Ready your sword and steed for a day of festive delights, daring knights, and Halloween frights at the Renaissance Faire. These whimsically themed events allow revelers to step back from life’s hustle and bustle for a day of old-fashioned, family-friendly medieval fun. Some get in the spirit with elaborate costumes and makeup, while others attend the fair for the plethora of artisan vendors and jovial atmosphere.
Whatever your reason for joining the merrymaking, there are a few things to know before you go. Always reserve tickets online in advance, especially if the whole family is attending. While outside foods and beverages are prohibited at events like this, there are more than enough food vendors inside to satisfy a king. Lastly, if squires or maidens of age wish to consume alcohol on site, they must carry a valid photo ID.
Although the popular Maryland Renaissance Festival has sold out for the rest of its season, here are two others for you within driving distance of NoVA.
Ravenwood Faire
Drive time from Dulles: About 1 hour
October 18–20, October 25–27
Watch the Frederick County Fairgrounds transform into the barony of Ravenwood for two weekends this October. The lords, ladies, and nobles of the realm are ordered to assemble for a tournament and royal feast in celebration of the queen’s birthday. All might seem calm, but trouble is brewing beneath the surface.
This year, Ravenwood welcomes the baronies of Terranor, Windemere, Emberon, and Aquitaine — each of them squabbling among themselves for greater control of the realm. With the Royal Quest adventure, your group must unravel the feuds troubling the baronies by performing tasks and collecting tokens on your travels through Ravenwood.
After restoring peace to the realm, grab a glass of beer from Winchester Brew Works or a horn of mead from Saga Meadery. Food vendors will also be on-site, including Bam Bam’s BBQ, Frosty Softy Soft Serve, and JuJu’s Indian Food. Those who desire truly regnal treatment can alternatively purchase a ticket to the Royal Feast on October 25, which includes live tableside entertainment and a souvenir Ravenwood glass.
Don’t forget to visit the marketplace, where young squires and maidens will find over 75 local artisans and merchants selling everything from pottery and jewelry to 3D-printed trinkets and leather goods. The Ravenwood Faire is organized by the Ravenwood Foundation, a Winchester-based nonprofit that helps engage and educate youth through civic engagement. 250 Fairground Rd., Clear Brook, $25 single-day admission for 16 and older, $15 single-day admission for kids 7–15, free admission for 6 and younger
Pennsylvania Renaissance Faire
Drive time from Dulles: About 2.5 hours
Saturday and Sunday through October 27, 11 a.m.–8 p.m.
Bask in the glory of Elizabethan England after its resounding defeat of the Spanish Armada at the Pennsylvania Renaissance Faire. Queen Elizabeth has ordered a feast and tournament of knightly games to commemorate her victory, and there are mighty rewards for currying favor with the queen. Pick your guild and display its colors as you vie for her attention.
For entertainment, revelers can visit any of the seven stages throughout the fair for acts such as the Cirque la Vie circus troop, the London Broil comedic juggling, or the Alterra Silks show. Schedules for each weekend’s entertainment and dining options are published in advance. Themes change for each weekend of festivities, with an Oktoberfest theme for the weekend of September 28 to 29.
After working up an appetite, squires and maidens must exchange their modern currency for Coin of the Realm — the only form of cash that can be used to purchase food and drink from vendors throughout the shire. Food options include everything from chicken and fries and jumbo pretzels to personal pizzas and giant roast turkey legs. There is no shortage of pourhouses and taps with local brews for adults.
The last three weekends in October will feature Halloween-themed events, with guests encouraged to wear their spookiest costumes. Revelers can bring a dog to the fair for $5, but it must be registered online and approved by organizers in advance. Tickets to the fair are date-specific and must be purchased online. 2775 Lebanon Rd. Manheim, Pennsylvania, $37.95 single-day admission for 12 and older, $19.95 single-day admission for kids 5–11, free admission for 4 and younger
Feature image courtesy Pennsylvania Renaissance Faire
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