Hoggetowne Medieval Faire

Hoggetowne Medieval Faire
Photo: hoggetownefaire.com
The Hoggetowne Medieval Faire is one of the first Renaissance fairs of the year in the United States. The fair takes place on two consecutive weekends in late January and early February in the city of Gainesville, Florida. It has been held for over 30 years.

The Hoggetowne Medieval Faire is held at the Alachua County Fairgrounds. It takes place in the fictional English village of Hoggetowne during King Arthur’s reign, attracting over 50,000 attendees every year. One of the fair’s main highlights is its large medieval marketplace featuring over 160 talented artisans and craftsmen from all over the country. Here you can find a wide range of one-of-a-kind items including exquisite jewelry, wood and stone carvings, hand-blown glassware, leather goods, weaving and embroidery, and more. Some vendors even sell period clothing.

Of course, the marketplace isn’t all that the fair has to offer. For two consecutive weekends, the Alachua Country Fairgrounds transform into a medieval village bursting with life. The program of the fair includes authentic performances by dancers, singers, musicians, magicians and street performers on nine open-air stages, jousting tournaments, hands-on workshops conducted by craftsmen and artisans, pony rides, and more.

The Hoggetowne Medieval Faire has a colorful cast of costumed characters who interact with visitors, creating an unforgettable atmosphere of a medieval village. These characters include King and Queen, voice and horn heralds, royal guards, gate guards, troubadours, Punch, Judy, singing barmaid, Looney Lucy, Joe the Talking Mute, Anesa the Fabulous, Richard of Bedorshire, and others.

One of the fair’s main highlights is the Royal Procession featuring King and Queen who lead over a hundred musicians, actors and other performers through the streets of Hoggetowne. The procession is followed by the jousting tournament where noble knights battle for the honor of the Queen.

The Hoggetowne Medieval Faire is a family-friendly event, so there are a lot of creative and educational activities for children held at the Children’s Pavilion. The fair also hosts a special School Day, providing an opportunity for students to study the Middle Ages through experiencing what this time period was really like.

The fair’s food court offers a wide range of foods, including popular fair foods, national cuisines of the world, and traditional dishes such as blooming onions, giant turkey legs, bread bowls, fresh pastry, etc.

The Hoggetowne Medieval Faire is one of North Florida’s most beloved and anticipated events because it provides a unique opportunity for education, entertainment, and quality time with your family. It is produced by the City of Gainesville Department of Parks, Recreation and Cultural Affairs.

Hoggetowne Medieval Faire

Photo by Lorena Haldeman



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