Step back in time and immerse yourself in the vibrant world of the Carolina Renaissance Festival, a 25-acre open-air village nestled in the forests of Huntersville, North Carolina. Read on for Guest Contributor Al Butler’s post about his day at the festival.

A Day at the Carolina Ren Fest

The Carolina Renaissance Festival is celebrating its 30^th year and I made a trip there, my second time attending and my second time going to any Renaissance Festival. It is a colorful place with many activities, so many that it would take more than one trip to see or do all of them. 

There are songs and dances, comedians and jugglers. You can try your hand at games of skill and chance, find magical mermaids and fairies, or watch knights joust and birds perform. Kids can ride rides and navigate a maze. There’s also plenty of vendors for food and shopping. Be prepared with cash in hand before since most or all of the vendors do not have machines for debit or credit cards. 

The festival is open on weekends in the fall months and most weekends have some theme such as kids’ weekend or Celtic weekends. The staff are in costume as are the performers and many people come in costume. (I saw visitors in Renaissance costumes as well as people in Star Trek and Star Wars outfits). 

Shows to see:

Before going, I went to their website and looked up the schedule of shows (and the map) and made a list of things I wanted to see during the day. There are many shows and, most likely, it will take more than one visit (as I stated earlier) to see them all. 

The first event of the day (for me) was a comedy act of a witch trial (Sam witch). This, according to the performer, was his first time doing this show here. He had some good lines and involved the audience in the show.

Then I walked over to another show and watched the Roses of the Realm dance. I saw this show last year when I went there for the first time. There were some new dances this year and the costumes were colorful (eye catching). 

The last show I went to was called Sisters of the Sky and it was aerial acts from members of the Bloom Movement Company in Charlotte. The performers had outfits and makeup as Valkyries. This event had people circling the stage to watch, even around the edges. 

Other things to do:

There were games of chance or skill to play like axe tossing, catapulting, and archery. There is a bird show, and fairies can be seen throughout. Other things I stopped for were the mermaids. 

Probably the biggest event during the festival is the joust where people in suits of armor joust and try to hit targets with their lances while riding horses. The queen of the festival oversees it. This event gets very crowded, and I was not able to get a seat or get close enough to see it very well.  That will be something I need to go back to. 

So much to buy:

There are many shops to choose from which have Festival merchandise or a wide variety of other items such as fairy wings, books, and armor for example. You can watch a glassblower who explains the process and sells some goods there. You can get lotions and potions as well as Ren Festival souvenirs to commemorate your visit. 

Eat and Drink:

There are numerous places to stop and get something to fill you up. There is a bakery near the entrance and there are many places to stop throughout the festival. One of the most popular things was the turkey leg which I saw many people walking around with. There are stands for refreshments including alcoholic ones. You can also find non-meat options in various spots where bowls are sold. If you want to satisfy your sweet tooth, you can do that as well. 

My suggestion is to try the local (or maybe not so local) Renaissance Festival. It might surprise you with how much fun (and interactive) it can be whether it be the shows, the rides, the games, or anything else you do there. I enjoyed the Carolina one very much and will return next year. 

If you’d like to see Al’s photography work, check out his Instagram: The One True Al

Experience the Carolina Renaissance Festival

The Carolina Renaissance Festival is truly a magical experience that captures the spirit of a bygone era. From the captivating performances to the vibrant costumes, every corner of the festival offers something new and exciting. Whether you’re a history enthusiast, a fan of fantasy, or simply looking for a fun day out, this festival has it all.

Don’t forget to engage with the performers and vendors, as their passion and creativity add to the festival’s charm. Each visit reveals new surprises, making it a destination worth returning to year after year. Mark your calendars for next fall, and prepare for a day filled with laughter, adventure, and delightful memories.

For more info on the festival visit their website: https://www.carolina.renfestinfo.com/.