Renaissance Fairs in California in June

Attention buccaneers! It be time for you to enjoy a rousing renaissance fair with piratical flair! And there are several to attend in California in June.

Big Bear Pirate Faire - Located approximately 100 miles east of Los Angeles in Fawnskin, California. This fair will be held June 2^nd - 3^rd from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm. Parking is free. Tickets will be $15 for adults; $12 for seniors ages 55 and older, military with ID, and kids ages 6 - 12; and children ages 5 and under will be admitted for free. Those who wish to dress in costume will be allowed unloaded period firearms only. Blades and other weapons must be kept sheathed and peace-tied. Special events include costume contests for both adults and kids. This festival will feature thrilling and educational re-enactments of beach skirmishes, ship to shore battles, court martial and more. Merchants will be offering fine pirate treasure and foods and drinks no doubt plundered from places best left unnamed. More information can be found on their website at http://www.bigbearrenfair.com/pirate.

The Valhalla Renaissance Faire - This fair will be held in South Lake Tahoe, California weekends from June 2^nd - 10^th from 10:00 am - 6:00 pm on Saturdays and 10:00 am - 5:00 pm on Sundays. Tickets will be $15 for adults; $10 for seniors, military, and kids ages 13-17; $5 for children ages 6 - 12, and free for children ages 6 and under. Those wishing to dress in period attire must keep weapons sheathed and peace-tied. There will be separate stages for PG-13 shows and children's shows. Visitors will enjoy archery, games of skill, tarot readings, and more. Master craftsmen will demonstrate blacksmithing, woodworking, and coin stamping. Valiant knights will engage in full-contact jousting, minstrels will spin beautiful melodies, and many more performers will delight and surprise. Artisans will be selling handcrafted weapons, clothing, jewelry, leather goods, perfumes, musical instruments and much more. For more detail, visit their website at http://www.valhallafaire.com.

Dragon Slayers Renaissance Festival - Located approximately 80 miles south of San Francisco in Aptos, California. This fair will be held on June 16^th from 10:00 am - 6:00 pm. Parking will be free. Tickets will be $12 for adults, $8 for kids ages 5 - 12, and free for children ages 4 and under. No alcohol will be sold or permitted. Those wishing to dress up must keep weapons sheathed and peace-tied. This festival is a fundraising event for Dragon Slayers, an innovative animal therapy program for physically challenged children and adults where they work with exotic and unusual animals to strengthen the body, mind and spirit.

Play Faire Productions, who produce the Northern California Renaissance Faire, are volunteering years of event experience to this organization. There will be enchanting music, lively dance, rousing comedy, dexterous jugglers, and mysterious magicians to entertain all ages. Vendors will entice visitors with their unique wares. Additional information can be found on their website at http://www.dragonslayersfestival.com.

Northern California Pirate Festival - Located approximately 30 miles north of San Francisco in Vallejo, California. This fair will be held June 16^th - 17^th from 10:00 am - dusk on Saturday and 10:00 am - 6:00 pm on Sunday. Admission will be free. Features include a children's stage in addition to other stages where performers will provide ongoing entertainment. Daily ship-to-shore cannon battles and sword fights will excite and thrill young and old. Visitors will enjoy maritime music, magic, comedy, and much more. Vendors will tempt with their pirates' treasures. More detail is available on their website at http://www.norcalpiratefestival.com.

So whether your tastes run to pirates of the salty seas or more traditional medieval fun, set sail for a renaissance fair in California during the month of June!