Quick Festival Facts:
COVID-19: Will the Festival be able to open this fall?
Planning for the fall Carolina Renaissance Festival is well underway with organizers working to adapt to challenges resulting from COVID19. We are hopeful that medical science and access to preventative measures will improve to allow for a safe October 3rd opening.
The Festival intends to open as scheduled for its October and November dates given conditions that allow us to do so. We are tracking, and are involved in, discussions with others in the large event industry (sports, music, theme parks, etc.). We are continually monitoring news reports and updates by state and federal agencies and we patiently await to learn what new guidelines will be required for events like ours to operate safely.
June and July will reveal more developments and so we continue with 2020 planning to keep production on schedule for opening if able. If unable to open in 2020, we will be ready to resume fall of 2021.
COVID-19: IF able to open, what new health and sanitation efforts does the Festival intend to implement?
Public and participant safety is important to us. The large event industry (sports, music, theme parks, etc.) is adapting to COVID19 challenges in a variety of ways. How events adapt involves contingencies for countless variables that are unique to each production and the municipalities they are within. COVID19 restrictions have impacted the entire economy. Organizations that contribute to our Festival’s daily operation such as our artisans, our sponsors, promotional partners, the media, outside vendors, and suppliers; they too are facing unprecedented challenges. For these reasons and more, we are not currently able to announce any plans regarding operational changes if able to open safely. Updates will be posted as planning progresses. Your patience and understanding is appreciated.
What is a Renaissance Festival?
This Festival is a full day of entertainment and pageantry as history comes alive with hundreds of costumed characters re-creating a 16th Century European Marketplace. It's a 25-acre village nestled in the forest and meadows, complete with castles, cottages, kitchens and pubs, filled with activities. You'll find music, comedy and theater, food and drink, fine hand-made arts and crafts, artisan demonstrations, games and rides.
Click here to view the Entertainment schedule of events.
Click to view the craft and vendor listing for the artisan marketplace.
Dates:
The 27th annual Carolina Renaissance Festival is open every Saturday and Sunday, from October 3 through November 22, 2020.
Hours:
10:00 a.m. until 5:30 p.m. rain or shine.
Location:
Just north of Charlotte between Concord and Huntersville on Highway 73 at Poplar Tent Road (between I-77 and I-85). Exit 25 on I-77 or exits 52 or 55 on I-85.
Parking:
Parking is FREE courtesy of Harris Teeter. Click here for detailed driving directions. Click here for detailed pick up and drop off procedures for UBER, Lyft, and Taxis.
2020 Tickets Prices are:
Advanced discount tickets are $26.00 for adults, $16.00 for kids ages 5-12, available at Harris Teeter Stores region wide or when printed online by clicking here. Children under 5 are always free. Tickets purchased at the gate are $1.00 more. Senior discount tickets (60 and over) and Adult Military discount tickets (Military/Dependent I.D. required) are $24.00 at the Festival box office. Child dependents of Military personnel are $14.00 at the Festival box office. Prices include taxes and all fees and parking is free courtesy of Harris Teeter.
What does the admission price include?
All entertainment shows, including the popular Tournament Jousting, Falconry Presentations, and Living Mermaid exhibit. You may choose to purchase arts and craft items, food and beverages, or rides and games.
Can we bring outside food and drink?
No outside food and drink is permitted through the Festival Main Gate with exception of one factory sealed bottle of water per person.
Can we leave the Festival and go back in later that day?
As you exit the front gate, you may have your hand stamped in order to re-enter the Festival that same day.
Is the Festival wheelchair accessible?
The Festival is held in a natural, outdoor wooded setting. Wheelchairs and other accessibility devices are encouraged. There is a mild grade and firmly packed ground. Since we are an outdoor event, Festival pathways vary from grass, dirt and some graveled lanes. We have disabled accessible parking and ADA compliant portable restrooms.
Does the Festival rent wheelchairs and/or strollers?
Strollers, wheelchairs, and wagons are available to rent on a first-come, first serve basis at the Belrose Costume Rental shop located just outside the Festival gates. Prices are: Wagons $16, Strollers $15, and Wheelchairs $19. Prices include tax.
Are pets allowed at the Festival?
Because of the great variety of performing animals in the Festival, no pets are allowed to be brought into the park by visitors. Guide dogs and bona fide service animals are welcome inside the village but not inside the Petting Farm and Greyhound rescue awareness booth.
Can we come in costume?
You are welcome to come dressed in costume and costumes are available for rental just outside the Festival gates. Adult sizes range in price from $18 - $65 (average $39) and Child sizes range in price from $8 to $25 (average $14). Costume rental booth is operated by Belrose Costume Rentals.
Can we wear prop weapons?
Costume blades of any type (swords, daggers, axes, spear heads and arrow heads) must be blunted, properly sheathed, and peace tied with red twine or ribbon at all times. Arrows are to remain tied together and tied inside the quiver. Prop and/or replica firearms having any capability of launching projectiles and/or making sounds of gunfire are not permitted. Prop crossbows having any capability of launching projectiles are not permitted. All prop weapons must be presented to Safety Services Personnel at the Festival Main Gate.
Can we bring musical instruments?
The Festival hosts a variety of musicians and performers whom depend upon the Festival as a means of earning a living. Select performers and all musicians are permitted to accept tips from the audience in addition to compensation paid by the Festival. Furthermore, as a performance venue with paid admission, the Festival adheres to strict music copyright laws. It is for these reasons that the Festival does not permit attendees to bring musical instruments through the Festival gates.
Are firearms permitted?
The Festival is hosted on private property. Signs are posted on the property notifying all visitors that open carry and concealed carry firearms of any type are prohibited.
What happens if it rains?
We are open rain or shine. It is extremely rare that we close on an event day. In the extreme event of a closing while you are attending, contact the Festival ticket office on site. Rain checks may be considered in the event of a CLOSING.
How should we dress?
The Festival is an outdoor event. We suggest you dress for the day’s weather and wear comfortable walking shoes. We reserve the right to refuse entry to anyone dressed in a manner that may be deemed by Festival management as offensive. No clothing with written obscenities, violent or sexual images, excessively revealing or transparent fabrics, and offensive symbols. Shirts and shoes are required.
Do you accept credit cards?
Visa, Master Card and Discover are accepted at the Festival Box Office. There are over 100 concessionaires inside the village and many are independent operators. Many accept credit cards and many accept cash only.
Is there an ATM?
Yes, we have 10 ATMs located on the Festival site.
Additional Questions?
Call (704) 896-5555.