Fun and Fantasy for All for Seven Weekends, Plus Labor Day, Starting Aug. 21
The enchantment of the New York Renaissance Faire returns! For seven weekends (plus Labor Day), from Aug. 21 thru Oct. 3, fantasy and escapism will reign throughout a bustling 16th-century English village and surrounding shire at Sterling Forest in Tuxedo, N.Y.
“Welcome back to the wonder, adventure and fun for all ages that is the New York Renaissance Faire!” said Orange County Tourism Director Amanda Dana. “Not only does the fair take visitors to a long-ago realm where fantasy rules, but the seven magical weekends contribute significantly to the visitor economy of both Orange County and the Hudson Valley. This is a highlight of the year that draws visitors to our beautiful county from near and far for enjoyment on an epic scale. It’s enough to make us all shout, ‘Huzzah!’”
Mingle with knights, fairies, minstrels and merchants. Thrill to a jousting tournament, acrobatics, swordplay, music and more. Feast on savory treats and sweets, laugh or gasp in awe (or both!) at breathtaking performances. Shop at the marketplace featuring over 100 artisans, with demonstrations including glassblowing and candle making.
In 2018, the fair was named the best Renaissance Faire in the region for the third year in a row. Last year it was voluntarily cancelled because of COVID-19. This year it returns with measures to keep guests, performers and staff safe by following Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines. As of now, guests who are vaccinated need not wear face masks, but social distancing is encouraged for all. Some experiences may be modified to reduce physical contact. (Please check HERE before visiting for any updates on COVID-19-related guidelines and requirements.)
“Our team is working hard to literally set the stages for world-class, immersive entertainment that will put a smile on your face as we recognize that what we do best is needed now more than ever,” said Linda McFeters, Owner and Producer of the New York Renaissance Faire. “We are working closely with the local health department and the most current CDC recommendations to ensure the safety of our guests, vendors, volunteers and staff.”
Here’s what you’ll find at the fair:
Food: Feast on a roasted turkey leg, a boar platter or a worldwide variety of treats – pho, mac and cheese, burritos and more – including many vegetarian and gluten-free options. Sample craft brews, cider and mead – a honey-based wine – along with soft drinks.
Entertainment: Acrobats, actors, musicians and more will dazzle you with performances to make you laugh one moment, gasp in awe the next. Enjoy music, magic, comedy and excitement including an action-packed live chess match and a climactic jousting competition in the Shire’s tiltyard. (Most, but not all, entertainers perform every weekend. Check the entertainment schedule HERE.)
Shopping: Wander the streets of an Elizabethan English village and peruse more than 100 artisan shops offering handmade wares of metalsmiths, clothes makers, leather goods, jewelry and more. Marvel at demonstrations in glassblowing, leatherworking, blacksmithing, candle making and pottery throwing.
Especially for Kids: “Kids’ Quest” invites the Shire’s younger visitors to join an interactive adventure helping the Fairy Folk in the Enchanted Forest rediscover their magic. The “Boffer Wars” teaches swordplay skills (with all-foam swords) to young heroes-in-training.
For a twist on the festivities, visit on one of the themed weekends:
- Time Travelers’ Weekend, Sept. 11 and 12. Come dressed from your favorite time period (even a future era of your imagining.)
- Pirate Weekend, Sept. 18 and 19. A celebration for all ye scallywags to meeting buccaneers and sailors of all sorts, sing sea shanties and practice your pirate talk. Yar!
Whichever day you visit, you will find a realm of merriment, revelry, food and adventure for all.
For more information, click HERE.
For a full list of attractions, lodging and dining options in Orange County, New York, please click HERE. Additionally, a fun, free, 56-page travel guide is available for digital download HERE.
