Roots & Ridgeways

I went to the North Carolina Renaissance Faire this past November. It was truly magical!

If you’re planning on going (you definitely should), here are some travel tips:

Festival Facts

For current dates and ticket information, visit here: Carolina RenFest

Location – The faire village is located in Huntersville, NC, near Charlotte.

• A map of the faire grounds is available on the official website ( Carolina Renfest ) and a free paper map is available at the main entrance to the faire.
• The village loop is large. Wear comfortable shoes (even if they don’t match with your costume).

Dates – Typically October through November. The North Carolina sun can still be quite intense, so bring sunscreen.

Parking – Included with the cost of the ticket. Plenty of parking on large, grassy acreage. Arrive 30 minutes before gate opening to secure parking close to the entrance.

Bring Cash – Most vendors only accept cash. There are ATMs, but the lines are long.

Food & Drink – The website says you are allowed to bring one factory-sealed water bottle per person. They did not seem to enforce this at the gate.

There are plenty food and drink options within the faire. If you’d rather pack your own lunch, you can leave the exit at the end of the village loop. They will stamp your hand for reentry.

Bathrooms – They have a few porta-potty stations around the faire.

Family friendly? – Yes! There were tons of children at the faire. They have rides, games, a petting zoo, and plenty of family-friendly entertainment. The scheduled shows are marked as “loose canon” if they are not suggested for children.

Pet friendly? – No pets are permitted. Only service animals are allowed.

Costumes – Costumes are not required! However, a majority of attendees dressed up in some form of costume. Many enthusiasts wore intricate and custom outfits. We saw realistic renaissance pieces, fantasy cosplays, Vikings, toadstools, and everything in between.

Costumes are available for rental just outside the Festival gates. Adult sizes range in price from $18 – $65 (average $39) and Child sizes range in price from $8 to $25 (average $14). The costume rental booth is operated by Belrose Costume Rentals.

If you aren’t able to drop money on a realistic fantasy or renaissance costume, check out thrift stores or make something from your own closet! For a simple peasant costume, look for earthy tones like browns, creams, and greens.

Activities

Jousting – By far the most enjoyed activity. There are several jousting events held throughout the day. Check the faire map for specific times. Arrive 30 minutes early to secure good seats on the bleachers.

Petting Zoo – Free entry. You can buy feed for the animals. There were goats, sheep, pigs, alpacas, and a miniature cow.

Mermaids – Watch the fantastical mermaids swim in the tank. She may gift you a pearl if you’re lucky.

Knife Throwing – Pay to practice your knife throwing skills (it’s a lot harder than it looks).

Dragon Forge Blacksmith Experience – Pay to forge your own blade. Check them out here: https://www.dragonforgeexperience.com/

Glass Blower – Watch the slow but beautiful process of blowing glass.

Falconry – Sky King’s Falconry impressed with their trained “birds of prey.”

Live Music – There were multiple stages with live music performers.

Vendors

For a complete list of merchants, visit here: Ren Fest – Artisan Marketplace

For a complete list of food/drink vendors, visit here: Ren Fest – Food & Drink

Turkey Legs – Feast like a king with the iconic turkey leg. Bring toothpicks (trust me).

The Saucy Wench – You can taste-test different sauces before buying them. I bought the Cajun Creole Hot Sauce.

Fairy Secret Skin Care – I bought a lavender candle that melts into a pool of nourishing hand lotion.

The Royal Candlemaker – Artistic candles.

Dragon Pets – Adorable for the kids (or adults!).

Stickbow Archery – Gorgeous, handcrafted archery bows.

A Roguish Highlander – Sells authentic Scottish kilts.

Enjoy your day of merriment at the North Carolina Renaissance Faire.

Let’s get back to our roots!

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