The Arizona Renaissance Festival is back in Gold Canyon, about 40 miles south of downtown Phoenix and in the middle of the desert, runs every weekend through March 30. The festival takes place each Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
The 50-acre village features 16 stages of shows that include comedy, acrobatics, music and more.
One of the most attended events is the joust, a three-part event that culminates in a dramatic 5 p.m. “joust to the death,” where armored knights battle for glory.
Other attractions include live falconry demonstrations, fire juggling acts, and the fan-favorite Ded Bob Sho, a comedic, interactive performance that keeps audiences engaged. Families can also enjoy unique rides, including pony and camel rides for children.
Beyond the entertainment, the festival is somewhat of a haven for those who love to shop and consume the fair food.
Artisan vendors sell handcrafted goods such as custom leather vests, fairy trinkets, and you can even get your name put on a single grain of rice.
For attendee Chelsie Snyder, the welcoming atmosphere is what makes the experience special.
“Other than just the overall atmosphere and how amazing everyone is—you have everyone from plain clothes people to all sorts of different fantasy cosplays—everyone has always just been so nice and so inviting and so welcoming,” Snyder said. “But I did just forge my own hairpin, so that was kinda fun too.”
Each weekend is a different theme, Northeast Valley News visited the festival on March 8 & 9 with the theme, “Artisan Appreciation, and Wizards and Wonder.” The remaining themes are: Celtic Weekend on March 15-16, Viking Invasion Weekend on March 22-23, and Closing Weekend on March 29-30.
Of course, no trip to the Renaissance Festival is complete without indulging in the unique food. Turkey legs, fresh bread bowls, and European Chimney Cakes are some of the fan favorites at the fair.
Returning attendee Abigail McBee, says the festival keeps her coming back year after year.
“It’s fun, spending money, buying more stuff for our costumes,” McBee said.
For those visiting for the first time, McBee recommends checking out the festival’s many performances and handcrafted goods.
“With the nostalgia, it’s a good time, fun. The Ded Bob Sho is always a good laugh,” she said. “There’s really some beautiful artwork out here. So, it’s a great time.”
McBee also encouraged families to attend, as her own loved ones came along for the experience.
“Our whole family’s out here with us today as well,” she said. “So, definitely recommend it. Yes, bring the kids. It’s our niece’s first time at five years old, so it’s perfect.”
