New York Renaissance Carnival Travel back to 16th century Europe

The 47th annual New York Renaissance Faire has officially kicked off in Tuxedo Park, just a short drive from New York City. Running for the next seven weekends, this event is one of the most exciting summer and fall activities in the greater New York area. The park transforms into a 16th-century European village, allowing visitors to step back in time to the Elizabethan era. Attendees can interact with actors and staff dressed in period costumes, enjoy performances featuring music, dance, magic, acrobatics, and knightly competitions, and even savor traditional foods and beverages. For a more immersive experience, many guests choose to dress up, fully embracing the historical culture.

Could you share more about the types of activities available at the Faire, especially the entertainment options?

The Renaissance Faire offers a diverse range of activities, with some available all season long and others featured during specific themed weekends. With so much happening, it can be challenging to experience everything in one day, so attendees often pick and choose based on their preferences. Some of the most popular activities include whip juggling, combat demonstrations, falconry shows, magic acts, comedy performances, live music, and circus-style theatrical acts. Plus, visitors can enjoy extra entertainment experiences like archery and a fun tomato-throwing game for an additional fee.

What special events are planned for this year?

The Faire hosts several exciting themed weekends. For instance, “Market Weekend” on August 24-25 will allow shoppers who spend $500 in the marketplace to enter a drawing for tickets to return in September. Following that, “Time Traveler Weekend” on August 31, September 1-2, will feature costume contests, trivia challenges related to time travel, and more.

What kinds of crafts and foods can guests expect to find?

The marketplace is filled with artisan-crafted goods that capture the essence of the medieval period, including woodworking, metalwork, jewelry, swords, daggers, leather goods, and intricately carved candles. Guests can even sign up for apprenticeships with craftsmen to learn the art of handmade creation. On the food front, the Faire boasts a fantastic selection, offering American classics like hot dogs and fries alongside international delights such as Mexican burritos and German sausages. New this year is an Asian cuisine category, featuring dishes like Thai curry, lo mein, spicy chicken, and bubble tea. And of course, no visit would be complete without trying the Faire’s famous turkey legs.

How does the Faire cater to both adults and children?

For adults looking to experience medieval drinking culture, the Faire offers a “Pub Crawl” event, available at four different time slots for an extra ticket price of $65. Participants visit multiple taverns within the Faire to sample a variety of beverages while sharing jokes and stories, with ID checks for those 21 and over.

Families with young children will find plenty to keep them entertained, with activities at the “Storybook Stage,” “Kids Quest,” and “Boffer War” sword fights, all designed for kids ages four to ten. The event offers nearly a dozen manual games and over 20 booth games, plus face painting for the little ones.

What about costumes? Can attendees dress up?

While dressing up isn’t required, attendees who do put in the effort will find it enhances their experience. Guests are encouraged to don costumes representing various characters from the 16th century—whether they wish to portray royalty, merchants, knights, mythical beasts, witches, or fairies. For those who prefer not to purchase costumes, rental options are available at the Faire, with prices ranging from $15 to $40.

When does the Faire take place, and how can visitors get there?

The 47th New York Renaissance Faire runs Saturdays and Sundays until October 6, with one additional opening on Labor Day, September 2. Hours are from 10 AM to 7 PM, and it’s located in Tuxedo Park, NY. Ticket prices are $48 for adults, $20 for children ages five to twelve, and free for children under four.

Visitors can drive, as it’s about an hour from Manhattan, or take a bus via Coach USA’s Shortline service, which offers round-trip tickets that include entry for $81.60 or just the bus ride for $38.60, departing from the Port Authority Bus Terminal. For more details, potential attendees should check the official website at renfair.com/ny.