Summer Ren-Faires in California

Renaissance Festivals Recreate Historic Elizabethian Era

May 22, 2008

Renaissance Faires are imaginative fantasy events set in Medieval market places in 16th century England. Take a few steps back in time to a rugged, romantic era.

Renaissance festivals in California are a trip back in time to the historical Elizabethian era. Enjoy a leisurely summer day at a Renaissance festival. Renaissance Faires recreate a historical era of hundreds of years ago.

The 16th Century of English history was an era of pageantry, intrigue and battles. Stroll the lanes of English marketplaces and enjoy the live entertainment, colorful costumed characters, festival food and drink.

Visitors are welcome to wear their best Renaissance garb and add to the festival atmosphere. Summer Renaissance Festivals are fresh air outdoor events with lively entertainment.

Summertime Ren-Faires in California include the Central Coast Renaissance Festival, Big Bear City Renaissance Faire, Golden Gate Renaissance Faire, Fair Oaks Renaissance Tudor Fayre and the Willitis Renaissance Festival.

Central Coast Renaissance Festival

The Central Coast Renaissance Festival is held in El Chorro Regional Park, on Highway 1, between San Luis Obispo and Morro Bay. A Colorful English village is brought to life with over 800 costumed participants. Paths of the English village are lively, with continuous entertainment. Stroll the paths and see comedy, juggling, music and dance shows. Living history demonstrations take place throughout the village. Over 60 vendors display and sell their handmade arts and crafts. Crafts of the period include costumes, pottery, swords, leather goods, tankards, jewelry and more. Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth will attend the fair, with Her Royal Court in attendance. The Royal Joust is held twice a day. Fair food available for sale includes roasted turkey legs, beef sandwiches, sausages and bangers, meat pies, ribs, ale, wine, honey mead and lemonade. Tickets $15 Adults.

Big Bear City Renaissance Faire

This Enchanted Shire is a recreation of an English Summer Faire set during the reign of Queen Elizabeth I. Visitors to this village fair can experience the excitement of jousting, strolling entertainers, stage performances, unique handcrafts and delicious refreshments. This 16th Century Renaissance Country Faire features Queen Elizabeth's Royal Court,t Jousting Knights on Horseback, Live Steel Battle, Archery Tournament, Living History Encampments, Ethnic food and Drink, Jugglers, Belly Dancers, Musicians, Singers, Midsummer Fairy Forest Children's Area and the Poxy Boggards. Ticket includes viewing of the joust, battle pageants, entertainment archery contests, Queens court, children's area and the High School Shakespeare Festival. Tickets $15 Adults, $12 Children.

Golden Gate Renaissance Faire

The Golden Gate Renaissance Faire recreates the time in history when Queen Jane Gray, Queen Mary Tudor and Princess Elizabeth struggles for the power of the English throne and the monarchy. History comes to life with live theater, entertainment, jousting, music, dancing, storytelling, comedy and battles. The marketplace offers unique arts and crafts. Food is plentiful and available for sale. Tickets $18 Adults, $13 Seniors, $8 Children, Under 6 free.

Fair Oaks Renaissance Tudor Fayre

Willitis Renaissance Festival

Renaissance Fair is held to raise money for families with multiple sclerosis. Admission $10, Seniors & Juniors $8. Under 8 free.

Information is subject to change. See the festival websites for additional information about these events.

The copyright of the article Summer Ren-Faires in California in California Travel is owned by Christine Nyholm. Permission to republish Summer Ren-Faires in California in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.