Experience the excitement of jousting knights, royal delights, and colorful costumed villagers and merrymakers. Here's what to do when you're visiting.
Saturdays & Sundays | August 15 - October 25, 2026
Gates Open at 11AM | Faire closes at 8PM
Merchants, food and beverages begin closing at 7PM.
After 4PM Sunset Tickets go live on the online box office each Faire Day at 3PM with entry to the Faire beginning at 4PM. Sunset Tickets are not available in advance of the actual Faire date.
The year is 1567 and Queen Elizabeth is becoming ever more beloved by her people as each year passes. Having heard her father, Henry VIII, spin many tales about Mount Hope with all its joys and perils, she wishes to experience it for herself and has decided to make a visit to the Shire. With her, she brings along her favored Ladies, Sir Walter Raleigh, and her most favorite courtier, the dashing Robert Dudley.
Mount Hope is wild with excitement to welcome Elizabeth and her Court and feeling that since the Shire is the place that ranked foremost in royal hearts for generations, who better to relieve the Queen of a burden that surely weighs on her heart and mind, namely, who shall be her consort? As a woman, of course she must marry, and word on the Shire is that Dudley is vying for her hand, but not everyone is keen on that idea.
As far as Mount Hope is concerned, there could be no finer choice than for her to marry a good stout Englishman from the best Shire in the land. And so, in true Mount Hope fashion, candidates are put forward, choices are made, sides are taken, conflicts, resolutions, and hijinks ensue.
Experience the excitement of jousting knights, royal delights, and colorful costumed villagers and merrymakers. Here's what to do when you're visiting.
You don’t have to dress in costume to attend the Pennsylvania Renaissance Faire, but plenty of guests do! Comfortable clothing and shoes are always a good choice, especially since you’ll spend much of the day walking the 90 acre outdoor grounds.
Want to join in the fun? Each weekend of the Faire features a different theme, giving you plenty of inspiration for your look. Themes for 2026 range from Fairies & Fantasy and Viking Weekend to Wizarding Weekend, Oktoberfest, Time Travelers and Halloween Days & Spooky Knights. Before your visit, check the Pennsylvania Renaissance Faire’s themed weekend schedule to see what’s happening and plan a costume to match.
Planning to incorporate a period weapon into your costume? Be sure to review the Faire’s official weapons policy before arriving. Certain period arms are permitted but must meet specific safety requirements and remain secured or “peace tied” while on the grounds. Firearms are prohibited.
A little planning can make your day at the Faire much easier. Guests may bring one sealed bottle of water, up to 34 ounces per person, which can be refilled at water fountains on the grounds. Outside food, other beverages and coolers are generally not permitted, although accommodations are available for guests with qualifying dietary needs. Personal drinkware is permitted but must be empty when you arrive at the security checkpoint.
Since the Pennsylvania Renaissance Faire is an outdoor event, consider bringing weather-appropriate essentials like sunscreen, a hat or light layers. Comfortable walking shoes are a must for exploring the expansive grounds.
Before you go: Policies can change, so review the Pennsylvania Renaissance Faire’s official FAQ and visitor policies before packing for your visit.
One of the best parts of the Pennsylvania Renaissance Faire is that you can tailor the day to your group. Families can spend the day watching knights, meeting colorful characters and catching live entertainment, while adults can mix the classic Faire experience with drinks, comedy, and 21+ special events.
For families and kids: Start with one of the Faire’s signature experiences such as the Ultimate Joust, featuring horseback riders, staged combat, and plenty of action. Families can also catch musicians and entertainers throughout the Shire, play Renaissance Beano, see historical demonstrations and get an up close introduction to birds of prey during the Meet the Falconer experience. Many themed weekends add special activities specifically for “Nipperkins,” the Faire’s younger visitors, including costume exhibitions, games, scavenger hunts and seasonal activities.
For adults: The Faire has plenty to explore beyond turkey legs and jousting. Grab a locally made beer, cider, wine or cocktail while wandering the Shire, test your knowledge at Tipsy Trivia, or reserve one of the Faire’s separately ticketed 21+ experiences. Options for 2026 include the Pub Crawl, which pairs drinks with entertainment at stops throughout the Shire; PRooF: A Boozy Experience, an interactive spirits tasting; and Bard’s Breakfast, featuring cocktails, food and, adult poetry.
To make the most of your festival experience, consider staying near the venue. Here are a few accommodation options:
While we are sure that you will have a great time at the festival, you might be interested in some activities for the following day. Here are a few suggestions:
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