New York Renaissance Faire Events: 9+ Must Do Activities

Ever dream of being a pirate or time traveler? You can do all that during the New York Renaissance Faire Events Weekends that take place during the season.

The Wonder and the Magic of the Annual New York Renaissance Faire only comes around once a year. One may say that this yearly festival is only for those with children or those who love fantasy, but that is not true at all. New York Renaissance Faire Events are more than just silly play, it is about embracing a time that is treasured by so many.

This is by far my favorite Hudson Valley festival and is more than a festival full of shows, food, and magical and mystical creatures.

It’s a day of fun the whole family will love.

This Premier Medieval Festival in NY hosts thousands of visitors each and every year and the New York Renaissance Faire Events is what brings those thousands of people to this area of the Hudson Valley.

This article contains an affiliate link or two. I make a small commission for purchases made through links at no extra cost to you. Read my disclosure for more info.

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Things to Know before you go to the NY Renaissance Faire:

• The Renaissance Faire is a seasonal event and only takes place from August through the beginning of October
• Weekends only & Labor Day Monday
• The New York Renaissance Faire discount tickets can be purchased on their website. (if available)
• NY Ren Faire tickets can also be purchased at the event, at the Box Office, conveniently located at the entrance.
• This annual event is wonderful for both adults and children.
• The event is rain or shine
• There is a lot of walking involved, so prepare with comfy walking shoes.
• General Parking is always FREE and a shuttle bus is offered from the free parking lots to the gate
• Preferred Parking close to the front gate is available for $20
• It is a popular event and can get crowded
• Make sure to check out which New York Renaissance Faire Events are happening on your weekend of choice, as events may change from one weekend to another.

My first visit was when I was a teenager and the memory of walking onto the grounds of the festival and passing by all the ‘shops’ in the Renaissance Faire Village and the excitement of watching the Joust stayed with me.

These wonderful activities left a lasting impression and I have since visited several times and have had a wonderful day each and every time.

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Visiting the NY Renaissance Faire:

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DAYS OF FAIRE:
Open Saturdays, Sundays, & Labor Day
August 27th, 2022 – October 9th, 2022
HOURS:
10 am – 7 pm
WEBSITE:
Renfair.com

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What is the NY Renaissance Faire?

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This yearly event is a blend of food, music, performances, rides, shops and so much more…

If you thought that the NY Ren Faire was the same thing weekend-after-weekend, then you are mistaken. Every weekend, guests marvel at the different themes, activities and New York Renaissance Faire events that take place.

PRO-TIP:
Check their schedule online, before you make your plans, so you can join in on all the fun during a weekend that has a theme you’d enjoy.

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Here is a list of the New York Renaissance Faire Events & Theme Weekends:

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• Marketplace Weekend
• Time Traveler’s Weekend
  • Costume Contest both Saturday and Sunday at the Fool’s Stage
• Pirate Weekend
  • Costume Contest

As you can see from the list above, costume contests are a HUGE deal. Renaissance Faire Costumes are very popular. People really go all-out when planning and dressing for the Faire and for the New York Renaissance Faire Events!

Some people have their own costumes while others rent their costumes from The Belrose Costume Rental shop. The costume rentals are for one day and range in prices, for adults, from $18 to $65, with the average price being $40.

While costumes are definitely encouraged for the New York Renaissance Faire Events, keep in mind that unsheathed weapons are not allowed. They must not be able to be drawn and bows must be unstrung, while arrows must be untipped. Also musical instruments are not allowed.

Face coverings are also okay to wear after entering the front gates of the Renaissance Faire.

There is a wonderful sense of community when the visitors get dressed up for the occasion.

Wagon rentals are also available at the Belrose Costume Rental Shop.

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Where is Renaissance Faire Held?

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The Renaissance Faire is held in Sterling Forest State Park in Tuxedo, NY in Orange County, NY.

It is easily accessed from the NY State Thruway taking the exit for Harriman/Woodbury Commons and approximately 45 minutes from the George Washington Bridge.

Because the Faire and the New York Renaissance Faire Events are very popular, traffic congestion is very common. The Shortline Bus does go from Port Authority in New York City all the way up to the Faire. They offer either a round-trip bus-only ticket to the Faire OR a Day Trip Package which includes a round-trip bus ticket plus discounted Faire admission.

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When does the Faire take place?

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The Renaissance Faire takes place only on Weekends from August to October. It is also open Labor Day Monday.

Because this annual event also falls during the local Apple-Picking season, make sure you allow plenty of extra travel time for traffic.

This is a popular event and is typically crowded. Visitors should plan for a visit of several hours (up to 4-5 hours to see & experience everything). The earlier you arrive, the less crowded it will be.

Please Note: In an effort to mitigate previous year’s issues related to traffic and parking at the New York Renaissance Faire, they are now offering a dated ticket system. Simply go to the calendar on this page, click on the date that you’d like to attend, and follow the prompts.

Something to keep in mind: Tickets purchased may be exchanged online at any point up until the event start time which is 10 a.m. for admission tickets.

PRO TIP:
Advance Tickets are good for any day the Faire is open during that season.
Members of the Military and Seniors (62+ yrs) receive $5 off a full-price ticket at the Box Office Only

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Things to do at the NY Renaissance Faire

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#1: Roselawn Tournament Field

Watch the:

• Royal Joust
• Joust to the Death

The jousts are very popular events and do get very full. If interested, the website offers the opportunity to purchase VIP Joust Seating.

The VIP Joust Seating includes covered seating, a pickle and a non-alcoholic beverage. At the time of this posting, the price for this VIP seating is $20 and is limited to 150 people per show.

#2: Stages, Stages and more Stages

Take in several shows ranging from magic to sword throwing… With 125+ performances taking place during a day at the Renaissance Faire, there is something for everyone.

• Fools Stage
• Fortune Stage
• Music Pavilion
• Pageant Wagon Stage
• Peacock Pavilion
• Sherwood Forest Stage
• Storybook Stage
• Teatro Del Sol Stage
• Tudor Rose Stage

The best way to enjoy the shows and the Joust (the most popular event at the Faire) is to plan your other performances around the jousting show. And if you have children, there are also several shows and New York Renaissance Faire Events specifically geared for children. Kids can also be made a knight or lady of the realm at the Queen’s Knighting Ceremony, join Robin Hood’s Band, and experience the magic of the Fairies in the Enchanted Forest!

#3: Meet the fairies around the grounds

Speaking of fairies, there are so many wandering the NY Renaissance Faire!

#4: Penny Lane

With over 125 extremely talented vendors at the village marketplace, it’s hard to narrow down and just buy one thing. In addition to buying already made items, there are also opportunities to see these craftsmen and women at work. Some experiences you can observe are glassblowing, blacksmithing, and candle making.
Shop for the following items:

• Armor and Weaponry
• Dolls and Puppets
• Glass
• Pottery
• Scents and Soaps
• Items made out of wood
• Scupltures
• Clothing and Accessories
• Footwear
• Jewelry
• Games and Toys
• Items made out of Leather
• and an abundance of souvenirs

#5: Games & Rides

There is an additional charge for rides and games.

• Human-powered rides (Sea Dragon Swing, The Pirate’s Fleet, etc.)
• Games of Skills (Chinese Crossbow, Axe Throwing, Test of Strength, etc)
• Camel Rides

#6: Chess Board

Watch the:

• Living Chess Match
• Royal Chess Match

#7: Maypole

Have a great time watching:

• Village Maypole Dances

#8: Food and Drinks

Please note: Although many vendors at the Faire take credit cards, most food and all beverage vendors take cash only. ATM machines are available at the Faire, but its a good idea to bring cash in case of any issues with the machines.
Feast on Roasted Turkey Legs, Nachos and so much more with these vendors…

• Boar’s Den
• Cantina Quixote
• The Village Bakery
• Dave’s Mini Donuts
• The Sundae Queen
• Real Falafel
• Queen’s Treats
• Ryujin Pagoda
• The Royal Nutte House
• Sir Geaorge’s Garden
• King Arthur’s Round Table & Lady Guinevere’s Goodies
• Sir Lancelot’s Bratwurst and Bangers
• The Swan Cafe
• Little John’s
• Tournament Treats
• Peacock Pavilion
• Willow’s Fare
• Lady Mary’s Sweet Shop

#9: Take a walk on Robin Hood’s Bridge and kiss a loved one

You should not miss a chance to kiss a loved one on Robin Hood’s Bridge!

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Essential Tips for an Epic Time at the New York Renaissance Faire Events

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What to Wear at the NY Renaissance Faire:

• Make sure to check the weather and dress for the expected weather that day. That includes bringing ponchos, umbrellas or any other necessary gear because the Faire happens rain or shine.
• Comfortable clothes are recommended and very comfortable shoes because there is a lot of walking.

ESSENTIALS TO TAKE WITH YOU:

– Depending on the weather, sunblock and also a hat will be necessary, like these popular ones. Many areas of the Faire are not shaded, particularly Roselawn Tournament Field (where the Joust takes place).

More Things to do Near the Renaissance Faire:

Bear Mountain State Park & Activities you can do there

A Guide to Orange County, NY: Everything you need to know

25+ Popular Restaurants in Orange County NY to visit before or after this outing

Until the Next Adventure…

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