Lords, ladies, and everyone in between! After being cut short in 2020 and canceled in 2021 due to the COVID pandemic, the Renaissance Festival had finally returned to Arizona! The Renaissance Festival had run from February 3rd to April 4th, open exclusively on weekends and holidays. The Renaissance Festival is an event that occurs every year in places all over the USA and even in Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, and Europe. As the name suggests, the event is focused on the European Renaissance period and the arts.
A massive part of the festival is the many artisan shops scattered throughout the grounds. The Renaissance Festival is also called an Artisan Marketplace, after all. Each shop sells various hand-made trinkets that will catch nearly any eye. In past years, I’ve seen poseable dragon wings, adorable bubble wand necklaces, rich incense, and so much more. There’s something there for anyone. In addition to these arts and crafts kiosks, there are many food stalls with all sorts of food to munch on. The many selections include the famous giant roasted turkey legs, crepes, and pizza.
If investigating the shops and chowing down on caramel-covered apples isn’t your thing, there are tons of performances of varying talents to check out as well. The shows, music, and other forms of entertainment are another significant part of the Renaissance Festival. There is never a dull moment on the festival grounds, with performers either on stages or making their way through the crowds. For example, there is Fireflicker, a dragon that wanders the festival grounds in search of shiny objects to collect. Some of the shows set up on stages involve impressive musical performances with various instruments, including a carillon in past years. Some will even include curious performances with trained animals! One of my personal favorite shows has be “The Ancient Art of Falconry”.
In future years, festival tickets will be available at specific, to-be-determined grocery stores at $29 for adults and $19 for children 12 years and younger. Tickets bought directly at the gates will cost attendees $1 more. It is encouraged to bring more cash, as foods, games, and souvenirs will cost extra. Note that food and game vendors only accept cash, though ATMs will be available. The festival grounds are in Gold Canyon, seven miles east of Apache Junction on US Highway 60.
