram! Let us know how your medieval adventure went on Tripadvisor, too.
