Renaissance Pleasure Faire Celebrates 55 Years

"Everyone an actor and all the world's a stage!" William Shakespeare. Care to join the play? The Original Renaissance Pleasure Faire is back celebrating 55 years of it's reenactment of an 1580s market faire at Port Deptford, a water front town located in Elizabethan England. We were invited to attend the Faire in Irwindale during their opening weekend, this was our 4th year attending and it's always something we look forward to experiencing. I will say this is not the same faire from 20 years ago, back then it was focused mainly on adults. Todays Renaissance Faire is very family friendly and has so much for kids to see and do, if you haven't been yet or in several years I'd highly recommend checking it out! 

Wondering what to expect at a Renaissance faire? Take a step back in time during your visit to this moving faire as it recreates a village from the 14th century during the reign of Queen Elizabeth. There are no paved roads here just winding paths that lead to the many shops, eateries and shows. Watch as gentlemen enjoy a friendly bout of fencing or better yet, take a stab at it yourself. There is archery, knife tossing and even axe throwing to impress your fair maiden. Jousting, live plays and demonstrations are all around you creating a non stop experience out in the open air of the Santa Fe Dam Recreational Area.

What I love about the faire and why I attend. For one, it is visually stunning! The colors, costumes and scenery all take you back to a time of skill, pageantry and a richer way to interact with people. It's formal and at the same time personable. Visits to the faire are a temporary escape and almost everyone plays the part with their attire, speech and manners. 

Things for the kids that don't include batteries or screens! Yes they still do exist and it's wonderful. The simplest of things at the faire will have a modern child in stitches within seconds. The roller balls, the swing, merry go round and bungee jump are just a few of the fun activities for the kids to enjoy. Jousting and cheering on your favorite knight or watching the birds of prey show are all fun for the entire family. There is even archery for kids, a petting zoo and a pony ride fit for a prince or princess. There are two areas set aside specificaly for kids where they can create crafts. We made fairy house for the first time this year and my daughter really liked picking out her decorations (lucky me I got to do all the assembly).

Photos for days! The photo opps are everywhere with the faires performers and guests alike. Not sure how to dress for the faire? Most of our kids have some dress up costumes right? Okay mine might have more than her "fair" share, this year she got her dress from Medieval Collectibles and was beyond excited because she moved up to a hooped skirt, it's the little things folks. Pirates, gypsys, princesses, knights, wizards, vikings, fairies or any combo is a fun way to experience the faire no matter your age. Even just a partial costume like a shield or a sword for the young lasses can really get them into their visit. FYI they also have costume rentals for a small fee. Price range for Adult size rentals (complete costume*) $18 to $65 Children size rentals (complete costume*) $8 to $25.

Know before you go.

• Go to The Renfair site before your visit.
• There are too many shows and performances to list here so be sure to visit their site as the entertainment schedule and performers vary from weekend to weekend.
• There are a few rules regarding costumes (mostly relating to weapons) and what you can and cannot take into the faire.
• They also have 'Themed" weekends, A Ren Quest (like a scavenger hunt for both kids and adults) and a Pub Crawl which is their interpretation of bar hopping, additional ticket required (no one under 21 allowed on this adventure). They are even introducing a RennCon which is a free-for-all Cosplay weekend welcoming all types of costumes. From Anime to comics and everything in between, it's going to be THE biggest costume party in all the land (okay at least the greater L.A area).
• Buy your ticket in advance and skip the box office lines

Saturdays and Sundays April 8 thru May 21, 2017 · 10 a.m. – 7 p.m. 

Santa Fe Dam Recreation Area
15501 E. Arrow Highway, Irwindale, CA · Ph: 626.969.4750

Box Office Prices:

Adult single day – $29.95
Senior (62+) – $27.00
Military (w/ID) – $27.00
Child (ages 5-12) single day – $15
Children 4 and younger are FREE!
Adult Season Pass – $150.00
Child Season Pass (ages 5-12) – $60.00

***Kids are FREE 4/15 & 16 All children 12 and under free, no coupon needed. Limit 6 children per adult.

Have a group of 15 or more adults?
Save up to 25%!
To order group tickets contact:
So Cal Groups – 714-773-9800

Parking $10/ VIP front of the gates additional $20