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!
Bird’s of Prey Falconry Demonstrations!
Sea Fairies! Swimming Mermaids!
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 to win the Queen’s favor! Visit the grotto for the Living Mermaid exhibit, where Sea Fairies enchant with underwater flips, bubble hearts, and splashing tails. Enjoy a family photo meet-and-greet. Don’t miss it! Presented by Circus Siren.
The Ancient Art
of Falconry!
Sky Kings Falconry presents the ancient skills that made falconry the sport of kings! All ages will be amazed by these magnificent 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!
Princess Sofia & Princess Catalina!
Back from their global travels, Princess Sofia & Princess Catalina join their Mum on tour throughout the shire!
The Royal Court
& Royal Guard!
The Royal Court & Royal Guard is the epitome of Fairhaven’s nobility! They elegantly accompany the Queen and Princesses in processions through Fairhaven, at the tournament jousts, and when inside the Royal Pavilion!
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! Watch as they embody the elegance of the era with every step & twirl!
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!
The Lord Mayor’s Household!
Watch demonstrations of 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.
Skidmark
The Dirt Peasant!
He’s grungy, feckless, and twice as foul as yesterday’s stew—but beware! This wretch wields the gift of constructive criticism. No bad haircut, ill-fitting doublet, or questionable codpiece is safe from his sharp eye and sharper tongue!
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!
Watch Ned Alleyn as he flips the script on the classic witch trial by having the audience persecute an innocent volunteer to roars of laughter!
The Tortuga Twins!
Funny & unpredictable, these three twins tell tales with the help from the audience. Enjoy twists to familiar stories like Robin Hood.
Rick the Hypnotist!
Hypnosis IS real! And it’s pretty darned funny too! You’re never quite sure what will happen in this uproariously funny hypnosis show!
Hey Nunnie! Nunnie!
Mother Redempta and Sister Philomenia have come to offer their reverently irreverent counsel that 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!
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."
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 bring a high-energy pirate comedy show! It’s 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!
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: the title of The Renaissance Man!
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!
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!
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!
Roses of the Realm
Belly Dance!
Enjoy a delightful variety showcase consisting of the art of fusion bellydance, fire performances, and live music. Shimmy on over to the Dutch Door Stage to be enchanted!
The Reelin’ Rogues!
This high-energy Celtic music group brings a fresh take to traditional Celtic music by melding soaring vocals 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!
This mesmerizing aerial performance 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. Each performance tells tales of valiant warriors, mythical beasts, and the unbreakable bond of sisterhood. Prepare to be enchanted as 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!
Magnus &
Maggie!
Bringing you a musical timescape from their travels in the Scottish Isles, along with an arsenal of historic 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!
As the salty breeze wafts through the sails, these sea shanties 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, conjuring melodies that beckon sailors and landlubbers alike to join her merry crew. 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. 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.
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! Ludvic traverses the lanes of Fairhaven, spreading tunes he has gathered from lands afar and adventures untold.
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.
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!
"Insults?! Get your insults here!" Shamus The Insulter roams the village lanes offering services both insults and compliments. Embarrass your friends and family with Shamus' fabulously pointed barbs!
The King’s Drawers!
Scribb & Scrawl 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.
Fireflicker the Dragon!
This curious young dragon wanders the streets of the festival looking for shiny things to hoard and excited young knights and Princesses to meet!
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!
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.
The Highlander!
With booming charisma and bold theatrics, The Highlander adds Celtic flair and rousing energy to a blend of music, humor, and storytelling, all the while honoring those who came before him.
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 FunGals!
BlueBelle and Prysim return to Fairhaven to spread their magic throughout the village! You can catch them wandering the lanes, sending humans on side quests, and painting butterflies with littles! These mischievous and quirky fairies are two fairy best friends that will ensure you have the most magical fun time at the festival!
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!