There are plenty of reasons to plan a trip to Lancaster County – it’s not all about Amish farms and experiences! If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to live centuries ago, we encourage you to plan now for the popular Pennsylvania Ren Faire at the Mount Hope Estate & Winery. This festival draws upwards of 250,000 people into the Lancaster Area. It runs from August through October and transforms the countryside into a vibrant 16th-century village.
Through the Pennsylvania Ren Faire, you can expect to find costumed performers, jousting knights, falconry demonstrations, and themed weekends that range from Pirate Adventures to Oktoberfest-style revelry. Whether you’re sampling mead, laughing through a Shakespearean comedy, or browsing handmade artisan wares, the Pennsylvania Ren Faire delivers a full day of entertainment that manages to be both quirky and captivating.
While the Renaissance Fair is a big draw, there are plenty more things to do in Lancaster to round out your weekend. You can hop aboard a vintage train at the Strasburg Rail Road, stroll through charming shops in downtown Lititz, or enjoy farm-fresh food along the area’s many scenic backroads. Antique lovers will want to stop in Adamstown—known as the Antiques Capital of the U.S.—while families might enjoy a visit to the interactive exhibits at various Amish Farms and Attractions or the beloved Dutch Wonderland amusement park.
For a stay that combines history with comfort, book a room at the Historic Smithton Inn in Ephrata, just a short drive from Lancaster. This thoughtfully restored 18th-century Lancaster County Bed and Breakfast blends original stone walls and wood-beam ceilings with modern touches like fireplaces and rain showers. The gourmet breakfasts, locally roasted coffee, and onsite wine bar make it easy to unwind after a busy day of festival fun and exploring.
It’s a great base for discovering everything Lancaster has to offer, whether you’re in town for jousts and jesters or just looking to enjoy a relaxing Pennsylvania getaway. Grab your tickets to the Pennsylvania Ren Faire, and then book your lodging at our nearby Bed and Breakfast!
The Best of the Pennsylvania Ren Faire
If you love dressing up and role playing, the Pennsylvania Ren Faire is definitely the place for you! Throughout this event, it’s perfectly acceptable—encouraged, even—to dress like royalty, cheer for sword fights, and eat a turkey leg with your hands. Held each fall on the grounds of Mount Hope Estate & Winery, this long-running event transforms the rolling countryside into a 16th-century village filled with music, color, and larger-than-life characters.
No two weekends at the Pennsylvania Ren Faire are alike, either, which leaves you two long months of fun, unique, and engaging experiences. Each weekend features a unique theme, from Time Travelers to Oktoberfest, adding a fresh twist to the historical fantasy. Regardless of the theme, you can expect professional actors interacting with guests in character, delivering a playful blend of improv, scripted performances, and old-world charm.
But it’s not just the costumes and pageantry that keep people coming back year after year. The Pennsylvania Ren Faire is designed to appeal to a wide range of interests—history buffs, foodies, families, and festival lovers alike. Whether you’re watching a live joust or sampling wine and craft beer brewed right on-site, the experience is immersive and highly entertaining. We’ve listed a few of our favorite highlights below.
- The Jousting Arena is an action-packed adventure and a perennial favorite at the Pennsylvania Ren FAire. It’s your chance to watch armored knights clash on horseback in thrilling, high-energy competitions that feel like a medieval sporting event.
- Step back in time and enjoy the Queen’s Court and Royal Performances. These theatrical performances star Queen Elizabeth I and her court, and feature music, dancing, and comedy with a regal twist.
- The Shakespearean Theater at the Pennsylvania Ren Faire offers classic plays and hilarious parodies performed with flair by professional actors.
- Browse handcrafted goods at the Artisan Marketplace. Items you can expect to find include leatherworks and pottery to medieval costumes and fine jewelry, all handcrafted by skilled tradespeople.
- Don’t miss the pub crawls & wine tastings throughout the Pennsylvania Ren Faire. You’ll enjoy a guided tour of the FAire’s many pubs if you choose that route – or for a less raucous expeirence, enjoy a tasting of estate-crafted wines and ciders from Mount Hope Winery.
- The Feast of Fools is a crowd favorite at the Pennsylvania Ren Faire. This show combines bawdy humor, live music, and audience interaction for a rowdy good time.
Where to Stay Near the Ren Faire
Attending the Pennsylvania Renaissance Faire is an experience steeped in history and festivity, and choosing the right accommodation can elevate your visit. The Historic Smithton Inn, located in Ephrata, PA, offers a blend of colonial charm and modern amenities, making it an excellent choice for fairgoers. Each guest room features handcrafted furniture and locally sourced décor, reflecting the area’s rich Amish heritage. Amenities such as in-room fireplaces (available seasonally), flat-screen Smart TVs, and reliable Wi-Fi ensure a comfortable and connected stay. Some rooms also offer jetted tubs or expansive rain showers for added luxury.
Beyond the inviting rooms, our Ephrata Bed and Breakfast provides a range of services to enhance your stay. Guests can enjoy a homemade breakfast each morning, featuring locally sourced ingredients that showcase the flavors of Lancaster County. On weekends and select week nights, the on-site Weathered Vineyards wine bar offers a selection of wines, craft beers, and live music, providing a perfect setting to unwind after a day at the Pennsylvania Ren Faire.
The grounds of the Pennsylvania Ren Faire are less than 30 minutes from our Ephrata Bed and Breakfast, too. More importantly, we’re located right in the heart of Lancaster’s Amish Country, allowing you quick and easy access to all the area’s top attractions. This combination of historic ambiance, modern amenities, and thoughtful hospitality makes the Historic Smithton Inn the perfect choice for a memorable stay in Lancaster County. Book your stay today!