The Carolina Renaissance Festival is
Your Source for Premier Live Interactive Entertainment!
Hundreds of Costumed Characters!
16 Stages of non-stop, day-long entertainments!
Knights on Horseback Jousting Thrice Daily!
Sea Fairies! Swimming Mermaids!
Bird’s of Prey Falconry Demonstrations!
Music, Dance, Comedy, Magic and Circus Entertainments!
It Takes a village!
Hundreds of performers embody the heart of the village as they improvise merriment, mischief, and mirth at every turn. And present nonstop comedy, music, dance, vaudeville, and more - creating a warm, fun-filled village where every day is a shared adventure in history, laughter, and immersive play.
Click buttons to filter performances by type
* Some entertainments may be subject to change.
The Jousters!
Aventail Productions brings alive the spectacle and pageantry of the chivalric age. Knights in shining armor perform in a 3-part display of daring deeds of bravery and skill including a realistic recreation of a joust to the death!
Sea Fairies! The Living Mermaids!
The Lord Mayor outdoes himself once again in a bid for the Queen’s favor! Journey to the grotto and experience the Living Mermaid exhibit where beautiful Sea Fairies enchant, delight and swim! From gallant knights to the marvels of the vast ocean, children love watching the underwater flips, blown bubble hearts, and splashing tails! Families can sit together atop the mermaid throne for a meet and greet photo experience. Don’t miss it! Presented by Circus Siren.
The Ancient Art of Falconry!
Sky Kings Falconry presents a variety of birds-of-prey as they display the unique skills that enraptured nobles long ago and made falconry the sport of kings! Children and adults alike will be amazed by these beautiful creatures in flight.
Queen Isabella!
The Queen & Court have arrived for a visit and the shire is buzzing with excitement! The Lord Mayor has planned a Festival celebration like no other! Jousting, Falconry, feasting and much much more! Don’t miss your chance to see the Queen at:
The Royal Pavilion
10:30 - Queen’s Morning Agenda
1:30 - FREE Children’s Knighting Ceremony
2:00 - Queen’s Musicale
The Tournament Arena
12:15 - A Joust for the Queen’s Favor
4:15 - A Joust to the Death
Princess Sofia &
Princess Catalina!
Back from their global travels, Princess Sofia & Princess Catalina join their Mum on tour throughout the shire. Don’t miss your chance to see the Princesses at:
The Royal Pavilion
10:00 - Queen’s Morning Agenda
10:30 - The Princesses’ Manners of Court
1:30 - FREE Children’s Knighting Ceremony
2:00 - Queen’s Musicale
The Tournament Arena
12:15 - A Joust for the Queen’s Favor
4:15 - A Joust to the Death
The Royal Court & Royal Guard!
The Royal Court & Royal Guard is the epitome of Fairhaven’s nobility. Whilst on tour of all villages within their realm, they elegantly accompany the Queen and Princesses in processions through Fairhaven, at the tournament jousts, and when inside the Royal Pavilion. Their esteemed presence demands everyone’s attention, especially that of the Lord Mayor! Huzzah!
The Royal Dance Ensemble!
The Royal Dance Ensemble dazzles the village lanes with the splendor of noble life while showcasing a vibrant array of 16th century dances. Gracefully accompanying the Queen and the Royal Court at jousts and weddings, these noble dancers embody the elegance of the era as every twirl tells a story and every step is a celebration!
The Royal Hounds of east Fairhaven!
When not napping in their cottage located near the Tree Top Stage, The Royal Hounds of East Fairhaven roam the village, eager to meet all of Fairhaven’s visitors. The keepers of the hounds, the Royal Fewterers, are happily available to answer any questions one might have to learn more about these wonderful canines.
knights of the realm!
Clad in gleaming armor, these valiant Knights roam the village, steadfast in their mission to enlighten the good folk of Fairhaven about rousing tales of chivalry and nobility, reminding all present of the virtues that define a true knight. By Her Majesty’s decree!
The tryggvassen Knights!
Meet father-daughter Knight duo Sir Othar Tryggvassen and Dame Octavia - hailing from faraway lands. Visiting Fairhaven by invitation of the Lord Mayor to honor Queen Isabella, they traverse the village with unwavering stoicism and chivalry, offering kind greetings to the good people of Fairhaven, from the littlest children to the wisest elders.
The Lord Mayor ~ John Bullfrog!
Join the Lord Mayor John Bullfrog as he traverses amongst the people inside his fyne village to ensure fun is had by all! Try to stump The Mayor with knowledge of all things renaissance and be amazed by how wonderful he is and how you too can be like him! Attention children of all ages; The Mayor's Fairy Tea Time at the Royal Pavilion is fun and educational and teaches you how to catch a fairy!
The Lord Mayor’s Household!
Join the Lord Mayor’s Household as they demonstrate daily life in the home of our beloved Lord Mayor during the late Elizabethan era (1580-1620). See what is being cooked in the kitchen. Admire the craft work. Watch as wool is processed into usable clothing. Different demonstrations each weekend. Come sit a spell!
Don Juan & Esmeralda!
The charming Prince of Spain returns with his darling daughter Esmeralda! Join this father-daughter duo for a laughter filled adventure while they show off their skills. Whips! Swords! Knives! What could possibly go wrong?! This danger duo will amaze and amuse!
Washing Well Wenches!
They're wet! They're wacky! And they want your laundry! The Washing Well Wenches bring us "good, clean fun and wet, dirty women"! The Washing Well Wenches are the funniest pair of “ladies” you’ll ever meet! Part vaudeville, part sketch comedy, full-on entertaining, the Washing Well Wenches make interactive theater fun for everyone!
Witch Trials!
Join famed tragedian Ned Alleyn, as he makes fun of horrible history, flipping the script on the classic witch trial by having the audience persecute an innocent volunteer to roars and howls of laughter!
The Tortuga Twins!
Outrageously unpredictable and unstoppably hilarious, these three twins tell tales with the participation of the audience. Adults will enjoy the twists in familiar stories like Robin Hood.
Rick the Hypnotist!
Yes! Hypnosis IS real! And with Rick The Hypnotist it’s pretty darned funny too! Want to ride a rocket ship to the moon? How about winning a million-dollar fishing tournament? Or temporarily forgetting your name? You’re never quite sure what will happen in this uproariously funny hypnosis show! Certified hypnotherapist Rick Stratton takes his volunteers on a journey they’ll never forget!
Hey Nunnie! Nunnie!
Mother Redempta and Sister Philomenia of the Sisterhood of the Wailing Souls have come to offer counsel to the visitors to the village. In their reverently irreverent way they will have you wailing with laughter.
The London Broil Show!
The London Broil “core audience” cheers as three comical comrades juggle a variety of implements of destruction; leaving you laughing all the way! Watch all three shows: Blades of Fury, The Story of Louie, and Jugglers on Fire featuring the "flaming fountain of fire!"
Barely Balanced ~ Acrobats & Comedy!
They're back, diving through fire, hurling machetes, and testing the limits of natural selection! Don't miss seeing your favorite acrobats endanger their lives in this hilarious, award winning show. The day starts with their "Sharp Knives and Stupid Humans Extravaganza" and ends with the incredible "Fire Finale." Come laugh, cheer, and become a part of the action!
Juggling Geoff Marsh’s ~ One Man Fire Circus Show!
Join the Circus! Juggling Geoff delivers an unforgettable performance with fun, interactive antics featuring child volunteers. His daring stunts and heartwarming charm captivate all! Enjoy juggling, musical plate spinning, and balancing a giant gyroscope on his face! Catch the show live 5 times daily at Fairhaven Theater.
The Ded Bob Sho!
Bob may be “ded” but with the help of his assistant, Sluj, he’s funnier than ever! Join his audience as he tickles your funny bone, turning his audience into “bobzombies”.
The Knotty Nauticals!
The Pirate Shanty Man and Bonnie Lass are not just singing pirates! Come join this dashing duo for a high-energy pirate show! Comedy, music, fire eating, rope walking and more all make fore a knotty good time! ARRRGH!
Gravity Check ~ Juggling!
Gravity Check captivates with their unique spin on entertainment with amazing Chinese yo-yos and juggling antics. It is fun for all ages and sure to amaze you with something you’ve never seen before!
Zilch the Torysteller!
With tales like “Rindercella and the Stwo Tugly Epsisters” or “Jomeo & Ruliet”, you’ll hang on his every word, enjoying stories told in Spoonerisms that “trippingly on the tongue”.
The Angels!
Three heavenly beautiful, devilishly dangerous, righteously brave and wickedly clever ~ heroines in disguise! With stories, comedy, and songs!
The Renaissance Men!
Join Rowland and Florian in a thrilling and hilarious Swordfighting Competition. Danger, excitement, and laughs abound as the two strive to attain the ultimate prize: your validation and the title of The Renaissance Man!
Alice & Wendy’s Science & Stories!
Come along with Alice and Wendy as they share their stories through science and song. Their one of a kind adventures will delight and entertain both young and old with fun, fantasy, and sometimes even a bit of fire! See which adventure awaits you at: 11:45, 1:00, 3:00, and 4:30.
Harry & Harrison!
This comedy musical juggling duo brings hilarity and skill! Their infectious energy captivates the crowd as they juggle while playing piano! With playful banter and catchy tunes, they enchant young and old alike. Each performance is a unique adventure, blending classic circus flair and modern entertainment, ensuring no two shows are the same. Grab your goblet of mead and enjoy an uproarious experience!
The CRAIC Show!
The CRAIC Show is a wild and powerful musical experience. Performing traditional Medieval, Renaissance, and Irish tunes on ancient instruments to thunderous drums, they are a band you will feel as well as hear. Get ready to rock and join the fun with The CRAIC Show!
Roses of the Realm ~ Belly Dance!
The Roses of the Realm delight festival-goers with a variety showcase consisting of the art of fusion bellydance and fire performance, while accompanied by the live music from Mirage à Trois, and the irrepressible comedic genius of Bobby Ganoush. Shimmy on over to the Dutch Door Stage to be enchanted by the magic of dance, the danger of swords and fire, and many more fun moments to be shared by all.
The Reelin’ Rogues!
The Reelin’ Rogues is a high-energy Celtic music group consisting of Zach Dean with soaring lead vocals and acoustic guitar and Giuliana Marie on her driving bodhrán and vocals. The Reelin’ Rogues bring a fresh take to traditional Celtic music by melding vocals that will capture your ears and spirit with unique arrangements inspired by their love of old school punk rock and traditional folk music.
Jamila Lotus ~ Dance Carnivale!
Don't miss this utterly mesmerizing and truly enchanting display of vibrant music that will make your heart soar and captivating dance that will leave you spellbound! At the Tree Top Stage!
Sisters of the Skies!
Sisters of the Skies is a mesmerizing aerial performance group that weaves the fierce spirit of Viking legends with breathtaking displays of artistry. These daring performers soar on a variety of aerial apparatuses, twisting and turning like the fluid waves of the fjords. Accompanied by spellbinding music and captivating live story narration, each performance tells tales of valiant warriors, mythical beasts, and the unbreakable bond of sisterhood. Prepare to be enchanted as the Sisters of the Skies transport you to a world where bravery and beauty collide, igniting your imagination with every flight!
Pirouette the Magical Dancer!
Pirouette the Magical Dancer lives in a Magical Music Box and brings to life a world of wonder for kids, and kids at heart. Visit her music box to witness Pirouette spring to life and dance and spin before your eyes! Share a dance with her if you would like, and if you're lucky she might just reach right into the sky and gift you a Magical Star of Bravery! This act features the music of renaissance festival musicians Sarah Marie Mullen and Kathleen Finnegan. Brand new this year, you can now take home one of Pirouette's Magical Music Boxes of your very own!
See Pirouette at:
10:30 am - 11:30 pm
12:30 pm - 1:45 pm
2:30 pm - 3:45 pm
4:30 pm - 5:30 pm
Magnus & Maggie!
Bringing you a musical timescape from their travels in the Scottish Isles, along with an arsenal of historic instruments and preposterous tales in the tradition of the Jongleurs and Goliards of yore! With a magical combination of melody, song, and studied nonsense, performed on various instruments including bagpipes, hurdy-gurdies, portative organ, cittern, vielle, lute, crumhorn, chalumeau, kortholt, and various recorders and whistles!
John O’Monroe!
Master John O'Monroe has traveled the known world listening to music from faraway lands. Find him masterfully performing in the lanes on big drums, bigger drums, and the hammered dulcimer!
The Rambling Sailors!
Sea shanties, those lively nautical tunes, and raucous piratical ditties fill the air with a rollicking spirit! Yarrrr, matey! As the salty breeze wafts through the sails, these songs ignite a sense of adventure on the high seas, calling all swashbucklers and landlubbers alike to join in the merriment!
Scupper the Pirate!
Gather ’round, ye hearty souls, as Scupper fills the air with sweet tunes from her concertina. Her fingers dance on the keys, conjuring melodies that beckon sailors and landlubbers alike to join her merry crew. You might also catch her as she weaves through the village lanes, swaying to the rhythm of adventure, mingling her music with the fairy laughter and market chatter. Each note summons visions of doubloons and treasure hunts under the moon's watchful eye. YARRRR!
Harpist Sarah Mullen!
Harpist Sarah Marie Mullen has been delighting audiences for years as a touring and recording artist. Her masterful playing and innovative arrangements have made her a favorite all over the country. Combining a personal, playful style of performance that often blends music with storytelling, she has been called “a master at her craft who brings a bit of whimsy to the typically serious instrument”. Sarah can be found in the middle of the Village Woodswalk near the Casa Fortuna Stage.
Lady Prudence ~ Court Composer!
Lady Prudence, the Court Composer, sings Songs for All Occasions! Prepare to join the band with percussion for a peppy tune, or relax to a dulcet lullaby with lilting harp and sweet soprano. Patrons of all ages may meet her under her tree near the Green Man for a sweet (or saucy) song!
Vagabonds & Sailors!
Vagabonds & Sailors bring folk music to life with intoxicating a capella vocals, a sense of whimsy, a dash of mischief, and an abundance of heart.
Keplar the Wanderer!
Keplar the Wanderer is a high energy one bard band featuring multiple instruments playing at one time!
Bobo The Busker!
With fiddle in hand and grog by his side, he'll woo you until the sheep come home! Look for Bobo at the bottom of the Woods Walk.
Ludvic & Lu Lu
Sharing joy, music, and marionettes! Having wandered the world, Ludvic now traverses the lanes of Fairhaven, spreading tunes he has gathered from lands afar and adventures untold. The categories of music are vast, featuring Scottish melodies, waltzes, military marches, humorous tunes of the times, French and German compositions, and, of course, music for special occasions!
William Shakespeare!
“To be or not to be—is that really a question?” Meet the famed bard William Shakespeare! Perhaps he will create a sonnet right before your eyes and leave you with a memorable moment that stays with you forever.
William de Worde
the Village Printer!
In Renaissance Europe, the arrival of the printing press introduced an era of mass communication. Visit William de Worde nearby the village gates to see a printing demonstration with his handcrafted screw press printer!
Gunther Tinkerson ~ The Village Inventor!
Imagineering and building new contraptions for improving life for the common villager and noble alike, Gunther can be found roaming the village showcasing his many inventions!
Shamus the Insulter!
What fun would a leisurely stroll through the Village of Fairhaven be if not for the echoing calls of: "Insults?! Get your insults here!" Shamus The Insulter roams the village lanes offering services of both impressive insults and gracious compliments. Prank your friends and family with Shamus' fabulously pointed barbs that will leave you and your guests laughing long after he has disappeared!
The King’s Drawers!
Join Scribb & Scrawl, the charming duo that will turn your likeness into a masterpiece of amusement! With a flair for the absurd and a knack for crafting portraits at uncontrollable speeds, they create an unforgettable street theater experience of hilarity and heart. Come for the art, stay for the laughter, and take home a one-of-a-kind treasure you never knew you wanted. Find Scribb & Scrawl in the village lanes and at the Mynstrel’s Roost at 11:00, 1:15, 2:45, and 4:15!
Fireflicker the Dragon!
Fireflicker is a curious young dragon who wanders the streets of the festival looking for shiny things to hoard, and is always excited to meet all the young knights and Princesses of the realm. They may even share some dragon gold with those who also have magic in their hearts!
Primrose The Fairy!
Primrose is one of Twig's Fairy Best Friends and like Twig, she travels the Land of Real spreading joy and magic. You can meet Prim in the lanes of Fairhaven or at the Twig the Fairy shop (just past the Joust) at: 12:30 - 2:00 and 3:00 - 4:30.
Saffron The Fairy!
Saffron is one of Twig’s Fairy Friends and like Twig, she travels the Land of Real spreading joy and magic! You can met Saffron in the lanes of Fairhaven or at The Twig the Fairy booth just past the Joust at: 12:30 - 2:00, 3:00 - 4:00, and 4:30 - 5:00.
Blubobobobo’s Tales!
Blubobobobo the travelling storyteller has returned to his hometown of Fairhaven to regale Queen Isabella and all of Fairhaven’s visitors with legends, folktales, and myths from across the world! Stop by to hear a tale or two at the Top of the Woodswalk!
Jeremiah Wiggins!
Jeremiah offers intimate power through story telling and the magic of fairyland placed directly in patrons hands through close up illusion. Jeremiah roams the Village lanes all day.
Statue Comedius de Marbleous!
The Comedic Living Stature! Watch carefully as Statue Comedius de Marbleous comes to life to delight and amuse!
The Green Man!
Unhurried in his movement, the mysterious Green Man travels the village. Be careful, or you might miss the man/tree as he progresses with the quiet dignity befitting the spirit of the trees.
The Nymphs!
In a sun-dappled garden where flowers are in bloom, whimsical Nymphs embody the spirit of nature’s magic, inviting all who pass by to pause and revel in the beauty of their verdant realm.
NoDD The Goblin!
A delightfully silly goblin, well-known throughout the realm for his wild antics and playful mischief that bring laughter wherever he roams. You might find Nodd by a rubbish bin taking to heart the phrase “One mans trash is another man’s treasure”!
Ari The Bard!
A gentle tiefling with an absurd arcanum of magic and potions, Ari offers visitors tales of distant realms.
Fairy Godmother!
An enchanting musical Fairy Godmother that delights audiences with melodies of magic, joy, and a sprinkle of wonder that leaves listeners longing for more. With a gentle heart as light as a feather, she transforms the ordinary into the extraordinary, making every performance a whimsical adventure.
Professor Nickel’s Punch & Judy Show!
Featuring a colorful cast of characters, Punch and Judy showcases the shenanigans of Mr. Punch, his wife Judy, a hungry crocodile, Joey the clown, and many more zany characters as they fumble, bumble, and stumble their way through a comedy show that will show you where The Looney Toons got their inspiration! Performing next to The Haven at 10:30, 12:30, 2:30, and 4:30.
Mother & Father Goose!
Spend time with Mother & Father Goose and their flock. Pet, hold and give their feathered friends a big hug. The birds might even hug you back!
The Tilt Crew ~ Rabble Rousers!
Through prepared cheers, jeers, and improvisational sneers, these rowdy Rabble Rousers encourage audience participation at the tournament Joust by elevating and maintaining the highest possible energy. By Her Majesty’s decree!
Village Gate Welcome Wagon!
First impressions matter! The Village Gate Performers warmly welcome audiences to Fairhaven, with songs, humorous greetings, improv and insights about the day’s events and key attractions! Huzzah!
The Last Vikings!
The Last Vikings, a rowdy band of entertainers, roam the Village of Fairhaven in search of the last of their fellow warriors. They delight audiences with improvisational skits and engaging tales of Norse culture. Join them as they bring history to life with their vibrant Viking personas!
The Village Townfolk!
This eclectic mix of villagers will ignite your Festival adventure as they leap into action with spontaneous delight just for you. Their lively spirit creates a charming atmosphere that weaves the entire festival into one enchanting tapestry! Huzzah!
The Gamer Guild!
Do you love playing games? Do you enjoy the thrill of friendly competition? The Gamer Guild will teach you about the games of olde! Join them for a raucous rendezvous where laughter and skill unite in glorious battle! Huzzah!
The Cabriolet Crew!
Through spirited shouts, jovial laughs, and spontaneous quips, these lively rickshaw operators invite patrons to hop aboard and experience a whimsical journey around the village. With every ride, they elevate the merriment and ensure that every adventurer has the most delightful time possible. Huzzah!
The Stage Crew!
These unsung heroes assist stage performers behind the scenes in an effort to help keep the village entertainment on schedule. Their tireless dedication ensures that every show sparkles with magic and whimsy, making the festival an unforgettable experience for all. Huzzah!
