Join in the merriment that is the Virginia Renaissance Faire. It closes out its final weekend of the 2025 celebration on June 7 and 8 at Lake Anna Winery.
This family-friendly event is now in its 23rd season. It features music, magicians, acrobats, knights at the joust, wild birds of prey, plus, hands-on activities.
“This is a safe place to bring your kids and your grandma,” notes Cornelia Rutherford, president and CEO of Out of the Woodwork Productions, which produces the Virginia Renaissance Faire. “We have a large, brilliant cast of trained improvisational actors who have been steeped in the history of the Elizabethan age.”
About the Virginia Renaissance Faire
Unlike similar festivals, the Virginia Renaissance Faire focuses on interactive educational experiences. It doesn’t just jump from stage show to stage show. “This is a total immersion into a 16th century festival day celebrating the Queen’s progress,” says Rutherford. “Visitors are immediately welcomed as a fellow citizen of our little town.”
The Faire features local artisans and crafters from throughout Virginia, the DMV and the mid-Atlantic. You can find face painting, henna trails, leather goods, and jewelry.
In the town Militia, you can learn to swing a sword, carry a pike, cook period fare, or be publicly shamed in the town pillories. Don’t be shy — learn to dance. “The cast loves to teach newbies during dance sets at the Maypole,” Rutherford says.
There’s a lot going on down in the Nobles Glade, starting with the Queen’s Feast followed by the children’s knighting ceremony. You can even bring a case to the Ladies Court of Love or the Court of Common Pleas.
Try the Educational Quest
Be sure to check out the Educational Quest posted around the site. “I met a large family this past weekend who did the first one with the kids and then the adult version as a family project,” Rutherford says.
At the end of the day there is a fun sing-along in the Barleycorn Pub that appropriate for every age. It’s followed by a special closing which features a speech from William Shakespeare’s The Tempest.
“My favorite part is seeing the smiles and listening to the cheers and laughter as I walk through the faire. I relish my chats with the patrons because I learn so much from them,” Rutherford says. “There is a spirit of overwhelming kindness and joy that fills this faire. Over all these years, it has never lost its luster.”
Tickets can be purchased online only and are not available at the gate. Tickets are $18 for adults; age 65+ is $12; kids age 6 to 16 are $10; children 5 and under are free.
Lake Anna Winery: 5621 Courthouse Rd., Spotsylvania
Feature image courtesy Kevin Hedgecock
