By Monica Vanover on September 8, 2025
In a moment when AI is dominating our cultural conversations, the Northern California Renaissance Faire provides a rare and priceless commodity: authentic human connection.
Escape the screen and head for the Northern California Renaissance Faire
This celebrated event beckons adventurers to abandon their screens in favor of a realm where stories unfold through direct encounter. Here, imagination takes physical form. Every thrilling sword clash, every bawdy melody, every shared fantasy creates a tangible experience. Nothing artificial required.
Step back in time from September 13th through October 19th (Saturdays and Sundays only) as the magical kingdom of Willingtown awakens across 12 acres of scenic Hollister countryside. Rolling hills and ancient oaks create an immersive experience where digital interruptions simply fade away, replaced instead by a 16th century village so real you must experience it to believe it.
Your smartphone serves just one purpose here: securing tickets and parking passes online before you arrive. Cell service can be spotty in this time-warped realm, so planning in advance is key to avoiding long lines and starting your adventure without delay. Purchase opening weekend tickets early and save $10 off the gate price. (Kids 12 and under enter free.)
Returning champions know each year at the faire offers the familiar joys of 16th century life: thrilling entertainment, one-of-a-kind artisan crafts, and delicious food including quaffs of mead and those iconic giant turkey legs, while always adding in something new and unexpected. If this year is your first time at the faire, prepare yourself to enter an alternate world dedicated to titillating the senses, whether it be side-splitting laughter, breathtaking battles, or a relaxing stroll through a bustling Renaissance marketplace overflowing with treats and treasures.
Each weekend brings a unique theme, from the regal God Save the Queen opening to the swashbuckling Pirate Invasion to the Oktoberfest celebration hosted by German mercenaries to the immensely popular Halloween Fantasy finale where anything goes. By popular demand, the whimsical "Cottagecore" theme returns for back-to-back weekends. Don’t call it “dress-up.”
Cottagecore at the Faire taps into cosplay’s hottest trend on September 27th and 28th then again October 4th and 5th, welcoming fairies, elves, and magical toadstools of all ages and inspirations to indulge in unparalleled escapism of this shared fantasy made reality.
Under must-see shows, discover the Faire's centerpiece: the royal court ceremony. This grand tribute to Her Majesty unfolds as a spectacular procession toward the Feasting Commons. The crown jewel remains The Queen's Royal Joust. The same jousting team from last year’s legendary performance returns with a heart-pounding display where courage meets horsemanship in a thunderous drama sure to steal your breath. Yet this epic tournament merely opens the door to the wealth of live entertainment awaiting throughout the grounds.
Back for three weekends only is the faire’s legendary hit show: Manly Men in Tights! Laughter, Steel & Sex Appeal. Join these masters of the sword as they duel with steel and wit and teach other “Manly Men” how they too, can master the art. New performances this year include the laugh-a-minute play “A Right Royal Mess” to the Joweh Belly Dance, which expands the Renaissance universe to showcase the titillating traditions of Near and Far East.
Seeking respite from the excitement? Willingtown rivals any authentic Renaissance settlement in its cultural depth. Strolling through the lively market streets reveals master artisans plying their trades at every turn. These workshops invite genuine interaction to observe centuries-old techniques in action, engage directly with expert craftspeople, and discover one-of-a-kind keepsakes that capture the essence of this fantastical adventure.
All this activity requires refreshments, so forget your typical festival fare and indulge like royalty on a feast fit for kings. Period-inspired delicacies paired with a pint of ale or mead at one of the faire's many ale stands create the perfect opportunity to strike up a conversation with your fellow time travelers. For those who go deep, make reservations to enjoy Tea with the Queen, an intimate audience with Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth.
Across the Faire’s multiple stages, revelers can enjoy everything from the naughtiest show in the shire, the Mermaid Tavern Show, to the death-defying feats of Cy the Sword Swallower.
It’s a place where transformative experiences happen every day by bringing people together. Free from screens, you'll find yourself connecting to friends old and new in rejuvenating, celebratory fashion. Sing along with rowdy sea shanties, cheer for your favorite jousting knight, or simply marvel at the colorful characters all around you. It's amazing how quickly you forget about your social media feed when you're living in the moment.
For six weekends, the Northern California Renaissance Faire delivers an essential escape from our siloed world of screens and bots. Seize this opportunity to step into living history and rediscover life's essential elements: authentic human connection. Book your tickets now and transform this autumn into something extraordinary. (Don’t forget to book parking in advance. Cell service is limited at the faire.) Come experience the profound pleasure of present-moment awareness. Huzzah for fantasy, friendship, and over two decades of Renaissance magic!
Tickets are only available for purchase online at norcalrenfaire.com.
Herein lies the true magic of the Northern California Renaissance Faire.
SPONSORED BY Northern California Renaissance Faire
sponsored by Northern California Renaissance Faire