The Carolina Renaissance Festival is
Your Source for Premier Live Interactive Entertainment!
Over 500 Costumed Characters!
16 Stages of non-stop, day-long entertainments!
Knights on Horseback Jousting Thrice Daily!
Faire Games & Peasant Powered Rides!
Vegetable Justice Tomato Tossing!
Sea Fairies! Swimming Mermaids!
Bird’s of Prey Falconry Demonstrations!
Over 140 vendors in the Village Artisan Marketplace with many demonstrating their old world craftsmanship!
Music, Dance, Comedy, Magic and Circus Entertainments!
* Some entertainments and attractions may be subject to change.
Witch Trials!
Join famed tragedian Ned Alleyn, as he makes fun of horrible history, flipping the script on the classic witch trial by having the audience persecute an innocent volunteer to roars and howls of laughter!
Don Juan & Esmeralda!
The charming Prince of Spain returns with his darling daughter Esmeralda! Join this father-daughter duo for a laughter filled adventure while they show off their skills. Whips! Swords! Knives! What could possibly go wrong?! This danger duo will amaze and amuse!
The King’s Drawers!
Join Scribb & Scrawl, the charming duo that will turn your likeness into a masterpiece of amusement! With a flair for the absurd and a knack for crafting portraits at uncontrollable speeds, they create an unforgettable street theater experience of hilarity and heart. Come for the art, stay for the laughter, and take home a one-of-a-kind treasure you never knew you wanted. Find Scribb & Scrawl in the village lanes and at the Mynstrel’s Roost at 11:00, 1:15, 2:45, and 4:15!
The Jousters!
Aventail Productions brings alive the spectacle and pageantry of the chivalric age. Knights in shining armor perform in a 3-part display of daring deeds of bravery and skill including a realistic recreation of a joust to the death!
The Ancient Art of Falconry!
Sky Kings Falconry presents a variety of birds-of-prey as they display the unique skills that enraptured nobles long ago and made falconry the sport of kings! Children and adults alike will be amazed by these beautiful creatures in flight.
Sea Fairies! The Living Mermaids!
Fantasy and history collide once again! Journey to the grotto and experience the all new Living Mermaid exhibit where beautiful Sea Fairies enchant, delight and swim! From gallant knights to the marvels of the vast ocean, the Lord Mayor outdoes himself once again in a bid for the Queen’s favor with a personal gift - the return of the Sea Fairies! Children love watching the underwater flips, blown bubble hearts, and splashing tails! Families can sit together atop the mermaid throne for a meet and greet photo experience. Don’t miss it! Presented by Circus Siren.
Queen Isabella!
The Queen & Court have arrived for a visit and the shire is buzzing with excitement! The Lord Mayor has planned a Festival celebration like no other! Jousting, Falconry, feasting and much much more! Keep scrolling this page for a detailed list of all the entertainments. And don’t miss your chance to see the Queen at:
The Royal Pavilion
10:30 - Queen’s Morning Agenda
1:30 - FREE Children’s Knighting Ceremony
2:00 - Queen’s Musicale
The Tournament Arena
12:15 - A Joust for the Queen’s Favor
4:15 - A Joust to the Death
Fireflicker the Dragon!
Fireflicker is a curious young dragon who wanders the streets of the festival looking for shiny things to hoard, and is always excited to meet all the young knights and Princesses of the realm. They may even share some dragon gold with those who also have magic in their hearts!
Saffron The Fairy
Saffron is one of Twig’s Fairy Friends and like Twig, she travels the Land of Real spreading joy and magic! You can met Saffron in the lanes of Fairhaven or at The Twig the Fairy booth just past the Joust at: 12:30 - 2:00, 3:00 - 4:00, and 4:30 - 5:00.
Primrose The Fairy
Primrose is one of Twig's Fairy Best Friends and like Twig, she travels the Land of Real spreading joy and magic. You can meet Prim in the lanes of Fairhaven or at the Twig the Fairy shop (just past the Joust) at: 12:30 - 2:00 and 3:00 - 4:30.
The Tortuga Twins!
Outrageously unpredictable and unstoppably hilarious, these three twins tell tales with the participation of the audience. Adults will enjoy the twists in familiar stories like Robin Hood.
The CRAIC Show!
The CRAIC Show is a wild and powerful musical experience. Performing traditional Medieval, Renaissance, and Irish tunes on ancient instruments to thunderous drums, they are a band you will feel as well as hear. Get ready to rock and join the fun with The CRAIC Show!
Gunther Tinkerson ~ The Village Inventor!
Imagineering and building new contraptions for improving life for the common villager and noble alike, Gunther can be found roaming the village showcasing his many inventions!
Rick the Hypnotist!
Yes! Hypnosis IS real! And with Rick The Hypnotist it’s pretty darned funny too! Want to ride a rocket ship to the moon? How about winning a million-dollar fishing tournament? Or temporarily forgetting your name? You’re never quite sure what will happen in this uproariously funny hypnosis show! Certified hypnotherapist Rick Stratton takes his volunteers on a journey they’ll never forget!
Washing Well Wenches!
They're wet! They're wacky! And they want your laundry! The Washing Well Wenches bring us "good, clean fun and wet, dirty women"! The Washing Well Wenches are the funniest pair of “ladies” you’ll ever meet! Part vaudeville, part sketch comedy, full-on entertaining, the Washing Well Wenches make interactive theater fun for everyone!
Hey Nunnie! Nunnie!
Mother Redempta and Sister Philomenia of the Sisterhood of the Wailing Souls have come to offer counsel to the visitors to the village. In their reverently irreverent way they will have you wailing with laughter.
The London Broil Show!
The London Broil “core audience” cheers as three comical comrades juggle a variety of implements of destruction; leaving you laughing all the way! Watch all three shows: Blades of Fury, The Story of Louie, and Jugglers on Fire featuring the "flaming fountain of fire!"
Barely Balanced ~ Acrobats & Comedy!
They're back, diving through fire, hurling machetes, and testing the limits of natural selection! Don't miss seeing your favorite acrobats endanger their lives in this hilarious, award winning show. The day starts with their "Sharp Knives and Stupid Humans Extravaganza" and ends with the incredible "Fire Finale." Come laugh, cheer, and become a part of the action!
Pirouette the Magical Dancer!
Pirouette the Magical Dancer lives in a Magical Music Box and brings to life a world of wonder for kids, and kids at heart. Visit her music box to witness Pirouette spring to life and dance and spin before your eyes! Share a dance with her if you would like, and if you're lucky she might just reach right into the sky and gift you a Magical Star of Bravery! This act features the music of renaissance festival musicians Sarah Marie Mullen and Kathleen Finnegan. Brand new this year, you can now take home one of Pirouette's Magical Music Boxes of your very own!
Visit Pirouette at the Magical Music Box stage, across the lane from the Twig the Fairy shop, at:
10:30 am - 11:30 pm
12:30 pm - 1:45 pm
2:30 pm - 3:45 pm
4:30 pm - 5:30 pm
The Ded Bob Sho!
Bob may be “ded” but with the help of his assistant, Sluj, he’s funnier than ever! Join his audience as he tickles your funny bone, turning his audience into “bobzombies”.
The Knotty Nauticals!
The Pirate Shanty Man and Bonnie Lass are not just singing pirates! Come join this dashing duo for a high-energy pirate show! Comedy, music, fire eating, rope walking and more all make fore a knotty good time! ARRRGH!
Professor Nickel’s Punch & Judy Show!
Featuring a colorful cast of characters, Punch and Judy showcases the shenanigans of Mr. Punch, his wife Judy, a hungry crocodile, Joey the clown, and many more zany characters as they fumble, bumble, and stumble their way through a comedy show that will show you where The Looney Toons got their inspiration! Performing next to The Haven at 10:30, 12:30, 2:30, and 4:30.
The Renaissance Men!
Join Rowland and Florian in a thrilling and hilarious Swordfighting Competition. Danger, excitement, and laughs abound as the two strive to attain the ultimate prize: your validation and the title of The Renaissance Man!
Zilch the Torysteller!
With tales like “Rindercella and the Stwo Tugly Epsisters” or “Jomeo & Ruliet”, you’ll hang on his every word, enjoying stories told “trippingly on the tongue”.
The Angels!
Three heavenly beautiful, devilishly dangerous, righteously brave and wickedly clever ~ heroines in disguise!
William de Worde
the Village Printer
In Renaissance Europe, the arrival of the printing press introduced an era of mass communication. Visit William de Worde nearby the village gates to see a printing demonstration with his handcrafted screw press printer!
Blubobobobo’s Tales!
Blubobobobo the travelling storyteller has returned to his hometown of Fairhaven to regale Queen Isabella and all of Fairhaven’s visitors with legends, folktales, and myths from across the world! Stop by to hear a tale or two at the Top of the Woodswalk! And click to follow Blubobobobo on Facebook.
Roses of the Realm ~ Belly Dance!
The Roses of the Realm delight festival-goers with a variety showcase consisting of the art of fusion bellydance and fire performance, while accompanied by the live music from Mirage à Trois, and the irrepressible comedic genius of Bobby Ganoush. Shimmy on over to the Dutch Door Stage to be enchanted by the magic of dance, the danger of swords and fire, and many more fun moments to be shared by all.
Gravity Check ~ Juggling!
Gravity Check captivates with their unique spin on entertainment with amazing Chinese yo-yos and juggling antics. It is fun for all ages and sure to amaze you with something you’ve never seen before!
Jamila Lotus ~ Dance Carnivale!
Don't miss this wonderful display of music and talent featuring dance and aerial silks! At the Tree Top Stage!
John O’Monroe
Master John O'Monroe has traveled the known world listening to music from faraway lands. Find him masterfully performing in the lanes on big drums, bigger drums, and the hammered dulcimer!
Juggling Geoff Marsh’s ~ One Man Fire Circus Show!
Come be a part of the Circus! Juggling Geoff gives a performance to remember with witty, fun-filled, interactive Circus antics that include child audience volunteers becoming stars of the show!
Juggling Geoff's dangerous, unthinkable feats and physics-defying tricks are pulled off with ease and with as much heart as he has talent! His charming personality alone will capture and intrigue!
Tricks include dangerous juggling stunts, musical plate spinning, and balancing one of the world’s largest gyroscopes on his face! It’s a fun-filled, interactive Circus performance! See it live 5 times a day at Fairhaven Theater.
The Rambling Sailors!
Sea shanties, nautical tunes, and piratical ditties! Yarrrr!
The Reelin’ Rogues!
The Reelin’ Rogues is a high-energy Celtic music group consisting of Zach Dean with soaring lead vocals and acoustic guitar and Giuliana Marie on her driving bodhrán and vocals. The Reelin’ Rogues bring a fresh take to traditional Celtic music by melding vocals that will capture your ears and spirit with unique arrangements inspired by their love of old school punk rock and traditional folk music.
Vagabonds & Sailors!
Vagabonds & Sailors bring folk music to life with intoxicating a capella vocals, a sense of whimsy, a dash of mischief, and an abundance of heart.
Bobo The Busker!
With fiddle in hand and grog by his side, he'll woo you until the sheep come home! Look for Bobo at the bottom of the Woods Walk.
The Royal Hounds of Fairhaven!
Feel like Royalty when you are in the presence of the Hounds. The Fewterers will help you learn what life was like for a greyhound during the Renaissance! You too can learn how to adopt a Royal Hound of your own.
Mother & Father Goose!
Spend time with Mother & Father Goose and their flock. Pet, hold and give their feathered friends a big hug. The birds might even hug you back!
The Lord Mayor ~ John Bullfrog!
Join the Lord Mayor John Bullfrog as he traverses amongst the people inside his fyne village to ensure fun is had by all! Try to stump The Mayor with knowledge of all things renaissance and be amazed by how wonderful he is and how you too can be like him! Attention children of all ages; The Mayor's Fairy Tea Time at the Royal Pavilion is fun and educational and teaches you how to catch a fairy!
The Lord Mayor’s Household!
Join the Lord Mayor’s Household as they demonstrate daily life in the home of our beloved Lord Mayor during the late Elizabethan era (1580-1620). See what is being cooked in the kitchen. Visit the armory. Help process wool into usable clothing. Different demonstrations each weekend. Bring your knitting or sewing and sit a spell!
Shamus the Insulter!
What fun would a leisurely stroll through the Village of Fairhaven be if not for the echoing calls of: "Insults?! Get your insults here!" Shamus The Insulter roams the village lanes offering services of both impressive insults and gracious compliments. Prank your friends and family with Shamus' fabulously pointed barbs that will leave you and your guests laughing long after he has disappeared!
Statue Comedius de Marbleous!
The Comedic Living Stature! Watch carefully as Statue Comedius de Marbleous comes to life to delight and amuse!
The Green Man!
Unhurried in his movement, the mysterious Green Man travels the village. Be careful, or you might miss the man/tree as he progresses with the quiet dignity befitting the spirit of the trees.
Alice & Wendy’s Science & Stories!
Come along with Alice and Wendy as they share their stories through science and song. Their one of a kind adventures will delight and entertain both young and old with fun, fantasy, and sometimes even a bit of fire! See which adventure awaits you at: 11:45, 1:00, 3:00, and 4:30.
Muses of Olympia!
“Yoo-Hoo!” Straight from Olympia: The most inspiring women you’ll ever meet! This trio retells stories of their god-like friends, as well as their own antics in the mortal world, all while including YOU in all the fun! Be sure to visit your favorite Goddesses of All!
Keplar the Wanderer!
Keplar the Wanderer is a high energy one bard band featuring multiple instruments playing at one time!
Lady Prudence ~ Court Composer!
Lady Prudence, the Court Composer, sings Songs for All Occasions! Prepare to join the band with percussion for a peppy tune, or relax to a dulcet lullaby with lilting harp and sweet soprano. Patrons of all ages may meet her under her tree near the Green Man for a sweet (or saucy) song!
Harpist Sarah Mullen!
Harpist Sarah Marie Mullen has been delighting audiences for years as a touring and recording artist. Her masterful playing and innovative arrangements have made her a favorite all over the country. Combining a personal, playful style of performance that often blends music with storytelling, she has been called “a master at her craft who brings a bit of whimsy to the typically serious instrument”. Sarah can be found in the middle of the Village Woodswalk near the Casa Fortuna Stage.
Royal Dance Ensemble!
The Royal Dance Ensemble presents the pageantry of Noble life through the performance of a wide variety of 16th century dances throughout the Village lanes. And they look good while doing it!
Jeremiah Wiggins!
Jeremiah offers intimate power through story telling and the magic of fairyland placed directly in patrons hands through close up illusion. Jeremiah roams the Village lanes all day. Click to view Jeremiah’s website!
