Arizona Renaissance Festival

The Arizona Renaissance Festival is an annual Renaissance fair that takes place at a Renaissance-themed amusement park located several miles east of Apache Junction. It is one of the first Renaissance fairs of the year, running from late winter to mid spring, as the winters and springs in the area are actually very mild.

Renaissance fairs are very popular in the United States. They began to emerge after World War II during a resurgence of interest in medieval and Renaissance culture. Most Renaissance fairs represent an imagined village or town in England during the Elizabethan era, although some are set earlier or in other countries.

The Arizona Renaissance Festival was founded in 1989. It typically runs from mid-February to early April. The festival is only open on Saturdays and Sundays as well as on Presidents’ Day Monday (the third Monday of February). The Arizona Renaissance Festival is held at a medieval-themed amusement park featuring a marketplace, a 30-acre circus and a 13-stage theater.

One of the festival’s main highlights is a large arts and crafts fair featuring local artisans and vendors that offer adornments, handmade candles, glasswork, leatherwork, natural cosmetics, metalwork, traditional costumes, musical instruments, pottery and ceramic art, books, weaponry, woodwork, and more. At the fair, you can buy unique souvenirs for your friends and family.

If you get hungry during shopping, check out food stalls and pubs offering hearty foods to satisfy any appetite and a variety of fine beverages. You can sample roasted turkey legs, steak-on-a-stake, cinnamon-roasted almonds, filled bread bowls, bratwurst with sauerkraut, Scotch eggs, and many other dishes including traditional Renaissance foods. Pubs serve beer, wine, champagne and a variety of cocktails as well as non-alcoholic beverages.

As far as entertainment is concerned, the Arizona Renaissance Festival has plenty to offer. It features over 2,000 costumed characters, including the King and his court, who interact with attendees and create an unforgettable atmosphere. There are spectacular performances on several stages, fun games for visitors of all ages, amusements rides, jousting tournaments, and even Renaissance-themed weddings.

Like many other Renaissance fairs, the festival hosts special weekend events. Each weekend has a unique theme such as Renaissance & Romance, Fairytale Masquerade, Magic & Merriment, Regal Royals, Time Travelers, Pirates & High Seas Adventures, Celtic Weekend, and Final Huzzah! Besides, there are special Student Days for students who study medieval European history.