Pennsylvania Renaissance Faire

Jousting, Knights and Royal Delights!

Get ready to experience an exciting and adventurous time in the life of jousting knights, with colorfully costumed villagers and Royals who are eager to celebrate with you. You'll meet many "colorful" characters while touring around this magical medieval kingdom! Performance acts will keep you entertained throughout your journey - not only through laughter but also magic shows that leave visitors openmouthed and music that will have you dancing along.

The Merry Old England days await those willing enough travel back generations ago when courage mattered and a sense of humor was more valuable than coin.

This post is all about the Pennsylvania Renaissance Faire.

What to Expect at the PA Ren Faire

Ren Faire is set midway between Lancaster and Hershey (just 16 miles from the Historic Smithton Inn Bed and Breakfast), on Route 72 in Manheim.  It's situated against the backdrop of Victorian Mount Hope Estate & Winery.  The the Faire is back for another exciting season!  Go back in time some 450 years to Merrie Olde England.  Meet Queen Elizabeth I who presides over the festivities, along with her 100s of costumed subjects, some of whom swallow swards, juggle, breathe fire and direct falcons.  The multitude of interactive theaters, arts and crafts booths and food stands are certain to add to the adventure of the day.

Here's a map of the PA Renaissance Faire (click for printable .pdf):

Food:

The PA Ren Faire has just about every type of food available to purchase.  Smoked Turkey Legs and Roasted Corn are mainstays, but other options include things like steak on a stick, assorted cheeses, cheese steak sandwiches, ice cream, jerkey, funnel cake, and more.  You can choose to grab food & walk around or sit at a picnic table or bench.  There are also a few sit-down dining options, but lines can be long for those sought-after tables!

Pro-Tips:  Eat a light lunch before you arrive at Ren Faire because there are likely to be lines.  That way you can get a drink & enjoy some events / demonstrations without starving!  Also, while most shopping vendors accept credit cards, ALL the food & drink stands are CASH ONLY.

Drinks:

Ren Faire Merriment definitely includes some adult beverage options for guests to enjoy!  Everything from beer, wine & mixed drinks is available for you at 9 "Pour Houses".  BRING CASH.

(1) COCKNEY’S OASIS Wine & Cocktails
(2) O’MALLEY’S Beer, Cider & Wine
(3) GRAPES & GRAINS Beer, Cider, Wine, Cocktails & Boozie Slushies
(4) BRATEN UND BIERHALLE Beer, Cider & Specialty Wines
(5) GERMAN KITCHEN Beer, Cider & Wine
(6) BALL & CHAIN Beer, Cider & Wine
(7) PYRATE SHIP Beer, Cider, Wine & Cocktails
(8) A&M WHARF Beer, Cider & Wine
(9) OARHOUSE PROVISIONS Wine & Spirit Sales/Samples

Shopping:

There are over 100 unique merchants with stands at the PA Ren Faire, so you should definitely come prepared to do a little shopping!!  Find whimsical gifts, festive clothing, hand-crafted jewelry, medieval armor and more!  These small, privately owned shops will help you 'dress the part' if you're interested in immersing yourself in the Ren Faire experience too.

Some of our favorite shops include:

• American Highlander (#433):  Kilts & clothing
• Axe & Bear Trading (#325):  Everything for the Woodsman, Rangers, Adventurers, and Explorers
• Chimes & Charms (#449):  Upcycled Bottles and Unique Wares
• Dandys & Divas (#435):  Hand-Made Corsets and Vests
• Emerald Castle (#303):  Rings, Necklaces, Bracelets, and More
• Leather Lair (#519):  Hand-Crafted Leather Clothing and Shoes
• The Wreck Room (#650):  You Buy It, You Break It! Smash a Variety of Glassware!!

Demonstrations:

Archery, Blacksmithing, Pottery and Glass Blowing demonstrations are scheduled multiple times a day throughout the entire weekend.  This is a great way to get involved, learn something new and maybe even bring home a great souvenir!

• Archery (#602):  Enjoy two Long range demonstrations at 11:30 & 5:30, at the new location by Bosworth Field.
• Blacksmithing (#347):  Live demonstrations each Faire day at 12:30, 2:00 & 4:30.  Weapons are even available for purchase.
• Glass Blowing (#328):  Live demonstrations each Faire day at 11:30, 1:30 3:30 & 5:30.  But even better than that, you can blow your own glass!  The experience takes 20-30 minutes.  Reservations available every half hour each Faire day beginning at 11:30 AM. One person/class - $65
• Raku Glazing Pottery (#124):  You glaze the piece you pick out from their selection and they'll fire it for you. Take it home the same day! Firing times at 1:00, 3:00 and 5:00.

Theaters & Entertainment:

• The theatrical "Scenario" for the 2022 Pennsylvania Renaissance Faire is the Wedding of the Daughter of Lady Mayor Delores Ann Penburthy to the Son of Abramam and Eva Froman, the Sausage King and Queen of the Shire.  Guests are invited to the celebration, including (of course) Queen Elizabeth herself!

• There are 8 "key stages" where performances are scheduled throughout the day.  Comedy, Live Music, Magic and Theatrical performance give you a chance to sit down and savor the Ren Faire experience.

Dates and Ticket Prices for the PA Renaissance Faire

The Faire runs from August 20th through October 31st.  Faire hours are 11 am - 8 pm.  Admission is $30.95 for adults & $15.95 for children 5 - 11.  Rates include parking, games, performances & some rides.  Food and crafts are an additional fee.  Check the Pennsylvania Renaissance Faire website for complete details including a number of "themed weekends".

What's Near the PA Renn Fair?

Some people build an entire weekend around attending the PA Renaissance Fair.  But if you'd rather attend Ren Faire one day and do something else in Lancaster PA during the rest of the weekend, we have plenty of great ideas for you.  From visiting a Wolf Sanctuary to Zip Lining or Pub Crawling, we can help you put together some fun activities to compliment your Ren Fair experience!  Here are a few ideas to consider that are all near the Historic Smithton Inn and PA Renaissance Faire:

• Visit the PA Wolf Sanctuary
• Ziplining in Lancaster PA
• Pub Crawl Fantastic Craft Breweries
• Things to Do In Manheim (including Ax Throwing!) 

Save When You Book a Ren Faire Lodging Package

And if you're coming in from out of town, be sure to book a PA Ren Faire Lodging Package with the Historic Smithton Inn for fantastic Savings.  Click here to find lodging fit for a king, and enter the code "PaRen22" at check out.  Package availability is limited, so book your room well in advance since the Renaissance Faire runs during our busiest season of the year.  Hope to see you soon!!

This post is all about the Pennsylvania Renaissance Faire.

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