Grab a turkey leg & watch a joust at the 2026 Florida Renaissance Festival

Welcome to the 16th Century, For Eight Weekends Only

If you’ve never experienced the Florida Renaissance Festival, this is the year to go. Located at Quiet Waters Park in Deerfield Beach, this 34th annual celebration of Renaissance culture promises to transport you 500 years back in time to a world of knights, jesters, and endless entertainment.

The festival is open Saturdays and Sundays only for eight weekends, opening at 10 am and closing at sundown(changes daily!).

When you pass through the castle gates, you’re leaving your modern troubles behind. To maintain the immersion, performers are not allowed to wear watches, carry cell phones, or even sunglasses, really anything that would break the historical facade.

The result? An experience unlike anything you’ve ever experienced. The festival owner, Bobby Rodriguez says that in a single day, you cannot see everything. First-time visitors are often amazed by the sheer scale and scope of what’s available.

With 12 performance stages scattered throughout the grounds, you’ll find continuous entertainment wherever you wander. The festival boasts over 1,300 employees and more than 100 professional performers who bring the Renaissance to life.

Expect to encounter:

Knights in Jousting Arenas – Three jousts daily featuring knights on horseback performing thrilling combat displays
Street Performers – A large cast of characters roaming the village, ready to engage with guests as much or as little as you’d like
Music and Dance – Traditional Renaissance performances throughout the day
Comedy Shows – Including an R-rated performance venue for those seeking edgier entertainment
Magic Demonstrations – Professional magicians performing throughout the grounds

Unique Shows You Won’t Miss

Beyond the main stages, several signature attractions deserve special attention:

The Master Falconer Show – One of the festival’s most captivating demonstrations features one of the few female master falconers in the country. Watch as they fly birds of prey including eagles, hawks, and owls. Festival owner, Bobby Rodriguez says this show never gets old.

Living History Encampments – These displays offer a fascinating slice of Renaissance life. Some feature cooking demonstrations, others showcase weapon making, and each encampment reflects different cultural themes. Check out the Ottoman Empire encampment, you’ll see beautiful traditional clothing and crafts from northern Africa.

Pub Crawls – Grab your friends & travel through the village visiting five different pubs. Perfect for groups looking for a memorable experience.

Over 100 Merchants and Artisans

Browse the Enchanted Artisan Marketplace featuring over 100 vendors selling Renaissance inspired goods and crafts, including:

Blown glass artwork
Hand tooled leather goods
Hammered pewter pieces
Wooden toys and crafts
Festival memorabilia
Period clothing and weaponry
Unique pottery

Feast Like Royalty

The festival’s food scene goes far beyond typical fair fare. While you’ll find classics like hamburgers, hot dogs, and french fries, the real culinary adventure lies in the diverse vendor options:

Turkey Legs – A Renaissance Festival staple and always a crowd favorite
Scotch Eggs – A traditional British delicacy
Bangers and Mashed Potatoes – An authentic Renaissance dish that remains popular in England today
Mexican Food – Another recent addition to the culinary lineup
Meads, Wines, and Ales – Available at various pubs throughout the grounds
Decadent Desserts – Indulgent treats perfect for festival indulgence

Games and Activities for Everyone

The festival offers numerous interactive games and attractions:

Axe Throwing
Archery
Fencing
Test of Strength competitions
Jacob’s Ladder
Hang Bar challenges
Water Wars Balloons
NEW: Blue Moon Pirate Kayaks
Giant Rocking Horse rides
The Maze
Games of chance and skill for all ages

Important: Everything You Need to Know Before You Visit

Cashless Box Office (NEW THIS YEAR)

For the first time, the Renaissance Festival is operating a completely cashless box office. All transactions are processed via credit card, debit card, or mobile payment options. Ticket prices remain the same whether purchased online or at the box office, though processing fees apply at the box office.

Pro tip: Buy your tickets online in advance to skip the lines entirely and head straight into the castle gates.

Note About Cash

While the box office is cashless, vendors and locations throughout the festival grounds still accept cash, and ATMs will be available for your convenience.

What to Bring for Easy Entry

Have your ticket ready on your phone (screenshot the QR code) or bring a printed copy to speed up check-in

Arrive Early

Festival organizers strongly recommend arriving early to beat the crowds and see as much as possible. You literally cannot see everything in one day, so starting early maximizes your experience.

Themed Weekends and Specialty Acts

The festival features themed weekends throughout the eight-week run, and special performances rotate regularly. Check the website for the detailed entertainment schedule and themed weekend lineup.

The Costume Question

First time visitors don’t need to wear a costume, the festival welcomes everyone regardless of attire. However, many visitors say that wearing a costume significantly enhances the fun. Many first time guests who attend in regular clothes return the following year in full Renaissance attire. If you’re considering it, themed weekends are excellent opportunities to debut your costume.

Festival Hours

Open: Feb 7th – Mar 29th, 2026, Weekends Only
Opening time: 10 am
Closing time: Sundown (varies weekly)
Location: Quiet Waters Park, Deerfield Beach, Florida

Whether you’re a first time visitor or a seasoned Renaissance enthusiast, this year’s festival promises eight weekends of immersive historical entertainment, delicious food, skilled performers, and unforgettable memories. Come for the jousting and stay for the adventure.

Huzzah!