There’s no way around it: the Pennsylvania Renaissance Faire attracts some interesting people. From costumed performers dressed as everything from the Queen to gravediggers and rat catchers to the general public dressed as maidens, elves, and pirates, you’re unlikely to see a more diverse selection of costumes outside of a Halloween party.
As was pointed out at one of the performances, while many of these characters didn’t exist in the Renaissance, that certainly doesn’t mean you won’t find them at a Renaissance Faire.
However, it’s this odd mix of accurate performers and less than accurate fans that make the Faire so endearing.
Another great aspect of the Pennsylvania Renaissance Faire is the performances. Whether you like Shakespearian theater, death-defying stunts, or silly music, there’s something for everyone. Some of my favorites from my day at the Faire included the Mud Show, the Righteous Blackguards, Whose Jest is It Anyway, and the Joust (All of which can be briefly seen in the above video).
One thing that impressed me was how much the Pennsylvania Renaissance Faire had improved since my last visit five years prior. Not that I didn’t enjoy it before, but the quality of the acting and choreographed fights during the Human Chess Match and the Joust seemed much improved.
While the Faire is a great place for all ages, it’s worth noting a few things.
First, some of the shows can be a bit risqué at times, so make sure to heed any warnings if you have any young or easily offended ears in your group. It should also be noted that some women wear rather tightly fitting clothing at the Faire.
If you happen to be taking a teenage boy to the Faire, consider investing in a blindfold (just kidding…sort of).
It’s definitely not to be missed and always a good time.
Visiting the Pennsylvania Renaissance Faire
The 2024 Pennsylvania Renaissance Faire is located in Manheim, Pennsylvania, just off exit 266 of the Pennsylvania Turnpike. It runs every weekend from August 17, 2024 through October 27, 2024 (plus Labor Day Monday) from 11am-8pm.
Admission is $33.95 for adults on the Pennsylvania Renaissance Faire website. Tickets for children ages 5-11 are $17.95. Children 4 and under are free. Advance purchase required. Tickets are no long available at the gates.
(Article updated August 2024 with updated information for 2024 season and was accurate at time of update.)
Note: In exchange for this review, I was given free admission to the Pennsylvania Renaissance Faire. As always, this had no effect on my review, and it was not subject to approval prior to publication.
Wondering what else Lancaster County has to offer? You could go hiking at Governor Dick, explore northwest Lancaster County’s covered bridges, or visit the Wolf Sanctuary of PA.
"
Thanks for the detailed pricing information, Authiel. It does look like there are a lot of great options for those looking for a discount on Pennsylvania Renaissance Faire tickets.