Everything You Need To Know About Arizona Renaissance Festival 2018

The Arizona Renaissance Festival is a fair held in a Renaissance-themed amusement park in Gold Canyon, Arizona. The mild and pleasant environment of the area makes it highly suitable for the festival, which runs every year from late winter into mid-spring. The concept has seen numerous changes over the last three decades: what began in 1989 as a colourful curiosity has grown into a plain-popular, massive celebration.

Hundreds of thousands of people throng the springtime attraction, held from February to April each year, to experience the merriment and munch the delicious food.

The major draw is a village recreated from the 16th century, and the festival gives artisans, musicians and entertainers a stage to display their talents. Below is everything you need to know before you go.

Duration And Location

The festival takes place on Saturdays and Sundays from 10am to 6pm, running from February 10 into early April. It is held at the festival ground at 12601 East US Highway 60, in Gold Canyon.

Admission And Age

People of all ages are welcome to enter and enjoy the fun. For online buyers, tickets are priced at:

• $25 — adults
• $23 — active-duty military and senior citizens
• $15 — children aged 5 to 12
• Free — children under five

Weather And What To Bring

Because the weather will be warm and sunny, it is best to check the forecast before you head out and plan your clothes accordingly. The temperature usually climbs as summer begins — and if you get lucky, it might rain once or twice.

You can bring sunscreen, hats, an umbrella, sunglasses and a comfortable pair of shoes. If you like, you can also dress up in medieval style or wear a costume inspired by Game of Thrones — any kind of cosplay is allowed. Forbidden items inside the festival ground include weapons, drugs, anything dangerous, and outside food or drink.

Getting In And Around

There is a little hassle at the entrance, as you are only allowed in after showing your ticket. You can re-enter on the same day after getting a stamp on your hand from the officials at the front gate.

The festival involves plenty of walking thanks to its expansive layout — though motorised scooters and wheelchairs are available to rent.

You can also hop on a rickshaw that will help you get around the ground conveniently.

Food And Drink

For food-lovers, there is plenty for everyone. The festival hosts over a dozen drink and food stalls, offering a variety of options from appetizers to desserts. Both hard and soft drinks are available for purchase. Patrons are allowed to bring 16-to-24-ounce sealed water bottles; you can also buy water from the stands or quench your thirst at the drinking fountains dotted around the grounds.

Entertainment

Plenty of live performances take place across 13 different stages, featuring dancing, music, comedy and many artistry acts. You will also see street characters roaming the ground and interacting with visitors. On top of that, a great collection of power-packed, thrilling rides can be enjoyed by people of all ages.

The most energetic and action-packed attraction is the jousting, where knights engage in combat inside a jousting arena. These events usually take place in the afternoon, so it is wise to arrive early and claim your spot — there are only a few seating stands. The drum circle, held at the end of each day, is another highlight.

Marketplace

Another major attraction is the sheer number of artisans and shops selling handmade goods during the event. It is expected that over 200 types of artisans attend, selling products including soaps, costumes, exotic oils, pottery, jewellery, period weaponry, sculpture, leatherwork, furniture, headwear and much more.