15 Must-See Renaissance Faires in 2026

Here’s a curated, US‑focused guide to 15 of the most well‑known and popular Renaissance markets (faires) to plan for in 2026. Exact 2026 calendars are typically announced a few months in advance; the “Typical 2026 season window” below is based on recent years and should be confirmed on each event’s official website before you book.

 

1) Texas Renaissance Festival — Todd Mission, Texas
- Typical 2026 season window: Late September–mid/late November (weekends)
- Location: TRF grounds, Todd Mission (about 1 hour northwest of Houston)
- Why go: The largest in the U.S. by attendance, with sprawling themed weekends, hundreds of shops, robust entertainment schedule, and campgrounds.

 

2) Minnesota Renaissance Festival — Shakopee, Minnesota
- Typical 2026 season window: Late August–late September (sometimes into early October; weekends + Labor Day)
- Location: Festival grounds near Shakopee (southwest of Minneapolis)
- Why go: One of the country’s biggest; famed for its artisan marketplace, comedic shows, and hearty food.

 

3) Maryland Renaissance Festival — Crownsville, Maryland
- Typical 2026 season window: Late August–late October (weekends)
- Location: “Revel Grove,” Crownsville (near Annapolis)
- Why go: Highly regarded production values, dense performance schedule, and a wooded village setting.

 

4) Pennsylvania Renaissance Faire — Manheim, Pennsylvania
- Typical 2026 season window: August–October (weekends)
- Location: Mount Hope Estate & Winery, Manheim (north of Lancaster)
- Why go: A full-season storyline, lots of themed weekends, extensive cast, and on-site winery.

 

5) Bristol Renaissance Faire — Kenosha/Bristol, Wisconsin (WI/IL border)
- Typical 2026 season window: Early July–Labor Day (weekends)
- Location: Off I‑94 near the WI/IL state line
- Why go: Top-tier street theater and improv, picturesque grounds, and a prime summer schedule.

 

6) Arizona Renaissance Festival — Gold Canyon/Apache Junction, Arizona
- Typical 2026 season window: Late February–early April (weekends; sometimes Presidents’ Day Monday)
- Location: Festival village off US‑60 near Gold Canyon
- Why go: Desert‑scape village, big jousting arena, and a wide mix of artisans and food.

 

7) Renaissance Pleasure Faire (SoCal) — Irwindale, California
- Typical 2026 season window: Mid‑April–mid/late May (weekends)
- Location: Santa Fe Dam Recreation Area, Irwindale (Los Angeles County)
- Why go: The classic West Coast faire; strong performance roster and LA‑area accessibility.

 

8) Georgia Renaissance Festival — Fairburn, Georgia
- Typical 2026 season window: Mid‑April–early June (weekends)
- Location: Festival grounds in Fairburn (south of Atlanta)
- Why go: Southern charm, big entertainment lineup, and lots of hands‑on activities.

 

9) Carolina Renaissance Festival — Huntersville, North Carolina
- Typical 2026 season window: October–November (weekends)
- Location: Festival grounds in Huntersville (north of Charlotte)
- Why go: Family‑friendly shows, a wide artisan market, and autumn ambience.

 

10) Michigan Renaissance Festival — Holly, Michigan
- Typical 2026 season window: Late August–early October (weekends + Labor Day)
- Location: “Hollygrove” village in Holly (north of Detroit)
- Why go: Quirky stages, robust food-and-drink scene, and themed weekends.

 

11) New York Renaissance Faire — Tuxedo Park, New York
- Typical 2026 season window: Late August–September (weekends + Labor Day)
- Location: Sterling Forest, Tuxedo Park (Hudson Valley, north of NYC)
- Why go: Scenic woodland setting, costuming culture, and high‑energy performances.

 

12) Ohio Renaissance Festival — Harveysburg/Waynesville, Ohio
- Typical 2026 season window: Early September–October (weekends)
- Location: Renaissance Park near Harveysburg (southwest of Columbus)
- Why go: A large permanent village, jousts, and a packed weekend slate.

 

13) Colorado Renaissance Festival — Larkspur, Colorado
- Typical 2026 season window: Mid‑June–late July (weekends)
- Location: Larkspur (between Denver and Colorado Springs)
- Why go: Mountain‑adjacent setting, summer timing, and a solid artisan lineup.

 

14) Kansas City Renaissance Festival — Bonner Springs, Kansas
- Typical 2026 season window: Labor Day weekend–mid/late October (weekends)
- Location: Festival grounds in Bonner Springs (west of Kansas City)
- Why go: Long-running Midwest favorite with big themed weekends and crafts.

 

15) Scarborough Renaissance Festival — Waxahachie, Texas
- Typical 2026 season window: Mid‑April–Memorial Day (weekends)
- Location: Festival grounds in Waxahachie (south of Dallas)
- Why go: Springtime Texas faire with strong artisanship, food, and entertainment.

Planning tips for 2026
- Confirm dates early: Most fairs post official calendars between late winter and spring. Holiday weekends (Memorial Day, Labor Day) sell out fastest.
- Book lodging ahead: Popular weekends, especially themed ones, can fill nearby hotels and campsites quickly.
- Arrive in costume (or rent): Many fairs offer on‑site rentals; costumes aren