Top Must-Visit Medieval and Renaissance Festivals in the USA and Canada for 2024

Medieval festivals are a perfect way to experience history coming to life. Across the U.S. and beyond, these events offer visitors a chance to step back in time and enjoy the excitement of the medieval and Renaissance periods. Whether you're interested in jousting, feasts, or handcrafted goods, these fairs provide a wide array of entertainment.

Medieval and Renaissance festivals provide a chance to step back in time and experience history firsthand. These festivals offer entertainment, educational opportunities, and a unique cultural experience for attendees.

Here's a closer look at some of the top medieval festivals happening across the U.S. and Canada.

Pennsylvania Renaissance Faire - Manheim, PA (August 17 - October 27)

One of the largest and most well-known Renaissance fairs, this event spans several weekends and includes themed days, live performances, artisan markets, and authentic medieval entertainment. It's perfect for families and history buffs alike.

Santa Fe Renaissance Fair - Santa Fe, NM (September 14 - 15)

The Santa Fe Renaissance Fair offers a charming blend of medieval and Native American culture. Set in a scenic location, the festival includes sword fighting, belly dancing, and plenty of traditional crafts.

Olde Dominion Fantasy & Medieval Faire - Thaxton, VA (September 14 - 15)

For those in Virginia, this event combines fantasy with medieval history. Expect to see dragons, knights, and fairies all in one place, making it a fun mix for all ages.

Enchanted Fairy Festival - York, PA (September 21 - 22)

This festival in York, Pennsylvania, adds a magical twist to traditional Renaissance fairs by focusing on fairy tales and mythology. It's a fantastic event for those who enjoy costumes, fantasy creatures, and immersive storytelling.

Maryland Renaissance Festival - Annapolis, MD (August 24 - October 20)

Running for several weekends, this is one of the largest Renaissance festivals on the East Coast. Expect grand jousting events, artisan crafts, and medieval entertainment that will transport you back in time.

Franklin Renaissance Faire - Franklin, NH (September 7 - 8)

The Franklin Renaissance Faire is perfect for those in New Hampshire looking for a small but authentic medieval experience. The festival features costumed performers, historical reenactments, and artisan vendors.

Maddock Rural Renaissance Festival - Maddock, ND (September 20 - 22)

Located in North Dakota, this rural festival celebrates the Renaissance with jousting, live performances, and medieval-themed activities, providing a unique experience in a quieter setting.

St. Louis Renaissance Festival - Foristell, MO (September 14 - October 20)

For those in Missouri, this long-running festival offers everything from knights and jousting to themed weekends, making it a hit for attendees of all ages.

Magpie Renaissance Faire - Three Forks, MT (September 14 - 15)

Montana's Magpie Renaissance Faire is a smaller but charming event with live music, historical reenactments, and plenty of medieval entertainment.

Greater Quad Cities Renaissance Faire - Davenport, IA (September 28 - 29)

This Iowa festival is great for those looking for a quick medieval escape. Visitors can enjoy historical reenactments, medieval combat demonstrations, and artisan vendors.

Renaissance Faire at Furnace Town - Snow Hill, MD (September 28 - 29)

Held at a historic site, this Maryland festival combines history with fun medieval activities. Expect costumed performers, historical demonstrations, and medieval crafts.

Sparta, New Jersey Renaissance Festival - Sparta, NJ (September 7 - 22)

The Sparta Renaissance Festival brings history to life with live performances, jousting, and a bustling marketplace full of medieval-inspired goods.

Central Idaho Renaissance Fair – Carey, ID (September 20-21)

A small, local event, the Central Idaho Renaissance Fair brings history to life with jousting, medieval costumes, artisans, and entertainers. Perfect for families, this fair showcases the magic of the Renaissance period.

Robin Hood Renaissance Faire – Spring Creek, NV (September 21-22)

Focused on the legendary figure Robin Hood, this fair in Spring Creek offers archery competitions, storytelling, and performances. Visitors will feel transported to Sherwood Forest with themed activities for all ages.

Royal Medieval Faire – Waterloo, ON (September 21)

The Royal Medieval Faire in Waterloo is a one-day celebration of medieval times. The event features knights in armor, live sword fighting, and interactive games for the whole family. This is a great opportunity to explore medieval life in an immersive way.

Oxford Renaissance Festival – Thorndale, ON (September 27-29)

A multi-day event, the Oxford Renaissance Festival offers jousting tournaments, craft vendors, and live entertainment. Located in Thorndale, this festival promises a rich experience for those who enjoy history, fantasy, and fun.

Marseilles Renaissance Faire – Marseilles, IL (September 14)

Marseilles offers a lively Renaissance celebration with music, food, and period entertainment. This one-day fair brings together enthusiasts of all ages, with plenty of activities for children and adults alike.

Clayshire Castle Medieval Faire – Bowling Green, IN (September 28-29)

Hosted at the scenic Clayshire Castle, this medieval fair includes falconry, knights in combat, and authentic medieval games. Visitors can explore the grounds, take part in workshops, and experience medieval culture up close.

Minnesota Renaissance Festival – Shakopee, MN (August 17 - September 29)

One of the largest and longest-running Renaissance festivals in the U.S., the Minnesota Renaissance Festival boasts themed weekends, a wide variety of performers, and an impressive marketplace. Spanning several weeks, it’s a must-visit for enthusiasts.

Bristol Renaissance Faire – Kenosha, WI (July 6 - September 2)

Though already over for the year, the Bristol Renaissance Faire is a beloved event. It runs throughout the summer, bringing the Elizabethan era to life with costumed characters, lively performances, and immersive environments.

New York Renaissance Faire – Tuxedo Park, NY (August 17 - October 6)

Running through early October, the New York Renaissance Faire features themed weekends, jousting tournaments, and historical reenactments. It’s one of the top fairs in the region, with activities for both kids and adults.

Shrewsbury Renaissance Faire – Monmouth, OR (September 14-15)

A two-day festival, the Shrewsbury Renaissance Faire offers visitors the chance to step into a vibrant medieval village, complete with artisans, knights, and traditional foods. It’s a popular destination for history lovers in Oregon.

Upstate Renaissance Faire – Greer, SC (September 6-7)

Wrapping up early in the month, the Upstate Renaissance Faire is a family-friendly event with live entertainment, demonstrations, and a marketplace filled with handcrafted goods. It’s a smaller fair but packed with charm.