Renaissance Festivals and Fairs in New York State

Renaissance festivals are delightful events that recreate the experience of the medieval era. Costumed characters and actors portray royally, noblemen, kings, queens, lords, ladies, tavern serving wenches, jousting knights, fools, comedians and musicians. Ren-faires feature live entertainment on stage and strolling on the grounds. Costumed characters engage in conversation with guests. Guests ofter dress up in medieval garb to fit in the spirit of fantasy and fun. Creative costumes and works of art are seen throughout the grounds. A day at the Renaissance Faire is a full day of entertainment, away from cars, cell phones and modern day worries. There are several Renaissance festivals in New York. The largest festivals are Sterling Renaissance Festival and New York Renaissance Faire. Following is information about some of the Ren-faires in New York this year.

Sterling Renaissance Festival
July 12 to August 17, 10 am - 7 pm, Saturdays and Sundays
Sterling, New York (one hour north of Syracuse
Sterling Renaissance Festival is a trip back in time. The weekend event features 80 stage and street performances, with over 200 actors and stagehands creating an authentic English Renaissance Village from 1585 Artisans demonstrate and sell the wares. Festival fare offers filling delicacies to eat, such as steak on-a-stake, pita pockets, turkey legs, portabella mushroom sandwiches and mile high cakes.

The Renaissance Festival offers a full day of entertainment every day it is open. Each weekend has a special theme, so each weekend if unique. Following are the theme of the weekends.

July 12 & 13: Opening Festivities
July 19 & 20: Romance Rendezvous: During the romance weekend there is a chance for couples to renew vows. The renewal of vows ceremony occurs twice a day. Reservations are required to participate in the renewal of vows.The fee for the Renewal of Vows is $96, which includes two adult admissions.
July 26 & 27: Pirate Revel: Come in a pirate costume and join the Dread Pirate Costume Competition. Dine of pirate fare stolen from around the world. Entertainment includes swash buckling swordplay and a Pirate Auction.
August 2 & 3: Celtic Celebration - Celebrate the tradition foods and music of Scotland and Ireland.
August 9 & 10: Wine Lover's Bacchanal
August 16 & 17: The Grande Finale

Tickets for adults are $18.95 in advance and $22 at the gate. There is a full price list for admissions and passes on the Sterling Renaissance Festival website.

New York Renaissance Faire
August 2 - September 21, Saturdays, Sundays and Labor Day Monday
10 am - 7 pm
Sterling Forest, Tuxedo, New York
New York Renaissance Faire is a fantasy event featuring characters from out of the past. Guests enjoy a full day of entertainment as they visit the stages with live performers and the character actors strolling the lanes of the village. Merriment abounds at the exciting festival. The marketplace artisans display and sell their unique wares. Festival food satisfies the taste buds and fill the belly. Admission to the New York Renaissance Faire is $19.

Hudson Valley Mayfaire
May 3-4, 10 am - 7 pm
Ulster County Fairgrounds
Admission $15

Brass Ring Thing Renaissance Faire
June 7, 11 am - 6 pm
Herschell Carousel Factory Museum

Beardslee Castle Medieval Faire
July 22, 11 am - 6 pm
Little Falls, NY

Yorkshire Renaissance Faire
May 17-18

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

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Renaissance Faires in Massachusetts
Renaissance Festivals in Connecticut
Renaissance Festivals in Pennsylvania
Renaissance Faires in Maryland
Renaissance Faires in Maryland