Attention noble knights and fine ladies! The king and queen command you to attend a renaissance fair! And there are a number that occur in California from January through April.
Calaveras Celtic Faire – Located approximately 55 miles northeast of Modesto in Angels Camp, California at the Frogtown Fairgrounds. This fair will be held one weekend in mid-March of 2008 from 10:00 am – 10:00 pm Saturday and 10:00 am – 5:00 pm Sunday. Tickets will be approximately $24adults; $18 for students, seniors, and military, $10 for kids ages 6-12, and free for children under 5 years old. Those who wish to dress in period attire must keep weapons sheathed and peace-tied. This is California’s oldest and largest Celtic Faire. Diverse music such as Scottish, Irish, Celtic, and Punk Irish will delight visitors. Thrilling jousts, astonishing archery, and delicious ethnic food and beverages will please young and old. For more detail, visit their website at http://www.calaverascelticfaire.com.
Fresno City College Renaissance Fair – This festival will be held on the West Lawn of Fresno City College in California one weekend in March 2008 from 10:00 am – 6:00 pm Saturday and 10:00 am – 5:00 pm Sunday. Tickets will be approximately $6.00 for adults and $4.00 for children. Parking will be free. No alcohol will be sold or permitted. Those who wish to dress in costume will be required to keep weapons sheathed and peace-tied. Performances by mystical magicians, engaging minstrels, amazing knights, and striking belly dancers will entertain visitors while master merchants offer fine crafts and food. The faire is a charitable fundraiser and is produced with the support of FCC Student Activities and St. Henry’s Guild. More information can be found on their website at http://www.geocities.com/sainthenrysguild/fcc.html.
Crossroads Palm Springs Old World Renaissance Festival – Located approximately 106 miles east of Los Angeles in Palm Springs, California. This fair will be held March 28th – 30th in 2008 from 11:00 am to 6:00pm Friday and Sunday, and 11:00 am to 9:00 pm Saturday. Tickets will be $9 for adults, $5 for seniors and kids ages 6 – 12, and free for children ages 5 and under. No alcohol will be sold or permitted. Visitors will step into a 1450-1600 European Village market where sights, sounds, and smells will delight their senses throughout the day. Performers will entertain with music, storytelling, interactive theater productions, juggling, magic shows, and more. Artisans will sell and demonstrate their finely crafted wares; such as chain mail, clothing, leather goods, pottery, jewelry, and many more items. Food vendors will offer edibles and beverages fit for a king including turkey legs, ice cream, sausage sandwiches, handcrafted ale, and sodas. Find out more on their website at http://www.renaissanceinfo.com/palmsprings/index.html.
Renaissance Pleasure Faire – Located approximately 25 miles east of Los Angeles in Irwindale, California at the Santa Fe Dam Recreation Area. This fair is held weekends April 7th – May 20th 10:00 am – 7:00 pm. Tickets are $25 for adults, $15 for kids ages 5 – 12, and free for children ages 4 and under. The Santa Fe Dam Recreational Area charges an $8.00 entry fee per visit. Those wishing to dress up must keep weapons sheathed and peace-tied. Special features include a School day and a Kids’ Kingdom which includes Imaginary Tea Time, a Knighting Ceremony, musical shows, and games. This fair also offers wedding packages. Flamboyant comedy, enthralling music, stimulating jousting, and more will entertain attendees as they stroll the grounds enjoying rides, and games. Vendors offer exquisite art, armor, clothing, toys jewelry, and more. For additional information visit their website at http://www.renfair.com/socal.
Escondido Spring Renaissance Faire – Located approximately 30 miles north of San Diego in Escondido, California. This fair will be held two weekends in mid-April 2008 from 10:00 am to dusk. Parking will be $4. Tickets will be approximately $15 for adults, $13 for seniors, $8 for kids ages 5 – 11, and free for children ages 4 and under. Those who wish to dress in medieval garb must keep weapons sheathed and peace-tied. Special features include a children’s’ play area adjacent to the village site. Attendees may bring food and drinks, but alcoholic beverages may not be brought in the event. Entertainment will include archery demonstrations, Shakespeare plays, jugglers, music, and more. Merchants will be offering a variety of artistic crafts and satisfying foods. More details are available on their website at http://www.goldcoastfestivals.com/escondidoren/erenpg1.html.
Tulare County Renaissance Festival – Located approximately 40 miles south of Fresno in Visalia, California. This fair will be held at the end of April 2008 from 10:00 am – 6:00 pm Saturday and 10:00 am – 5:00 pm Sunday. Tickets will be approximately $7 for adults, $5 for kids ages 6 – 12 and seniors, and free for children under 6 years old. Those who wish to dress up will be required to keep weapons sheathed and peace-tied. This Elizabethan-themed Faire features the splendid atmosphere of England, sharing with visitors dramatic jousting and battle reenactments, lively stage shows and much more. For more information, visit their website at http://www.stmortimer.org.
So put on your finest medieval garb and prepare for revelry when you step back in time at an adventurous renaissance fair in California!
