Did you know there’s a 16th-century European village just outside of Charlotte? The fictional village of Fairhaven (built on a 25-acre theme park) hosts the Carolina Renaissance Festival & Artisan Marketplace each Fall, September through November, in Huntersville, N.C. – a quick 1-hour + 45-min. drive from Cola.
Since there are only two more weekends to visit this world apart and it just got a shoutout from Thrillist, we’re giving you a #RoadTrip guide to the fest that gathers ~200,000 visitors each year. Why not spend thy weekend with a giant turkey leg in-hand?
The Carolina Renaissance Festival opened in 1994 – making this year its 25th anniversary – and what began as six acres of exhibits, performances + food has now grown to be one of the largest Renaissance fairs nationwide.
The best part? 500+ costumed characters wander the village, so you’ll inevitably encounter singing fairies, charming pirates, silly wenches, acrobats, singing nuns + magicians. And since patrons are encouraged to dress up as a character, now is the time to break out your favorite Game of Thrones, Vikings + Spartacus garb (and a good excuse to recycle your Halloween costume).
It’s time to grab a costume, bid thee farewell to your pup and maketh thee way to the land of Fairhaven. Bonus: We’ve got your vocabulary guide so you can blend right in without feeling like a dunce. ⬇️
🎭How to get in
📍16445 Poplar Tent Rd. Huntersville, NC, 28078
☎️704-896-5555
🎟️ Ticket prices
Under 5: Free
5-12: $14
13+: $24
Bonus: Student tickets + admission days here. Find discounts + coupons here.
🚘 Driving
🎭 What to watch
🗺️Map
Multiple stages and showtimes – Tortuga Twins, The Jousters + Barely Balanced Acrobats are a total #MustDo.
Photos of performers here and here. Bonus: New living mermaids.
🎭 How to dress
Every weekend has a different theme. See the full schedule from BrewFest to Pirates’ Christmas here.
Pull out those costumes – or rent one there. The Carolina Renaissance Fest offers costumes for rent ranging from $8-25 for children and $18-65 for adult sizes through The Belrose.
Pro-tip: If you bring your own props, costume blades (swords, daggers, axes, arrow heads, etc.) must be blunted, properly sheathed, and peace-tied with red twine or ribbon. Arrows must remain tied together and inside the quiver. All prop weapons must be checked by Safety Services Personnel at the Festival Main Gate. Firearms are not permitted.
Even if you’re not in character, make sure to wear comfortable walking shoes since this is an outdoor event with lots of walking along the grounds.
🎭 Where to feast
🗺️Map
There are about 20 places to feast around Fairhaven. Find everything from turkey legs, beer, bread bowls, Scotch Eggs, fish + chips, sandwiches, fried mac-n-cheese, mimosas, coffees, tea, Cinnamon Crunch Almonds + Pecans, crepes, giant slices of cheesecake, chocolates + more.
🎭 Fun and games
🎪Games and rides run about $1-5 per game.
Over 20 games of skill and rides including Archery, Jacob’s Ladder, Shatter the Platter, The Maze, Toddler’s Swan Swing + more.
🗺️Map
🎭 Bring home a trinket
There are several shops + vendors around the grounds to buy trinkets, props, jewelry + etc. 🗺️Map. Make sure to stop in The Artisan Marketplace, which features over 100 artisans with a variety of handmade wares. Find hand blown glass art, pottery, sculptures, leather work, jewelry, clothing, and so much more. Perfect for early holiday-season shopping.
🎭Know your words
Now before you head to Fairhaven, you must be warned that their lingo is quite a bit older than ours. Know your way around with these main vocab words + phrases so you don’t feel like a total dunce. 🗣️ And yes, some characters talk in Pig Latin. Oundsay oodgay?
Good day/good morrow: Hello/good morning.
Well met: Nice to see you.
Farewell/I bid thee farewell: Goodbye
Anon: I will see you later
Thou/thee: You
Huzzah: Hooray!
I cry your mercy: I beg your pardon.
Thou art a cutpurse: You are a thief!
Prithee: Please
Privy: Bathroom
Carouse: Party
Haply: Hopefully
Fie: Disgust
Ere: Before
Yea/Aye: Yes
Nay: No
My Lord/Lady: Ms. or Mr.
Art: Are
Wench: A type of woman who is not a Queen, princess, or nun.
Bawdy: PG-13 to rated R (adult material)
“St” and “th”: can be added to the end of most words take → taketh or takest
Have you been to the Carolina ren fest? What’s your favorite part? Tag us in any photos on Facebook + Instagram to see all your medieval fun.
Huzzah and good morrow, Cola.
