Single-day General Admission: $26.95 Online/$31.95 Front Gate
Adult Season Passes $125 Online/Front Gate
Single-day Children (ages 5-11) Admission: $11.95 Online/Front Gate
Season Passes: $45 Children 5-11 Online/Front Gate
Children ages 4 & under: Free!
Select weekend discounts also available • Learn More!
Join us for the 38th Season of the Pennsylvania Renaissance Faire on the grounds of Mount Hope Estate! A cast of hundreds of colorfully costumed characters fill the Shire with music, dancing, and more. With over 90 stage shows daily, over 20 Royal Kitchens, and scores of artisan merchants with handcrafted wares, the PA Renaissance Faire invities guests to immerse themselves in our 35-acre village and experience the fantasy!
The caste gates swing wide for 13 weekends of mirth and merriment—Saturdays, Sundays & Labor Day Monday, August 4 through October 28, 2018. The Gates will open at 11AM and close at 8PM each Faire day.
Tickets Available on the Virtual Box Office
Single-day Admission: $26.95 Online/$31.95 Front Gate
Single-day Children (ages 5-11): $11.95 Online/Front Gate
Adult Season Pass: $125 for Adults Online/Front Gate
Children (ages 5-11) Season Pass: $45 Online/Front Gate
Select weekend discounts also available • Learn More!
Each weekend throughout the Faire season will showcase an exciting and unique theme that offers a different experience every time. Enjoy themed entertainment, foods, participatory contest and activities in addition to the regularly scheduled events. Be sure to return again and again to experience each theme. Learn more on the Themed Weekends page.
His Majesty has issued an invitation to the lovers of dogs and their furry companions to join him and the Royal Hounds upon the Faire grounds each Saturday & Sunday in August & September. Learn more on the Dog Days Page.
Single-Day Admission: $26.95 Online/$31.95 Front Gate
Adult Season Passes: $125 Online/Front Gate
Single-day Children (ages 5-11) Admission: $11.95 Online/Front Gate
Season Passes: $45 Children 5-11 Online/Front Gate
Children ages 4 & under: Free!
Select weekend discounts also available • Click here to learn more!
Get ready to live the excitement and adventure of jousting knights and royal delights with a cast of hundreds of colorfully costumed villagers and merrymakers ready to make your visit an unforgettable experience. Musical, stunt and theatrical performances, magic acts and comical mud beggars are just a few of the 90 shows daily! Immerse yourself in the days of Merrie Olde England, steeped in the allure of bygone days and knights!
England, 1520. King Henry VIII has accomplished much in his eleven years on the throne. He has won wars both across the Channel and to the North in Scotland. He has crafted the Treaty of London, which helped broker peace across all of Christendom. Indeed, England's swaggering monarch now sits his throne at the height of his glory. But his most challenging task yet awaits him: achieving a long-lasting peace and alliance with England's oldest rival: France.
A meeting between King Henry and the French monarch, Francis I, was to have taken place in the French port town of Calais. But a sudden and unexpected outbreak of plague there has made the location unsuitable. To that end, Henry has invited Francis to the Shire of Mt. Hope, where they hope to broker a sustainable agreement between the two ambitious nations. But the young King Francis is known to be something of a hot-blooded braggadocio himself, and some worry that Henry may not respond with the best grace to a rival so similar in competitive temperament as he.
And our good village of Mt. Hope must likewise rise to the challenge. The people of the Shire have long shown themselves capable of handling one king's visit.… but how well will they handle two?
Questions will be answered. Character will be tested. Legends will be made. All upon the Shire of Mt. Hope, and the Field of the Cloth of Gold.
The Shire is filled to the brim with colorfully costumed characters and merrymakers, ready to make your visit an unforgettable experience! Immerse yourself in the days of Merrie Olde England, steeped in the allure of bygone days and knights! Casting for the 2018 Season is now under way! If you would like to take part, learn more at PaRenFaire.com/Auditions
The Shire is bustling with many shows featuring members from both PRF's Bacchanalian and Blackfryar casts to keep you busy all weekend! Please refer to each weekends Daily Writ for specific show schedules.
The Master of Revels has prepared lavish entertainments for the King's arrival. Come see the first appearance of our good King Henry, Queen Catherine, and all their court.
The Knights of the Realm meet on the Joust List to determine who amongst them is the best. Witness their skills being put to the test as they try to outdo each other!
All citizens of the Shire know that chess is far more interesting when there's real combat involved! Peasant and noble alike will take to the board in a fantastic display of martial prowess.
The final joust of the day! Cheer for your champion as the Knights of the Realm meet in deadly combat, lance to lance and sword to sword. An epic climax to the festival day!
Though the festival day must sadly come to a close, King Henry is determined to end it in the proper fashion—with a musical variety hour showcasing the very best that the Shire has to offer.
The pirate ship Bloody Shame has once again put into port—Join the Rakish Rogues as they sing about strong drinks, tall ships, and all the lasses they adore.
On every festival day, the scullery wenches of the town gather to cast off all propriety and engage in some good old fashioned revelry including dirty jests and bawdy songs. *Adult Content.
The good Irish residents of Mt. Hope have gathered this festival day to entertain and inspire one and all with their love of their country. Join the Irish Revels for the best in Celtic music.
Queen Catherine has always had a love for beautiful music, and she has taken this festival day as an opportunity to share it with her people. Join the Queen and all her special guests in glorious song.
The honored guests from Bavaria wish to share some of their favorite folk tales with the Shire of Mt. Hope. And they promise that these tales—as good children's stories should be—will be filled with death, dismemberment, and lots of gore!
Gypsies are running rampant, pirates have taken up residence, there are rumors of carnivorous sheep roaming the area, and now the Bavarian ambassador has shown up bearing valuable looking cargo. Violent hijinks and shenanigans are sure to ensue.
Guy Ablehammer, Nicodemus Stone & Gustav Schroeder. Who needs luck when you have confidence? With confidence, you can outsmart any opponent in a fight. You can score free drinks off of strangers, or even better: your friends! Come have a little fun and learn from the best!
Come kick up your heels and dance! Our Shire dance masters shall instruct you in the authentic country dances that are taking the kingdom by storm.
Join us on the Chessboard to learn what it takes to be a memeber of the King's Cavalry! The Equestrian Society of Mt. Hope is here to show you the ropes and initiate you into His Majesty's service.
Join John De Vere, the Earl of Oxford, as he teaches the finer points of nobility including poise, sword play, and more! He shall be taking on his most challenging student yet: The Lady Mayor's Son!
Unique "Trunk Show" stories, told by actors who have a trunk full of props and costumes that allow them AND YOU to become the characters needed to tell the story. It's great fun for the whole family!
Join the Shire's villagers, merchants, and nobles as we gather in grand procession to the Human Chess Match. Come one, come all and experience the fun of a Royal Parade!
Use the arrows below to explore the 2017 Royal Performers! The streets and stages of the Pennsylvania Renaissance Faire come to life with scores of unique entertainers, including musicians, magicians, comedy acts, and more! Merry we meet upon the Shire streets for festivities untold! Exact performance times and locations will be available on the daily writ upon your arrival to the festival grounds.
Machetes, whips, swords & fire—the hottest show in all the 'shire! Seriously ridiculous.
Performing tribal music with roots set firmly in their native soil's haunting ballads.
Founded in York, PA • Entertaining Alpine shows with unique audience participation.
Fusing rich textures with original lyrics and compositions—dubbed "Mythic Folk."
Traditional and original songs and instrumental music - vocals, guitar and hammered dulcimer.
Don't miss seing your favorite acrobats endanger their lives in this hilarious show.
World music band Brinjal plays pulsing nad lyrical songss from nations real and imagined.
Music ranging from instrumental improvisation on medieval themes to traditional ballads.
One ring family circus featuring husband & wife team and their performing puppies.
This trio of upperclass ladies brings a unique, soulful sound to sassy songs.
Lost love, lost ships, and spilt beer—prepare to be entertained with a unique harmonic sound!
Bagpipe and tribal drum band with a unique sound that calls back to ancient Celt brethren.
Demetrius can be found performing throughout the Shire, both solo and with friends.
Gravedigger/Sin Eater — "He puts the Fun in Funeral!" Daily Services in the Graveyard.
This whip-cracking, sword fighting comic duo spreads laughter and hilarity to all!
Known around the world as one of the top sport martial arts, sport karate, and MMA schools.
Her Majesty's Harper, Mary-Kate Lee plays a variety of music for all who pass her way.
Original, contemporary, and traditional Irish Rock—More Irish than a drunken roar.
Using stilt walking as a stage for his theatrical comedy music and balloon twisting.
The perfect juggling show blend proving you can be family friendly and hip at the same time.
Three X-Rated comedy shows steeped in double entendre and linger with an odor of…innuendo.
Enjoy the sounds of an all brass ensemble. Found throughout the grounds and prior to Chess daily.
Three shows, three completely different stories and three idiots in the mud! "Splash Zone" seats.
Taking audiences on a participatory journey of musical performance and storytelling.
Specializing in jousting, stage combat instruction, fight choreography, and horse stunts.
Amazing audiences with his juggling skills and making them with his wise foolery.
Music Consort performing music & dance from the Middle Ages to the Renaissance.
For glory, for victory, for fun! Practing the fine art of running with a broomstick.
Performing a mix of traditional folk/celtic music, historical tunes, and original 'Geek Folk.'
His Majesty's Cellist can be found throughout the shire playing a variety of music.
Knightwings: Birds of Prey, is an interactive, entertaining, and educational free flight show.
Gathered together to raise a "Rukus," this is an energetic quintet of crazy Celtic chicanery!
Enchanting and memorable performances that leave you laughing in the aisles.
A great time playing music for and with other people and seeing the world while doing it!
Scandalous. Liscentious. Madly impolitic. And riotously funny. Not for the skittish.
Outrageous comedy and unusual magic that leaves the audience in tears of laughter.
Imagine 6 drums, fast fingers and scorching hot music brought to you by 5 men without pants.
This violinist can be found throughout the Shire using her musical powers.
Life ashore has left him bored and bursting with thomfoolery! Yo Ho!
Create memories and experience the wonder of these mythical creatures!
Live, Love, Laugh, Launder…Repeat. Good clean fun with two wet, dirty women.
Performing original and traditional music derived from a wide variety of times/cultures.
Performing historical tunes on historical instuments in distinctive historical outfits.
Connor McManley (Grey Ramsey) has returned to demonstrate the fine art of wooing!
Step back in time at the Shire, which is filled to the brim with Living History! Learn about clothing styles, pastimes, handicrafts, and more to get a sense of everyday Renaissance life. Please refer to each weekends Daily Writ for specific times and locations!
The Pennsylvania Renaissance Faire is dedicated to celebrating its most imaginative and enthusiastic little visitors. The Renaissance period was an age of discovery and reason and it seems only fitting that these concepts should be tied into the opportunities of play the shire creates to engage and entertain both nipperkins and adults alike. Bring your imagination to life at the Children's Discovery Garden, interact with the wide range of characters during various age-appropriate shows, or visit each week throughtout the Faire season for exciting events tied to that weekend's unique theme (more information available on the themed weekends page)!
Good Beer, Bad Jokes, and Great Stories! Truly a "treasure," but questionably "caste," trio of upper class ladies of Chaste Treasure will help you laugh, sing, and stumble your way through a guided tour of four of PRF's finest pubs: Anchor & Mermaid Wharf Bar, O'Malley's Pourhouse, the German Kitchen, and Ball & Chain. Admission includes four samples of Swashbuckler Brewing Co. beer and a souvenir sample glass to take home!
The Pub Crawl leaves from Informistress (Booth #201) promptly at 4:45PM. Online reservations are encouraged, as there are a limited amount of tickets and events may sell out quickly. $8 online (on the Virtual Box Office) and $10 day-of (at the Box Office located inside the Front Gate). Please Note: Patrons must have separate PA Renaissance Faire admission ticket to enter the Faire Grounds. 21 and older only.
The Pennsylvania Renaissance Faire is proud to offer a unique wine tasting experience, every festival day! Enjoy free tastings of award winning Mount Hope Wines at Bacchus' Retreat: Wine by the Glass! Found a new favorite? Purchase your wines at Bacchus, then pick up your order as you exit the festival grounds at the Beer and Wine Tower, adjacent to the Mount Hope Wine Shop!
So much shopping, so little time! Having over 100 unique merchants to visit during an already packed Faire day makes it difficult to see and do everything in one day. The independent merchants each operate their own business upon the Shire and look forward to bantering and bartering with Faire visitors. Demonstrations by many mnerchants show guests rarely seen art forms before their very eyes. Man-powered rides and guest services complete the festive Faire experience. Forgot something on a recent trip? Consider a one-hour shopping pass at the front gate to pick up that unforgettable item.
Interested in becoming a Faire merchant? Click here for more information!
Shire's Bookstore and Historical Library
Find Your Way Out of This Life-Sized Maze
Kilts and Clothing
Archery Demonstration and Handmade Longbows
Have your questions answered by our longtime resident falconer, Ash Cary.
Various Weaponry
Pottery Sculpted Before Your Eyes
Return Passes & Discount Event Tickets
Button Jewelry and Unique Gifts
Pirate-Inspired Corsets and Clothing
Massage, Reflexology, Reiki, and More
Beef or Chicken Sandwiches Hot Off the Grill
Witchy Creations and Trinkets
Upscale Precious Jewels and Pearls
Spinning Man-Powered Ride
Unique Apparel
Renaissance Clothing for Lords and Ladies
Crystal Sculptures
Beautiful Glass Wares and Daily Glassblowing Demos
Rings, Necklaces, Bracelets, and More
Everything Fairies, Dolphins, Unicorns, and Masks
Feathers, Fans, and Accessories
16th Century Apparel for the Weary Traveler
Specialty Teas and Tea-Related Gifts
Tarot Card Reading and More
Archery, Axe Throw, Knife Throw
Potpourri, Lip Balm, Herbs, Lotions, Incense, and More
Ornate and Unique Temporary Designs
Add a Little Swing to Your Shire Travels
A set of Horns to Suit Every Personality
Information Booth & Official PRF Gifts
Hand-Crafted Art in Wood: Bowls, Plates, Cups and More
Commemorative Coin of the Realm—Works Like Cash on the Shire!
Hair Wrapping, Gems, and Stones
Freshly Roasted Nuts, Strudels, Crepes, and More
Unique Braids and Twists to Wear Around the Shire
Funnel Cake, Warm Peasant Bread, and Lemonade
Everything the Pirate in you Might Need
Sway to and Fro on this Man Powered Ride
Hand-Crafted Pottery
Purses, Bags, and Elaborate Jewelry
Premium Ice Cream, Milkshakes, and Desserts
Copper & Wooden Roses
Silver Adornments of All Shapes and Sizes
Official PRF Souvenirs
Gypsy Apparel
Beef or Chicken Skewered for your Pleasure
Artistically Decorated Wooden Swords/Shields
A Wide Assortment of Steel Jewelry
Gem Panning, Nature Gifts, Stones, Gems, and More
Wax Your Own Hands or Rose; A Souvenir to Cherish
Children's Costumes and Accessories
Take a Ride on the Wild Boar, If You Dare
Hand-Crafted Jewelry
You Buy It, You Break It! Smash a Variety of Glassware
Fanciful and Fantastical Statuary
Jewelry, Crystal, Silvery, and Hair Adornments
Celebrate the 37th Anniversary Season with the very best in glassware, apparel, commemorative merchandise and more! Available in the Mount Hope Wine Shop or on the Faire Grounds at the Informistress (Booth #201) and the Royal Oui (Booth #253).
Stop by the King's Mint (located inside the Front Gate) to purchase your Commemorative Coin of the Realm with your Visa or Mastercard and use it at any shop on the Grounds of the Pennsylvania Renaissance Faire; or keep it a souvenir of your visit!
All food booths, pourhouses and some merchants on the Shire are cash-only, which makes this a perfect way to turn your credit to cash and avoid missing out on your favorite foods and wares!
If purchase is less than the value of the Coin of the Realm, New Worlde tender will be given. Receipt needed for all returns.
His Majesty's Kitchens cook up an endless array of savory 16th century foods and delicious traditional favorites sure to satisfy the heartiest of appetites. Enjoy a variety of dishes from giante turkey legges to shield shaped soft pretzels, and everything in between! Hover over the items below to view menus, or click here to download a printer-friendly PDF.
Please note that all menus are subject to change without notice. All PRF Royal Kitchens are cash only—Learn about Coin of the Realm!
Wash down the delicious Royal Kitchen cuisine with refreshing hand-made Swashbuckler Brewing Co. Ales, Mount Hope Wines, Lancaster County Ciders and signature cocktails! Enjoy them throughout the festival grounds, then stop by the Mount Hope Wine Shop or SBC Brewsmiths Brewery when you leave to take your new favorites home with you! A variety of sampling events are also available each festival day!
Please note that all menus are subject to change without notice. ACT 39 of the PLCB allows a PA Limited Winery (LK) to sell liquor produced by a PA limited distillery for on-premises consumption. [47 P.S. § 4469a)(2)]. More Information.
If you have any other questions that have not been answered below, please contact our business offices at 717-665-7021, Monday through Friday, 9AM-4PM or visit our formal comment, question and feedback page to submit an inquiry.
