The first Renaissance fair was held back in 1963 in California (now called the Renaissance Pleasure Faire), and since then the idea has spread far and wide. Renaissance Festivals and Fairs take place all over the country at different times each year.
The Florida Renaissance Festival started out about 20 years ago as a 1-weekend event. Today, it has grown to cover 7 weekends, held in 2 different cities in South Florida.
The event features tons of great Renaissance fun, including jousting knights, sword fighting, and tournament games that follow the original traditions. There are hundreds of costumes performers roaming about, so you’ll feel like you really have dropped back into the middle ages.
There is also plenty of entertainment lined up, with something going on at all times on the various stages. Shows change each year, but might include such performers as dancers, acrobats, jugglers, musicians, actors, and more. A master falconer is often present as well, showing his birds of prey in full flight.
Craftspeople and artisans are on hand to demonstrate their skills and crafts. Guests can get involved with such activities as archery and knife throwing. Watching glassblowers and blacksmiths work can be very entertaining, and you can also buy their unique wares. Besides the beautiful handmade items, there are also plenty of silly and kitschy items available for sale as well.
Many food options are available, so you can eat like a king. It is the standard fair food. Choose from such items as turkey legs, shish kabobs, gyros, sandwiches, corn dogs, hot dogs, cheese fries, cookies, popcorn, and fried items of all types. There are also many drinks including several varieties of beer.
Kids will enjoy the Kid’s Kingdom, with a children’s play area, games, crafts, historical information, bounce house, and the award-winning Scout Patch Program. Some stage performances are geared for the younger crowd as well. Kids can also play a giant game of chess.
Event goers are encouraged to join in the fun and dress up in Renaissance clothing. Children can easily find fairy, princess, wizard or jester costumes to wear. And adults can really get into the spirit and dress as knights, ladies, faeries and wenches.
Be sure to get a map and events schedule, since the area is quite large and can be confusing to get around. Some stage shows are very popular, so get there early.
Deerfield Beach Details
Dates: Weekends from February 8 to March 16
Times: 10 am until Sunset
Address: Quiet Waters Park, 401 South Powerline Road, Deerfield Beach
Fees: Daily admission is $20 for ages 12 and up and $9 for ages 6 to 11. For groups of 20 or more, admission is $15 for ages 12 and up and $6 for ages 6 to 11. Season passes are $65 for ages 12 and up and $30 for ages 6 to 11. Ages 5 and under are admitted free. Prices do not include Florida sales tax. The weekend and holiday gate entrance fee of $1.50/person (children 5 and under free) will be in effect.
Attractions:
- Crafts Village - including glass blowing, hammered pewter, wooden toys, pottery, clothing
- Performers - including sword fighters, minstrels, magicians, battling knights on horseback
- Hearty Food - including turkey legs, Scotch eggs, love knots (pretzels), queen's buns, tankards of ale and cider
- Games of Chance - including archery, the Test of Strength, Jacob's Ladder
- Rides - including the Carouselle, the Wild Boar, the Flying Swan, the Hurlinator, the Quintain, the Dragon's Maze, Kids' Kingdom, the Gaming Glen
Themed Weekends
- Romance Weekend: Wine & Chocolate - February 8-9
- Pirates Weekend: Pillage the Village - February 15-17
- Wenches Weekend: Bodacious Bodices - February 22-23
- Time Travelers Weekend: From Steampunk to the Stars - March 1-2
- Game-of-Thrones-Inspired Weekend- March 8-9
- Celtic Weekend: We're Going Green - March 15-16
Miami Cauley Square Historic Village Details
Dates: Weekends from March 29 to April 13
Times: 10 am until Sunset
Address: 22400 Old Dixie Highway, Cauley Square, Miami, FL 33170, USA
About Cauley Square:
Cauley Square offers a glimpse of Old South Florida at its best. Spend the day browsing through the antique and specialty shops (housed in renovated cottages), or just enjoying the scenery.
The garden paths invite guests to casually stroll in the shade, making the perfect setting for a private gathering or an unforgettable wedding.
At meal-time, choose between the famous Tea Room Restaurant, the Village Chalet Restaurant, or the Latin Corner with snacks, milkshakes and ice cream.
Be sure to check out their Upcoming Events for fun events offered year-round.
For more information see:
www.ren-fest.com/deerfield-home.asp
www.ren-fest.com/miami-home.asp
- Tags: The Florida Renaissance Festival 2014 Deerfield Beach Quite Waters Park Miami Cauley Square Historic Village California Renaissance Pleasure Faire Renaissance Festivals and Fairs South Florida
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